Dilleniaceae - Botanical Family

This evergreen spreading tropical tree isup to 60 feet tall. It has beautiful white fragrant flowers, toothed leaves and globose 3-4" fruits with small brown seeds. The greenish-yellow fruit, which has a thick protective covering, is edible; unripe fruits are cooked to make pickle and chutney. The juicy pulp is aromatic but very acid. Can be used as a ornamental tree. Protect from frost or plant in frost free areas.

This tropical looking beauty s a favorite tree among Filipino garden enthusiasts. It is endemic to the Philippines. Its fruit is known as elephant apple. Katmon grows in low to medium altitude forests throughout the Philippines, but does not survive the cold climates of the uplands.

The tree is buttress-forming, evergreen, and shade tolerant. The bark is smooth with shallow fissures. The leaves are large, 1-2 ft long, leathery, shining, and coarsely toothed at the margins. Its flowers are white, large, showy, and also very large, up to 1 ft wide, with showy reddish pistils and stamens. The edible fruits are rounded, 2-3" in diameter, with large fleshy sepals tightly enclosing the true fruit.

Flowers last only one day, but the plant stays in bloom all summer through fall, with multiple flowers and buds that keep opening every day.

The tree is harvested for its timber and the edible fruits are said to have medicinal value.

The plant is perfect for container and indoor culture, with showy tropical leaves, beautiful flowers, shade tolerance, and compact growth.

Dillenia sp. is a tropical tree or large shrub in the Dilleniaceae family, native to South and Southeast Asia, valued for its bold foliage and unusual flowers. Plants typically form an upright to spreading crown and can reach 15 to 40 ft depending on species. Leaves are large, thick, and prominently veined with a corrugated texture, creating a strong architectural effect. Flowers are large and open, usually white to pale yellow with numerous conspicuous stamens, followed by distinctive fruit structures formed by persistent sepals that may enclose or support the developing fruit.

This group prefers full sun to partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Growth rate is moderate to fast in warm, humid conditions. Cold tolerance is limited, with damage likely below about 40F; best suited to USDA Zones 10 to 11. Dillenia species are suitable for large containers when young but are generally grown as landscape specimens in frost-free climates. Some species produce edible fruit, though use varies, and accurate identification is required before consumption.

Dillenia suffruticosa (Simpoh Air) is a small tree that grows 10-20 ft tall and is native to West Malesia. It contains large, glossy oval-shaped leaves and large, yellow and orange cup-shaped flowers. The flowers are highly fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. They only last for a day and usually open at 3 am. Following the flowers will be egg-shaped fruits that split open at 3 am to reveal red arils and seeds. The taste of the fruit is sweet and sour and it is edible.

Simpoh Air is useful for many reasons. The leaves can be used to wrap food and tailor birds can use them to make nests. The Simpoh Air sends out very deep tap roots to reach underground water sources. The tree is used to detect water as it always grows near water. The fruit pulp can be used to wash the hair (Brunei). Staunching bleeding wounds is also a use of this plant.

This plant should be grown in full sun to semi-shade areas and requires regular watering. It is suitable for USDA zones 9-11. In cold regions, it can be grown in a pot and kept indoors during the winter months. It tend to require a heavy threshold of initial watering in order for its roots to establish properly. Too much water can lead to root rot.

The plant is able to flower and fruit up to 3-4 years of age, yielding up to 150 fruits per tree. The fruit can now be found commercially and its unique flavor, aroma and nutritional value attract many people to its consumption. Eating the ripe fruit can bring a plethora of health benefits such as decreasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes while providing the body with dietary fiber and minerals. It is also a good source of Vitamin C, phosphorous, calcium and other essential minerals for the body's proper functioning.

Simpoh Air can live up to 50-100 years and can become a beautiful addition to summer days with the right balance of water.

Hibbertia sp. can quickly become an attention-grabber in your garden. Makes a excellent edging, or trailing from a container.

It is an evergreen to semi-evergreen vine and makes for a vigorous climber, capable of growing up to 10-20 ft tall. Can also be grown as a small tree or shrub. Dense, glossy green foliage and abundant yellow flowers makes a stunning contrast for any garden. Grows in full sun in moist well-drained soil. Prune as needed to prevent up against structures or walls.

Producing masses of deep yellow flowers in late winter and early spring with purple, papery sepals. Needs full sun and light infrequent watering. Once established will tolerate some drought, but prefers regular to moderate amounts of water. Grows in full sun and does well in USDA Zone 9-11, and in colder regions can be successfully grown in a large pot in part-shade. Container grown Hibbertia sp. need regular watering and should be repotted every 2-3 years into a new, larger pot to prevent root bounding. Fertilize twice a year, spring and summer, with a slow-release fertilizer.

Tetracera indica, native to Thailand, is a large shrub that can grow up to 5-10 feet tall, or it can be shaped into a small tree up to 20 feet. It prefers full sun and regular watering and does best in grows in USDA Zones 10-11. The foliage of Tetracera indica is a beautiful green. In spring and summer, showy white or off-white flowers appear, to be admired by butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers are also very fragrant, with a strong powder-puff scent.

Tetracera indica is easy to grow and care for in a variety of climates. In the warmest climates, it will require regular watering, and should be trimmed regularly to keep its dense shape. In colder climates, it should be grown in a pot, and should be brought inside during the winter months. When grown in a pot, Tetracera indica will require regular watering, as well as protection from extreme cold. It should also be kept above 55F to ensure that it continues to bloom properly. With proper care and regular pruning, Tetracera indica can be a stunning addition to any home or garden.

Tetracera is a large shrub, growing from 5-10 feet tall, found natively in Thailand. It is best grown in full sun and thrives in areas with regular water. In the summer it blooms white or off-white flowers with a sweet, fragrant aroma. This shrub is particularly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds and will draw them to your yard. In order to grow Tetracera successfully, it is best to plant them in USDA zones 10-11, where the temperature is above 55F.

If you live in a colder region, it is still possible to enjoy the beauty of a Tetracera shrub. Growing them in pots allows you to move them easily and protect them during extreme cold, giving you the best chance of success. Plant them in a potting soil mix and provide consistently moist soil. When the temperature drops to 55F, you may want to bring the pot indoors or move it to a sheltered area so as to protect from cold. Water regularly and fertilize once a year with a balanced slow release fertilizer to ensure your shrub thrives. Pruning may be necessary to encourage bushier growth or to remove dead or diseased branches.

Tetracera is an attractive and unique plant, perfect for adding interest to your garden. It is easy to care for and attracts a variety of wildlife. With just a little care and attention, you will have a beautiful and fragrant shrub to enjoy for years to come.