Calabaza is the Spanish name for any type of pumpkin. In English, it refers to West Indian Pumpkin, or Calabassa, a winter squash grown in the Caribbean and Tropical America. Botanically, it is Curbita moschata. At Richard Lyons Nursery it is grown under the rows of Jakfruit and Sapodilla trees. It is unfortunately a host…
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Lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum) is native to the Florida Keys and Miami-Dade County. This native tree is listed as endangered due to habitat loss. Lignum vitae translation is ‘Tree of Life’ for its many medicinal properties. However, it is mainly grown as a beautiful ornamental. While it is slow growing, it is one of the…
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Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) can make for a very interesting container plant. It is highly prized in S. Florida for its large caudex trunk which develops with age. Interestingly, it will only develop a caudex when grown from seed, so it takes several years to mature. When grown from cuttings, the swollen base never develops.…
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Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus), is a hibiscus relative which can attain a height of 6-7′ and 4-5′ wide in a relatively short period of time. Its bright red fez-like flowers that hang down and never appear to be fully open is an excellent hummingbird and butterfly attractor. It blooms most of the year and best…
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First of all, Happy Easter to everyone. This week’s highlighted plant is the Red Passion Flower Vine. One of the few passion vines that can tolerate some shaded conditions. It can meander along the ground until it reaches a vertical surface such as a fence or trellis, or a tree. It also is one of…
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