TROPICAL LOOKING PLANTS - Other Than Palms

9,807 topics in this forum

1. 

   Neonicotinoid pesticides tied to crashing bee populations,

   March 29, 2012 by humgarden

   • 2 replies
   • 661 views

   http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/29/10921493-neonicotinoid-pesticides-tied-to-crashing-bee-populations-2-studies-find Article states that the EPA has a 'review that's currently under way.'. pretty sure this is the same class of insecticide that is used to inject the Wiliwili trees in Hawaii to combat erythrina gall wasp, also used here to inject cambium (?) layer of other Erythrina species to fight tip borer. I have never talked to anyone who is 'in-the-know' who can tell me if injecting an erythrina (coral tree)helps against tip borer. I know first hand that 'systemic drench' (soaking the roots) doesn't do squat. The French study referred to has been out …

   

   Last reply by palmmermaid, March 30, 2012
3. 

   Amherstia nobillas

   March 24, 2012 by Bill Austin

   • 5 replies
   • 852 views

   Thought I would share this ti is such outrageous flower.

   

   Last reply by Cindy Adair, March 30, 2012
4. 

   Allelopathic plants

   March 28, 2012 by tank

   • 15 replies
   • 2.1k views

   Knowing that this was an issue, but thinking that it wasn't THAT big of an issue, I planted some saw palmettos, a couple sable minors, other native plants including Lyonia ferruginea, a couple sandhill vaccinium species, and a Macrozamia communis under a large magnolia. The magnolia is in a very sandy dry area and this has given it a more narrow and open form leading to some really nice diffused lighting underneath it which I was trying to take advantage of. Needless to say after a year, everything under the tree is struggling or dead. Its kinda cool as you can see a very distinct "ring of death" around the tree.

   

   Last reply by ariscott, March 29, 2012
5. 

   great specimen of Pinus elliottii var. densa

   March 26, 2012 by Eric in Orlando

   • 11 replies
   • 1.2k views

   While in Titusville on Saturday, I came across this great specimen of Pinus elliottii var. densa, South Florida Slash Pine. These are native to coastal central FL and south FL. Notice the shorter height and much rounder and wider canopy than "regular" Pinus elliotti.

   

   Last reply by Eric in Orlando, March 29, 2012
6. 

   Brunfelsia pauciflora

   March 28, 2012 by fastfeat

   • 4 replies
   • 5.9k views

   Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow --Brunfelsia pauciflora (syn. B. calycina floribunda)-- is blooming heavily in SoCal now. This species is by far the most common one grown in CA, but is relatively uncommon in Florida. Coming from southern South America, it blooms better where nights are cooler, and it dislikes strong alkalinity. Unlike the similar, Florida-common B. grandiflora, B. pauciflora is very fragrant, day as well as night.

   

   Last reply by DoomsDave, March 29, 2012
7. 

   Orchids for mediterranean climate

   March 25, 2012 by gilles06

   • 8 replies
   • 2.3k views

   Hi palm lovers, I would like to know if there are some orchids that can thrive in a z9 mediterranean climate? I think the problem will be the summer drought. Maybe some Cattleya and Laelia, but what about drought? Salut.

   

   Last reply by palmmermaid, March 27, 2012
8. 

   Tree Ferns

   February 22, 2012 by joe_OC

   • 11 replies
   • 2.5k views

   So I am on a tree fern kick at the moment. I need to find Cyathea robusta and other cultivars. I have already found C brownii, Brentwood, medullaris, and atrox. If you know of a good source in CA, please let me know. Thanks in advance, Joe

   

   Last reply by Tassie_Troy1971, March 26, 2012

   • 
9. 

   Coryline fruticos/terminalis flower spikes - why?

   March 19, 2012 by Laisla87

   • 7 replies
   • 915 views

   Hi I have some small Hawaiian Tis (Corydline fruticosa) under a metre which are all throwing out flower spikes. These spikes emerge rapidly; within a few days they are almost bigger than the entire plant! I am fairly new to these plants and wanted to know was there any trigger (climatic/environmental) which triggers flowering ? - the ones in nearby gardens are not flowering. I'd prefer they grow more leaves instead!. Or does it just mean they are happy? Thanks

   

   Last reply by Tropicgardener, March 25, 2012
10. 

