Author: Steve Turner

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

Satake Palm Tree

Satakentia liukiuensis, while endemic to some small islands of Japan, grows very well in South Florida. It is a moderately fast growing palm tree with a single trunk attaining a height of 25-30′. This species’ most unique feature, and what makes this palm very attractive, is its maroon, brown crown shaft. Richard Lyons Nursery currently…
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April 16, 2023 0

Black Swallowtail Butterfly

The Black Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) may be the least observed butterfly in South Florida. One very easy way to attract it though, is to grow parsley and dill in the winter months in your herb garden or in pots on your patio. In the spring when the plants are flowering and going to seed…
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April 9, 2023 0

Jerusalem Thorn or Mexican Paloverde Tree

Parkinsonia aculeata is a small tree, 15-20′. Its leaves are very unique and gives the tree its distinctive look. They are wispy, pendulous, and fern-like in appearance. The small bright yellow flowers bloom in clusters at the tips of the branches and contrast nicely against the leaves. They are an excellent pollen source for honeybees.…
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April 2, 2023 0

Elephant Ear ‘Tropical Storm’

Colocasia esculenta ‘Tropical Storm’ is a very compact quick clumping elephant ear forming a dense mass of foliage which is purple black with a creamy white center. It is very attractive and would make a nice border for a shade garden or maybe a nice clump in the middle of a garden. Richard Lyons Nursery…
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March 26, 2023 0

Mexican Honeysuckle

Justicia spicigera is a shrub native to Mexico and throughout Central America and not related to Honeysuckle (Lonicera) at all. This shrub is about 3-4′ tall and equally as wide with beautiful clusters of tubular bright orange flowers. It can be grown in partial shade to full sun. A very good nectar source for butterflies…
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March 19, 2023 0