Eucalyptus deglupta is probably the fastest growing tree in the South Florida landscape and perhaps the largest as well. Once established this tree can grow up to 6′ per year and reach a height of 60′ or more with a 3-4′ diameter trunk. What gives this tree its colorful name is the peeling bark which…
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Clerodendrum paniculatum, The Pagoda Flower is named for the shape of its flowers. This shrub spreads by means of root suckers to create a nice clump of stems, each producing a scarlet pagoda shaped inflorescence. It will flower all summer long and into the fall. As a bonus, Pagoda Flower is an excellent nectar source…
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Syzygium samarangense is a lesser-known tropical fruit tree native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Myrtle Family (Myrtaceae) reaching a height of 20-30′ tall with a low branching crown that is almost equally wide. The pink to red colored pear-shaped fruit has a waxy skin with a crisp juicy…
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The true Shampoo Ginger is Zingiber zerumpet ‘Awapuhi’. The other Zingiber members are often referred to as Beehive Gingers. One in particular, Zingiber macrodenium ‘Chocolate Ball’ has a classic beehive shape. Zingiber have 3-5′ tall leafstalks which go completely dormant from fall through spring. Unlike other gingers, Zingiber flower stalks emerge directly from the rhizome…
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The Curry Leaf Tree (Murraya koenigii) is a small tree 6-15′ from India and Sri Lanka. It tends to sucker from its surface roots giving it a shrubbier 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…
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