Surely most “plant people” in southern Florida are familiar with Ramble. For those who aren’t, it is the annual plant-sale-and-more produced by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Its 72nd edition ran last weekend, November 9, 10, and 11th. This year’s Ramble couldn’t have taken place in nicer weather, and for me as a vendor it presented the perfect atmosphere for…
Read more
One of the most reliable plants in southern and central Florida for creating a dense and uniform hedge is Eugenia uniflora, better known as Surinam Cherry. Few other plants stay full from bottom to top as they increase in size and age. This species comes with an interesting story that says something about the nature of plant exploration…
Read more
Jaboticaba is the Brazilian term for four very similar species of Myrciaria that produce one of the more interesting-looking tropical fruit trees in the southern half of Florida. The name of the best-known of those species, M. cauliflora, suggests why: It is cauliflorous, meaning that its flowers and fruits are borne directly on the woody…
Read more
Colville’s Glory Tree, like the Royal Poinciana Tree, is native to Madagascar. It was named for a British Governor of Mauritius, Sir Charles Colville. Unlike the spreading canopy of the Royal Poinciana Tree, Colville’s Glory tree is mostly upright, attaining a height of 30-50′. It has bi-pinnate feathery leaves and spectacular orange flowers are born…
Read more
A very beautiful tree from Central America related to Frangipani (Plumeria). It produces tubular white fragrant flowers throughout the year, which contrast nicely against the glossy dark green leaves. It produces so many flowers that the fallen blossoms blanket the ground underneath the tree. This tree can attain a height of 20′, is salt tolerant,…
Read more
