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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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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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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Consider a fragrant flowering vine for your fence or isolated trellis. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is such a vine. It flowers freely throughout the year in S. Florida. If you want the native Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) or commonly called coral or trumpet honeysuckle, that is also a good choice for a year round bloomer. It…
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Dypsis cabadae is a water-loving palm species that was almost unknown here 35 years ago. Its a very attractive clumping palm with dark green stems with white rings marking where fronds once were gives this palm a bamboo-like appearance. It reaches 30-40 ft. at maturity and can be grown in light shade to sun. It…
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