Monkey - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Regarded as the largest succulent in the world, the baobab tree is steeped in a wealth of mystique, legend and superstition wherever it occurs in Africa. It is a tree that can provide food, water, shelter, and relief from sickness. During drought, elephants obtain moisture by chewing on the wood. The stem is covered with a bark layer, which may be 50-100 mm thick. The leaves are hand-sized and divided into 5-7 finger-like leaflets. The baobab is a deciduous, meaning that in winter, it sheds all of its leaves and grows new ones in spring. The large, pendulous flowers (up to 200 mm in diameter) are white and sweetly scented ,that are pollinated by bats. They are followed by velvety fruits full of edible acidic pulp sought by both monkeys and people. In the dryer, temperate regions of Africa, Baobabs are a tree of myth and legend. Baobabs are carefully tended by rural peoples and are particularly useful: the hollow trunks of baobabs are used as dwellings and storehouses, traditional medicines are obtained from its bark, leaves, and fruit. Its bark can be pounded to produce fibers that are used to make baskets, cloth, hats, mats, nets, rope, and strings (interestingly, after the bark is stripped away, the baobab grows new bark). Its leaves are cooked and eaten as greens, and are dried for use as a seasoning and a sauce and stew thickener. Its fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, and iron, and is called pain de singe or monkey bread. It can be roasted, ground, and boiled to make a coffee-substitute; it is also soaked in water to make a refreshing drink, and is used as a flavoring. They will make a handsome addition to a large garden, estate, or large parkland providing the soil is not waterlogged. Baobabs cannot tolerate even mild frost. When they are young, baobabs do not resemble their adult counterparts, the stems are thin and inconspicuous, and their leaves are simple and not divided into the five to seven lobes of the adult trees. Saplings can be effectively grown in containers or tubs for many years before becoming too large and requiring to be planted into the ground.

See article about Adansonia.

See how to grow Baobab bonsai

Article about endangered Baobabs.

Araucaria is a genus of coniferous trees. There are 19 species in the genus, with a highly disjunct distribution in New Caledonia (where 13 species are endemic), Norfolk Island, eastern Australia, New Guinea, Argentina, Chile, and southern Brazil.

Fossil evidence indicates that ancestral araucaria forests resembling the present-day Monkey Puzzle date back to the age of dinosaurs.

Some of the species are relatively common in cultivation because of their distinctive, formal symmetrical growth habit. Several species are economically important for timber production and the edible seeds.

See article about Araucaria.

Monkey Ear, Ear Pod Tree, Elephant Ear Tree. Looking for a cool looking tree that grows faster than your to-do list? This large, feathery beauty is one of the quirkiest members of the subtropics.

This fast-growing, cold-hardy giant provides ample shade in no time, making it perfect for anyone seeking instant relaxation under a canopy. But here's the real kicker - the tree's pods curl up to resemble ears! These unique legume pods aren't just fun to look at, they're also great for crafts and decorations. Nature's art project, anyone?

So, if you're looking for a curious tree with personality (and maybe a bit of ear charm), the Monkey Ear Tree is ready to impress. Grow it, shade it, and get crafty with its ear-shaped pods!

This large feathery shade tree is very popular in Mexico. The legume pod is curled up and looks like an ear. The species name means fruit in a circle, referring to the oddly shaped pods of this species. This tree is the national tree of Costa Rica and El Salvador. This fast growing tree reaches heights of 100 feet with a spread of 70 feet or more. The trunk is brown with many stems. The bipinnate leaves have 20 to 30 pairs of leaflets. The small white flowers are formed on green pompoms. They are followed by a flattened, dark brown seedpod, curved into a circle about 3 to 6 inches long and resembling a strange ear. Most notably, the pods of this tree are used extensively as decoration and for crafts. The litter from the leaves is used for animal fodder.

Named Monkey Cocoa because of the fact that its fruit is very similar to Cocoa (Theobroma cacao, used to make chocolate) and because the delicious and refreshing pulp which surrounds the seeds is well liked by monkeys.

The fruit of the tree is shaped like a pot and small enough for a monkey to use.

Native to Eastern Africa, Pyrenacantha malvifolia is a peculiar evergreen creeper, also known as the Monkey Chair plant. It has established itself as a popular houseplant thanks to its striking caudex and lovely blooms. Its canopy is full of clusters of yellowish-white, sweetly fragranced flowers from which then develop little fruits.

The vine grows best in full sun or semi-shade conditions. As a general rule, it is best to keep the soil moist and not overly watered. Growers in cold regions must take extra care with Pyrenacantha malvifolia. The pot should be brought to a sheltered area during winter months.

Overall, it is a great choice for those looking for an exotic beauty to add to their home garden. With proper care and maintenance, this plant will reward you with its vibrant foliage and captivating blooms.

Ruellia makoyana, the Monkey Flower or Trailing Velvet Plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to Brazil. It is an evergreen perennial growing to 2-3 ft, with white-veined hairy leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers.

Called the monkey plant or the trailing velvet leaves, it is a showy spreading groundcover for shaded areas. Ruellia makoyana has attractive leaves which are purple tinged and with pretty silver markings on the upper surface, and very deep purple underneath. It blooms mainly autumn and early winter, with lovely carmine-pink flared flowers. It is best in part to dappled shade. Fall and winter bloomer, it provides color when it is needed most. Trailing Velvet Plant starts to flower in late fall and continues until spring. The flowers rise above the foliage so they are easily seen. The leaves have pronounced silver veining and are accented by the deep green velvety tones. This plant is perfect for limited space on windowsills or hanging baskets.

The Monkey Orange is a captivating fruit tree from tropical Africa and Madagascar, known for its vibrant yellow fruits and wide range of uses.

This small to medium-sized tree, has glossy leaves and thorny branches that make it visually striking.

What does the Monkey Orange taste like? The fruits, size of an orange, have a hard shell that protects their sweet-tart pulp with interesting pleasant taste somewhat similar to mangosteen. Some people say it tastes like a mix of citrus and pineapple with a hint of fermentation.

Rich in vitamin C and B vitamins, the fruit can be enjoyed fresh or transformed into jams, juices, and even wine.

Its durable wood is prized for carvings, and its leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine and as natural insecticides.

Slow-growing yet resilient, this hardy tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering beauty, nourishment, and practicality - an excellent choice for tropical or subtropical landscapes.

Why is it called Monkey Orange?

The "monkey orange" likely gets its name from its appeal to monkeys that eat the fruit and distribute the seeds in their habitat in Africa.

The seeds and unripe fruits are toxic. The seeds must be avoided though as they are poisonous or could have purgative effects.

Yellow, heavily scented flowers are followed by interesting fruits that resemble sea urchins about 2" in diameter. These black fruits are covered with soft, short spines. Folk lore has it that these spiny fruit pods are used by monkeys as a comb.

Achimenes species and hybrids are commonly grown as greenhouse plants, or outdoors as bedding plants in subtropical regions. The species have been extensively hybridized, with many of the hybrids involving the large-flowered species A. grandiflora and A. longiflora. Many of the species and their hybrids have large, brightly colored flowers and are cultivated as ornamental greenhouse and bedding plants.