Plant search results - Peltophorum

Peltophorum africanum

Peltophorum africanum (African Wattle) is a native plant to South Africa and is widely known for its ethnomedical properties. It is a fast-growing small to medium-size semi-deciduous to deciduous tree that reaches heights of 10-20 ft with a spreading crown and bark that is smooth and grey on the young branches. The leaves are compound, bipinnate, with 4-7 pairs of pinnae bearing up to 23 pairs of feathery leaflets. They are oblong in shape, have a dull green top side and a pale green underside, and the apex is rounded with a fine, hairlike tip. The flowers are bright yellow and crinkled, about 5 inches in diameter and hang in dense clusters. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The tree is tolerant of seaside conditions and salt, and it's grown in USDA Zones 9-11. It is also a great tree for bonsai, as it develops an adult shape and thick corky bark in just 2-4 years, with leaves that are much reduced.

When growing Peltophorum africanum, it should be planted in a well-drained soil in full sun or semi-shade. It needs moderate water and is frost-resistant and drought-tolerant. When grown as a bonsai tree or for shade protection, it needs protection for the first 2-3 years and should be watered during dry spells. In cold regions, it can be grown in pots and needs frost protection, regular watering, good drainage, and should be placed in a sunny location. It also likes to have its roots shaded from direct sunlight.

Peltophorum dubium

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Peltophorum dubium (USDA hardiness zone 9b)is similar to Peltophorum pterocarpum (USDA hardiness zone 10b).

Peltophorum pterocarpum, Caesalpinia ferruginea, Caesalpinia inermis, Inga pterocarpum, Peltophorum inerme

Upright, semi - evergreen tree. It has dark green leathery leaflets, fragrant, yellow flowers and alongated seedpod. Shade tree on streets and roadsides or cover for cash crops in the humid tropics. Also grown as an ornamental. Sap wood soft and light, not durable and of little use, heartwood red, hard and strong. Good for carpentry, construction and cartwright's work. Bark contains tannins, giving a light yellow color to leather, tannins also present in leaves and wood. Medicinal uses: bark for dysentry, tooth powder, eye lotion, embrocation for pains and sores; the bark gives a dye of a yellow color. Can be used as a shade - or specimen tree.

USDA hardiness zone 10b. It is a fast-growing tree. Temperatures in the high 20's cause the leaves to drop but these are quickly replaced. Young trees flower in 2-3 years from seed.

Peltophorum sp.

Tropaeolum majus, Tropaeolum hybridum

This garden favorite will spread like wildfire, produce decorative foliage, have an ocean of brightly-colored blossoms. It is a herbaceous fast growing flowering plant originating in South America in the Andes from Bolivia north to Colombia. Cultivated varieties have hybrid origin, with possible parent species including T. minus, T. moritzianum, T. peltophorum, and T. peregrinum. Trailing stems grow to a few feet. The leaves are large, nearly circular. They have a beauty of their own. Reminiscent of water lily pads, the more common ones are flat and round, with the stem attached to the center and the vein radiating out from there. Garden Nasturtiums are grown for their flowers, and also because both their leaves and flowers are edible; they can be used in salads, imparting a delicately peppery taste. Although the blossoms appear delicate, they are actually very durable and make for vibrant and long-lasting garnishes, one of their best uses. Use the blossoms either whole or chopped to decorate creamy soups, salads, butters, cakes and platters. Their sweet, peppery taste (both in the leaves and in the flowers) adds to the enjoyment. In fact, it is for its tangy taste that nasturtium gets its common name. It comes from the Latin "Nasus Tortus" meaning convulsed nose, referring to the faces people made when tasting the spicy plant. Take advantage of this spicy flavor as well as the decorative color. Use both leaves and blossoms in salads. Try adding them to spinach salads for a dramatic effect. Nasturtium's spiciness is also a winning addition to cheese spreads. The seeds are also edible, and can be used as a caper substitute and as a substitute for black pepper. Being high in vitamin C, nasturtiums act as a natural antibiotic, and as such were used topically as a poultice for minor cuts and scratches. Nasturtiums are also used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Nasturtiums are a gardener's dream. They are virtually carefree once established. Snails don't seem to be interested in them. They will even self seed and come back the next year in mild climate. Nasturtium is a good choice as a fast growing, ever-blooming showy ground cover. It is a great butterfly attractor. Ideally, nasturtiums like to be in full sun, with moist, well drained soil. Nasturtiums come in two forms: compact and trailing. The compact variety is low and busy, usually staying at about 12" tall. They are useful as border plants, creating a colorful and dense edge. The trailing variety cascades dramatically down walls or tumbles brightly out of hanging baskets. They are also perfect for window boxes and container herb gardens. Just be sure to keep them trimmed back or they will crowd out the other plants. Enjoy them all summer long!