Author: Steve Turner

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

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Two new groundcover plants to try at Richard Lyons Nursery. The first is a native in the Aster Family (Asteraceae), Florida Cinchweed (Pectis linearifolia). It has very delicate foliage and tiny yellow flowers. It is a fast grower and can tolerate partial shade. The second plant, Spanish Shawl (Heterocentron elegans) is related to Tibouchina, and…
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September 20, 2020 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Skyblue Clustervine (Jacquemontia pentanthos) is a native to South Florida occurring in Collier, Monroe, Dade, and Broward counties. It is a member of the Morning Glory Family (Convolvulaceae). It is a perennial woody vine with very tiny leaves and flowers. While the flowers are small, they are bright blue with white centers, born in abundance…
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September 12, 2020 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Vitex agnus-castus (Lilac Chaste Tree or Shrub) is native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia, but grows very well in South Florida. The leaves resemble maple leaves and the flowers resemble lilacs and are even fragrant like lilac flowers. Some may consider it a tree, and it can be grown as a single trunk, but…
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August 30, 2020 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Two common names, one Thailand Powderpuff and the other Pink Powderpuff, and thus the confusion with common names. These two plants are not related at all and come from opposite ends of the world. Thailand Powderpuff doesn’t even come from Thailand, but rather from tropical Africa. Pink Powderpuff comes from South America. Botanical names are…
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August 23, 2020 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

This week’s highlight is on 2 grasses that resemble bamboo, but are in fact true grasses. The first is Pogo Grass (Pogonatherum paniceum). This is a clumping grass with very delicate stalks forming an umbrella shape 2-3 feet tall. Pogon is greek for beard, which its fine dense appearance resembles. This grass can be used…
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August 15, 2020 0