Author: Steve Turner

Rare & Unusual Tropical Trees & Plants, Flowering, Fruit, Native, Palm, Bamboo, Heliconia, Hummingbird, Butterfly

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Just a little blurb about a tree that until today, I was not aware was in Richard Lyons Nursery’s inventory. When I was looking for a tree for a customer, I noticed clusters of red berries on a couple of small trees. Upon closer scrutiny, I discovered two Dahoon Holly trees (Ilex cassine) in 7…
Read more


September 27, 2020 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Two new groundcover plants to try at Richard Lyons Nursery. The first is a native in the Aster Family (Asteraceae), Florida Cinchweed (Pectis linearifolia). It has very delicate foliage and tiny yellow flowers. It is a fast grower and can tolerate partial shade. The second plant, Spanish Shawl (Heterocentron elegans) is related to Tibouchina, and…
Read more


September 20, 2020 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Skyblue Clustervine (Jacquemontia pentanthos) is a native to South Florida occurring in Collier, Monroe, Dade, and Broward counties. It is a member of the Morning Glory Family (Convolvulaceae). It is a perennial woody vine with very tiny leaves and flowers. While the flowers are small, they are bright blue with white centers, born in abundance…
Read more


September 12, 2020 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Vitex agnus-castus (Lilac Chaste Tree or Shrub) is native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia, but grows very well in South Florida. The leaves resemble maple leaves and the flowers resemble lilacs and are even fragrant like lilac flowers. Some may consider it a tree, and it can be grown as a single trunk, but…
Read more


August 30, 2020 0

Under The Jakfruit Tree

Two common names, one Thailand Powderpuff and the other Pink Powderpuff, and thus the confusion with common names. These two plants are not related at all and come from opposite ends of the world. Thailand Powderpuff doesn’t even come from Thailand, but rather from tropical Africa. Pink Powderpuff comes from South America. Botanical names are…
Read more


August 23, 2020 0