Richard Lyons Nursery, Inc.

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

Long John or Ant Tree (Triplaris cumingiana)

The Long John Tree is native to Central America and tropical South America.  It is sometimes called the Ant Tree, because in its native habitat, its hollow branches are inhabited by stinging ants which protect the tree from herbivores.  This tree can attain a height of 50-70′ with an oblong canopy that remains narrow.  The…
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November 25, 2012 0

Visit the Nursery from Wherever You Are

Do you need a quick escape from a hectic work day? Want a quiet place in the shade to ease your mind? We have just the thing for you, a virtual visit to our nursery from your desktop or mobile device. Today we have a stop in our shade garden, under the palms. Have a seat…
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November 23, 2012 0

Desert Cassia (Senna polyphylla)

The Desert Cassia Tree occurs from Puerto Rico to The Virgin Islands.  It is a very popular landscape tree in South Florida due to its small weeping form, attaining a height of 6-15′ and a spread of 6-10′ wide.  It is also drought tolerant and moderately salt tolerant making it a good tree for xeriscapes.  Its…
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November 18, 2012 0

Sweet Almond (Aloysia virgata)

Plant lovers appreciate the vast array of fragrances encountered in tropical and subtropical species.  One of the best of them introduced to our region is the Sweet Almond, Aloysia virgata.  Its strong fragrance is optimally enjoyed at a distance from the plant, where breezes easily carry it.  Native to fairly dry subtropical areas of Argentina, Sweet Almond can be grown in the ground all…
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November 17, 2012 0

Fairchild Tropical Garden’s Annual Ramble

Surely most “plant people” in southern Florida are familiar with Ramble.  For those who aren’t, it is the annual plant-sale-and-more produced by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.  Its 72nd edition ran last weekend, November 9, 10, and 11th. This year’s Ramble couldn’t have taken place in nicer weather, and for me as a vendor it presented the perfect atmosphere for…
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November 17, 2012 0