Early fall is the time of year for the bright orange pendant raceme of blooms that contrast against the Poinciana-like feathery leaves and blue sky of Colville’s Glory Tree (Colvillea racemosa). It truly is in all its glory right now. The tree was named for Sir Charles Colville, a British governor of Mauritius from 1828-1834.…
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Lonchocarpus violaceus – The Lilac Tree smells as good as it looks. This moderate- to fast-growing tree matures in the 25-35 ft. range and features a dense, broad canopy. In the late summer and fall it produces showy lavender flowers scented much like those of northern lilacs. It is a butterfly and bee attractant. Native to the West Indies and northern South…
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Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Indian Night Jasmine), is native to India and is commonly planted around religious shrines and temples. It is a small multi-stemmed tree about 15′ in height with very fragrant flowers in clusters. The flowers are small white pinwheel shaped with orange centers that open at night and start falling in the morning, leaving…
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There aren’t a lot of trees that bloom year round, but one that comes to mind is the Butterfly Orchid Tree (Bauhinia divaricata). This tree blooms year round with white wispy flowers that fade to pink, and is an excellent nectar source for butterflies, especially, the Giant Swallowtail. As a bonus, in the winter, the ruby-throated…
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The Curry Leaf Tree is a small tree 6-15′ from India and Sri Lanka. It tends to sucker from its surface roots giving it a more shrubby look than a single trunk tree. Most people don’t realize it is a member of the Citrus Family (Rutaceae). It produces small clusters of fragrant white flowers which…
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