Author: Steve Turner

Rare & Unusual Tropical Trees & Plants, Flowering, Fruit, Native, Palm, Bamboo, Heliconia, Hummingbird, Butterfly

Arachis glabrata

A ground cover worth trying is Perennial Peanut. There are two species on the market. Arachis pintoi and Arachis glabrata. The former is a faster growing species with fleshier more tender leaves and rhizomes. This species will cover a large area in a relatively short period of time, but it is more tender and will…
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August 1, 2021 0

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

A very colorful Hibiscus for a sunny planter or decorative pot for the front porch or maybe near a pool. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Red Hot’ has large bright red flowers surrounded by variegated leaves that take on different shades of red, green, and white depending on the light levels. Richard Lyons Nursery currently has this plant…
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July 25, 2021 0

Dimocarpus Longan

Longan fruit is currently in season and available at Richard Lyons Nursery. Longan (Dimocarpus longan) is in the same family, Sapindaceae, as its better known relative, the Lychee Tree. Unlike the Lychee Tree, Longan is a more reliable fruit bearing tree as it does not require the cool night temperatures in winter as the Lychee…
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July 18, 2021 0

Selenicereus

A look at Dragon Fruit or Pitahaya. The fruit is produced from a tropical vining epiphytic cactus, Hylocereus undatus, or more recently, Selenicereus. The cactus is grown for its fruit throughout the tropics. It originated in the America’s like all true cacti, but its exact origin is unknown. It is typically grown on a large…
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July 11, 2021 0

Etlingera elatior

There are many species of gingers in the nursery trade, but none more spectacular than the Torch Ginger. Botanical name, Etlingera elatior, the foliage is dark green with large wide leaves and canes that reach 6-9 feet. The flowers emerge from separate stalks and reach 3-4 feet in height and resemble a torch. Pink or…
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July 3, 2021 0