    Gmelina arborea, Snapdragon Tree

    March 20, 2012 by Eric in Orlando

    • 6 replies
    • 2.8k views

    Gmelina arborea, Snapdragon Tree, is flowering for the first time. It was grown from seed in 2003 and planted out in April 2004, about 3ft tall. It is a fast growing tree and is now about 40ft tall. It can reach 50-70 ft tall and has large cordate leaves and that can be up to 8 inches across. It goes bare in late winter and begins flowering in early spring. Gmelina arborea is a member of the Lamiaceae Family (mint), formerly Verbenaceae (which is now lumped into Lamiaceae). It is native to a wide region of SE Asia, from India to Yunnan, China and down to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is valued in its native lands for timber, medicinal use, and the leave…

    

    Last reply by Eric in Orlando, March 23, 2012
11. 

    Finger Bananas

    March 11, 2012 by edric

    • 5 replies
    • 822 views

    Got these as a 3 gal. in 09, not a green leaf on the one with the bananas on it, Ed

    

    Last reply by BS Man about Palms, March 23, 2012
12. 

    Handroanthus (Tabebuia) hybrids

    March 20, 2012 by Eric in Orlando

    • 5 replies
    • 1.9k views

    These Tabebuia hybrids are created by crossing Handroanthus chrysotrichus (Golden Trumpet Tree), H. umbellatus (Yellow Trumpet Tree) and H. impetiginosus (Pink Trumpet Tree) along with F1 hybrids. A whole range of colors and leaf shape/sizes are the result. We planted 7 in a grouping last spring. Each is a distinct tree and the colors range from white, purple, maroon, lemon yellow, pink and yellow, and a dwarf yellow. So fa here is what is blooming this year; Hybrid 1- white flowers with a pink blush and yellow buds and throats

    

    Last reply by Eric in Orlando, March 21, 2012
13. 

    guava and fruit flys

    March 20, 2012 by Stevetoad

    • 3 replies
    • 690 views

    i have 3 guava trees , strawberry,pinapple and tropical pink. i keep reading that this are very prone to fruit fly infestation. is this a problem in SoCal? ive only had my tropical pink fruit so far and had no fruit flys but my strawberry is setting fruit now and i dont know enough about them to tell if i should be doing something to prevent a problem. any help is welcome

    

    Last reply by fastfeat, March 21, 2012
14. 

    Anybody growing Wollemii pines?

    December 12, 2010 by rprimbs

    • 26 replies
    • 2.2k views

    Is anybody growing the ultra rare Wollemii pine? If so how is it doing? And what do you think about it?

    

    Last reply by Sim01, March 20, 2012
15. 

    Cool Cordyline Species

    April 27, 2011 by JasonD

    • 26 replies
    • 7.5k views

    Another pitch: Who's growing Cordyline banksii, C. indivisa?

    

    Last reply by JasonD, March 20, 2012
16. 

    Plant/shrub ID

    March 15, 2012 by PalmatierMeg

    • 8 replies
    • 1k views

    Today I found this shrubby plant for 1/2 price at an unnamed location. I liked that it appears to have a caudex and very architecturally interesting eliptical dark green leaves. While the caudex is gray, new stems are speckled with dark spots. Can anybody give me the scientifically name of this plant (I got only bovine stares from nursery staff and the idiot supplier called it "houseplant"). If it can survive my ferocious sun/heat/humidity I'd like to put it on our new lot. Thanks. Trunk/caudex

    

    Last reply by Tropicgardener, March 18, 2012
17. 

    Ficus ID

    March 6, 2012 by BigFrond

    • 4 replies
    • 589 views

    What is this ficus? I don't know if I will plant it because it will get BIG.

    

    Last reply by Kumar, March 17, 2012
18. 

    A premium spot in my garden needs a plant!!!

