Two tropical trees for ID

[PalmatierMeg]

This morning we went to the Fall Tropical Plant Bazaar at the Edison Estate in Ft. Myers. Every year we find something new and fascinating. We bought two tropical trees that had hand-written signs IDing them. Unfortunately, when I got home I discovered neither seller had tagged their mdse and I hadn't written the names down. Will someone with knowledge of tropical trees please ID them for me? If possible, I'd like to have their Latin binomials rather than common nickname.

#1) The seller called this one the "Alligator Tree". If you look at the shape of its green mottled leaves you will see the resemblance. The leaves are a bit prickly and have pointed, thornlike tips. It does not get very big: maybe 8', more of a bush than a true tree. The seller said it could take partial sun and is not drought tolerant. The trunk appears to send down supports for its branching trunk that remind me of a banyon tree.

 

#2) This a single-stem flowering tree has lanceolate leaves 6-8" long and 2-3" wide. Its lovely buff flowers have coral details and dangle in small groups. Unopened blossoms are reddish purple. Buyers were hovering all around the half dozen for sale but I was lucky enough to score the last one. Seller said plant doesn't get too large, maybe 20' tall. It is supposed to take full or partial sun but I am always leery about exposing an unknown plant to my ferocious sun.

[annafl]

I have no clue about the first one, but the second is Elaeocarpus angustifolius, I think.

[carver]

First one is Acanthus montanus. Not really a tree more shrubby, ours never gets over 3-4 feet.

 

[Palm crazy]

I agree, First one looks a lot like Acanthus montanus? Grows up to 6’ tall. Should be hardy to z9a maybe lower?

 

Edited November 19, 2016 by Palm crazy

[Eric in Orlando]

I agree the first is Acanthus montanus. Great herbaceous shrub for Florida. Likes shade and moist soil. They eventually form nice colonies but aren't invasive and easy to maintain. They also get a nice inflorescence.

 

 

[Eric in Orlando]

And I agree the 2nd one is definitely an Elaeocarpus, either E. angustifolius or E. grandiflorus. I'm not sure the difference or if what is being sold in Florida is correctly ID'ed. I see both of these names floating around on similar looking trees.

[fastfeat]

On 11/21/2016, 5:42:38, Eric in Orlando said:

And I agree the 2nd one is definitely an Elaeocarpus, either E. angustifolius or E. grandiflorus. I'm not sure the difference or if what is being sold in Florida is correctly ID'ed. I see both of these names floating around on similar looking trees.

I'll second that. Wouldn't surprise me if most/all are one species or the other.

[KrisKupsch]

The Elaeocarpus isn't angustifolius so is likely the other