There are many species in the Genus Costus. These are commonly referred to as New World Gingers, Spiral Gingers, Crepe Gingers, Button Gingers, and even Step Ladder Gingers. They aren’t related to the Old World Gingers of which a few species give us the edible ginger root which we use in cooking. They do give…
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Passiflora incarnata x Passiflora cincinnata is a hybrid passion flower vine which has the parents of a florida native, Maypop, and a tropical passion flower from South America. The parentage makes this an ideal vine for South Florida. Maypop occurs throughout Florida, but tends to grow better in the northern counties. It has a pale…
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While the regular vining or shrublike Bougainvillea are finishing blooming as we come into the rainy season, Bougainvillea arborea, the Tree Bougainvillea is in full bloom. It has lavender colored bracts and tiny white flowers and can obtain a height of 20-30 feet with multiple trunks. Most people don’t think of Bougainvillea as a nectar…
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The most recognized Heliconia and the most asked for Heliconia by far is Heliconia rostrata. This is also the one most commonly referred to as the Lobster Claw Heliconia. It is one of the only Heliconia’s on the market whose flower is pendant. That is, it hangs down as opposed to being upright. It has…
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With the decline of citrus trees in back yards, the giant swallowtail butterfly (Papilio cresphontes) could be in jeopardy, as it relies on citrus trees to lay its eggs on. Fortunately, any member of the citrus family (Rutaceae) will suffice. One such member is the native wild lime tree (Zanthoxylum fagara). It looks more like…
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