    March 15, 2012 by yachtingone

    • 6 replies
    • 2.9k views

    Hi group, When one walks into my garden thru the side gate I have a spot that first greets you that needs a plant. I am leaning towards an agave. I am open to any ideas. No bigger than 3' spread and height. Lows 25f. and highs 115f. Very windy, low humidity, loamy soil Right now one hour midday sun. In a few months full time shade. I know almost nothing about plants that can take full shade. This is gated the entrance to my garden I need a show stopper of a plant for this spot!!! Thanks, Randy

    

    Last reply by virtualpalm, March 16, 2012
19. 

    Growing native orchid in PNW

    March 14, 2012 by Palm crazy

    • 3 replies
    • 577 views

    Epipactus gigantea 'Serpentine Night' Purple Leaved Stream Orchid A hardy orchid with luscious rich purple leaves on purple stems, to about 1’ or more, and racemes of small but perfectly formed mustard yellow flowers with red markings. Very growable in light shade to sun in a moist rich soil that does not stay completely soggy, where it will form a small colony. This exceptional form was selected in the wild, in northern California, by plantsman Roger Raiche. Anyone else growing this one or other stream Orchid. This one is native to the PNW. The big question is do slug or snail like this Orchid?

    

    Last reply by Stevetoad, March 15, 2012
20. 

    Here culms the sun king....

    December 22, 2011 by Walter John

    • 10 replies
    • 1.2k views

    Bambusa chungii is leading the way... Same plant, two angles...

    

    Last reply by Bill Austin, March 13, 2012
21. 

    Wiliwili trees dying in Hawaii

    October 15, 2007 by happ

    • 18 replies
    • 2.1k views

    http://www.latimes.com/news....et=true According to this article in today's LA Times, a tiny but nasty predatory wasp from Africa is devastating the native Hawaiian coral tree [E. sandwicensis] or Wiliwili tree. Anyone familiar with this situation, esp you gardeners in Hawaii? Could the wasp also attack other types of erythrina trees? It sounds serious

    

    Last reply by DoomsDave, March 12, 2012

    • 
22. 

    Oxalis palmifrons

    March 11, 2012 by PalmatierMeg

    • 4 replies
    • 5.1k views

    I ordered some agaves from a well-known nursery. By chance I stumbled onto their list of Oxalis while looking for something else and found this really cool little species. Its leaves look like tiny Phoenix palm fronds. So neat that I had to have one. Has anyone else grown this bulb from South Africa? Supposedly it is a winter grower but my winter is about over so how much longer (or hotter) can I expect it to grow before going dormant? Anyway, have a look. It is in a 6" pot. Oxalis palmifrons

    

    Last reply by PalmatierMeg, March 12, 2012
23. 

    Acrocarpus fraxinifolius

    March 9, 2012 by Bennz

    • 2 replies
    • 458 views

    Anyone growing or know of these growing in cool summer climates? I've had two palmtalk people suggest I try this tree, but both from warmer climates than mine. Sounds like a very nice tree! My climate here has temperatures somewhat similar to parts of the California Central Coast area.

    

    Last reply by Bennz, March 11, 2012
24. 

    Tropical Plant & Palm Sale in Cape Coral, FL March 10

    March 5, 2012 by SW_FL_Palms

    • 6 replies
    • 851 views

    Garden Club of Cape Coral sale - Saturday at Jaycee Park, off Del Prado Bluvd, Cape Coral, FL Palms, bromeliads, succulents, orchids as well as garden related items. Prices are very reasonable at this sale. March in the Park 12 Flyer.pdf

    

    Last reply by SW_FL_Palms, March 8, 2012
25. 

    Tabebuia impetiginosa 'Naples White'- White Trumpet Tree

    March 5, 2012 by Eric in Orlando

    • 7 replies
    • 2.4k views

    Our Handroanthus impetiginosus 'Naples White' (Tabebuia impetiginosa) flowered for the first time. It is a young tree about 10ft tall. It didn't flower heavily this first time, just a few sporadic bunches. But in a few years it will be spectacular. Still waiting for Handroanthus impetiginosus 'Alba' to flower, another white cultivar.

    

    Last reply by Eric in Orlando, March 8, 2012
26. 

    Orchid ID Please

    March 6, 2012 by BigFrond

    • 6 replies
    • 521 views

    Got this orchid from 'men'.

    

    Last reply by Jastin, March 7, 2012