Subtropical plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results

The leaves have a quilted texture, although the stems, flowers, and leaves which float on the surface are covered in sharp prickles.

The plant is cultivated for its seeds in lowland ponds in India, China, and Japan.

Clerodendrum thomsoniae (Bleeding heart) is a popular, evergreen, deciduous vine native to Tropical and Central Africa. Hardy in USDA Zone 9-11, it prefers full or semi-shade to grow and thrive in, although it can tolerate short durations of full sun in cooler climates. Regular water is required to ensure healthy growth, but this drought-tolerant plant can withstand some dry periods. This showy creeper is noted for its heart-shaped blooms of white and off-white edged in bright crimson. In addition to its eye-catching flowers, the plant is also attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Clerodendrum thomsoniae can survive a short time in temperatures down to 30°F. It tolerate some salt spray that makes it an effective seaside plant.

Growing Clerodendrum thomsoniae in pots can be achieved in colder regions, provided the container is well-draining and offers adequate sunlight. During the winter months, keep the plant slightly drier and protect from excessive frost. Fertilize in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune lightly after flowering to help shape the growth and keep it in check. Regular repotting will ensure the plant receives the nutrients it needs to bloom in abundance. Finally, keep the pot free from weeds and waterlogged soil as this is a sure-fire way to kill off this fabulous evergreen creeper.

Consolida is cool weather annual, closely related to the delphiniums, and sometimes included in that genus as Delphinium consolida. Consolida differs from Delphinium in the flower structure, with the flowers in an open, loose, often branched spike, rather than the dense column of flowers found in Delphinium, and in the fruit, which comprises a single follicle, instead of a cluster of several together.

The leaves are bright green and finely dissected-feathery, even. There are dozens of named cultivars, many being products of hybridization between closely related species.

Western variants of the plant are poisonous to cattle.

Lindera obtusiloba is a spreading deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 6 m (20 ft) tall and wide, with glossy aromatic leaves and deep yellow flowers which appear in spring before the leaves. Each leaf has a curious mitten-like shape that varies a little from leaf to leaf. In autumn, they turn a magnificent yellow-gold.

In late Spring to early Summer it becomes a solid mass of beautiful, fiery red, tubular flowers held in loose clusters. The deep green, lance shaped foliage is evergreen. It's a slow grower for the first two years, so you might want to keep it in a container for at least a year. Chilean Fire Bush wants deep, loamy, not too rich, well-drained soil and doesn't like animal manure. Shelter from cold, drying winds. An outstanding specimen tree.

Sinofranchetia chinensis is a vigorous, hardy, deciduous Climber growing to 15 m. Small, white flowers are produced in May followed by bunches of hanging, purple fruits in October. Attractive garden plant for trellises, arbors or against walls.

Sea Grape is now found growing wild along many seashores and is also used as an ornamental in gardens subjected to salty winds and drought. It has stiff, rounded platter-like leaves shading from yellowish to olive green with prominent veins. The flowers are inconspicuous but the long clusters of berry-like fruit which follow are striking and give the tree its popular name. Somewhat acid in taste, the fruit can be used to make jelly. Other members of the genus have even larger leaves and make attractive ornamental plants when grown in a glasshouse. Coccoloba prefers full sun. Pruning improves the shape when it is used in a garden landscape. It is both flood and drought tolerant.

The Blood Leaf Banana is a subspecies of the wild banana species Musa acuminata, one of the two ancestors of modern edible bananas. This plant is grown for its attractive foliage. The fruit is seeded. The stem is completely red. The leaves are narrow with green and red mottling on the top and solid maroon coloring on the bottom.

See Article about Musa acuminata

Parrots Beak is a unique round shrub with whimsical pendant branches and leaves and flowers that unmistakably resemble a parrots beak.

The leaves, in their comical way, mimic a parrot doing a joyful handstand. Vibrant and green, they bring smiles effortlessly.

The yellow blossoms are like mini parrot beaks hanging upside-down, creating a perpetual garden carnival all year long.

This charming, low-maintenance, sun-loving plant adds a touch of the tropics and endless whimsy to your garden. It is a butterfly magnet.

Parrots Beak grows fast and is an excellent choice for garden centerpieces or live hedges. It is water-wise and handles dry spells gracefully.

This laid-back plant doesn't demand much, letting you sit back and enjoy the tropical vibes in your garden.

Large yellow pod contains 1 seed. Sow seed in standard potting mix with good drainage. Grow in full light, water freely and feed once a month. Related species - Gmelina Arborea. These are tropical plants, can be deciduous in cooler climates.

Variegated form: Half n Half Parrot's Beak - can be great for Bonsai. Meet a wild twist on a classic favorite! This rare variegated variety of Gmelina philippensis brings all the charm of the traditional Parrots Beak and then some. What makes it special? Its leaves are half green, half creamy-white, creating a striking two-tone effect on every branch. Some call it a conversation starter we call it one-of-a-kind!

- Compact growth and ivy-shaped foliage make it ideal for bonsai. The leaves reduce beautifully with training.

- Fast grower with a naturally tidy canopy.

- Produces eye-catching yellow flowers shaped like parrot beaks, hanging in chain-like racemes.

- Develops character as it ages: spiny branches, textured bark, and an artistic form perfect for styling.

- Tropical and easy-going - loves full sun, moderate water, and warmth.

Note: Gmelina is pronounced "Melina" - the G is silent, but the plant is anything but!

Check out video about Parrots Beak.

Acalypha godseffiana, also known as Copperleaf or Joseph's Coat, is a tropical shrub that is native to the East Indies and the Pacific. It is prized for its colorful and striking foliage, which ranges in shade from red and yellow to orange, bronze, copper, green, and white in full sunlight, and is mostly variegated green in the shade. The more sun it receives, the brighter the foliage will appear.

Acalypha godseffiana is a fast-growing plant that is often used as an informal hedge or massed bedding plant by tropical gardeners. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and should be carefully pruned to prevent it from becoming leggy. When established, it is drought-tolerant and can thrive in USDA zones 9-11 in its natural habitat.

There are a number of cultivars of Acalypha godseffiana available, which come in a variety of colors such as green and white, green and yellow, red, bronze, copper, or brown. The leaves also vary in form, with some being flat and others undulating. The flowers of this plant are inconspicuous.

Acalypha godseffiana is a popular choice for tropical gardens due to its attractive foliage and easy care requirements. Just be sure to provide it with full sun and well-drained soil, and remember to prune it regularly to maintain its shape and size.