Identifying a species of tree

[96720]

I have a Guaiacum and was wondering which species it is?

[Silas_Sancona]

1 minute ago, 96720 said:

I have a Guaiacum and was wondering which species it is?

G. coulteri,  100%.. Only Guaiacum species grown here on a wide scale..

[96720]

Thank you!! I always thought it was sanctum so glad to know what is as I’m trying to make signs for all my plants!!

[Silas_Sancona]

30 minutes ago, 96720 said:

Thank you!! I always thought it was sanctum so glad to know what is as I’m trying to make signs for all my plants!!

Aside from my own specimen, can't think of anyone else growing that species locally, even though it will do fine in some shade here.





Comparison between G. sanctum and 2 forms of coulteri.


Color codes =

G. sanctum

G. coulteri, wider  leaved specimen

G. coulteri,  narrower  leaved specimen




















Adtnl 2 sps seen in cultivation:


G. officinale..   Has the largest leaflets of the genus. Flowers similar in size to sanctum.




Guaiacum  *** Soon to be Porlieria ***  angustifolia.   Smallest leaflets / entire leaves,  and flowers of the genus.


 

[96720]

I love the color and how it blooms off and on all summer!

[TropicsEnjoyer]

Never knew this existed until now but it is absolutely beautiful. I love purple flowering trees, this one kinda reminds me of duranta sapphire.

[96720]

The picture doesn’t do it justice much more beautiful in person!!!

[Silas_Sancona]

Was recently asked that very loaded / always complex question of    " ...What is your favorite tree"

The average person (  = someone who might not study plants / carefully studies plant diversity hot spots ),  might have a greatly restrictive, simple minded answer. 

For me, an answer to that question would need to be broken down and reconstructed using X, Y, and Z factors / criteria..

After analysis and deduction, then i might be able to list a few..

In that particular conversation, i used Tabebuia / Handroanthus  for a " broad brush " favorite due to overall adaptability  ( Can be grown in several states w/ relative ease ), degree of attention potential score ( IE: 9 out of 11 = Spring flower displays / Flower scent /  interesting Foliage,  Species diversity ).

Same question from a different angle?   my answer could be Bursera..  ..Mexican Quercus / Pinus..  or whatever.

Staying within the general " Flowering Tree " category,  but narrowing the view to the local / near local level,  and adding a " within a certain height  range " box to be checked on the list,  only tree that checks all of the boxes i'd have listed  is G. coulteri..



There's a reason i'd drive 12 hours -one way-  numerous times over the course of a couple years just to see  this  tree during different seasons as soon as i'd seen pictures of it and learned of where to find specimens to view,   ...and have been cultivating my container grown specimens for ..14 years and constantly start more.

Desert Willow / Chitalpa,  Tecoma,  ..even Plumeria..   etc  = All are great large bush / " short tree "  options here but,  one will find there is something that might limit that attractiveness to some people   ..Perhaps their flowering season(s) aren't as long as one might like / flower color resembles many other plant options here,  overall look maybe not as tropical as one might want / or something about any / all of those plant options presents a maintenance issue some overly picky personality can't get past..

I can't recall ever hearing of one complaint regarding G. coulteri,   ..let alone while in FL. where the other 2, larger - leaved species of Guaiacum are cultivated.

Guaiacum / Porlieria angustifolia  is a great species to grow too,  but won't grab the same deg. of attention as coulteri / other 2 sps..