Seaside, salt tolerant plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Halimodendron halodendron (Common Salttree) is a salt tolerant seaside shrub native to Southwest Asia. Leaves are trifoliate, composed of glandular leaflets with dense spines at the base. Large shrubs grow 5-10 feet in height, and small shrubs range from 2-5 feet in height. The shrub will perform best when grown in full sun areas, with moderate watering. This attractive shrub is ideal for a variety of landscapes due to its salt tolerance and attractive bright pink flowers. It also attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to the garden, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.

In terms of plant care, Halimodendron halodendron is easy to maintain in the right climate and is widely adaptable to most well-draining soils. It is frost hardy, tolerating temperatures down to the 30's Fahrenheit for short periods of time. While the plant can survive in zones 2 - 8 when grown in the ground, it can also be grown in containers in colder regions, as long as it is brought in during the winter where temperatures dip lower than its hardiness level.

When caring for this plant in a pot, it is important to provide it with sufficient sunlight, well-draining potting soil and regular watering. Additionally, it is important to provide sufficient water during dry periods, as the plants are not drought tolerant. It is also important to feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to ensure that it remains healthy and blooms adequately.

Overall, Halimodendron halodendron is a beautiful salt tolerant seaside shrub. With some basic care and maintenance, this attractive, low-maintenance shrub is a great addition to pollinator gardens with its bright pink flowers.

Jatropha (Gout plant) is an attention grabber and a must in every tropical garden. It has a large bottle-like caudex and huge leaves up to 10-12 inches in diameter. The more shade, the bigger the leaves. Great natural bonsai. Makes a good potted plant but can also be used as a conversation piece specimen in a small garden. This showy plant grows about 2-3 ft high, with a knobby, swollen stem and red flowers in large terminal clusters. Partial sun and a well-drained soil are preferred. Propagation is by seeds, which are produced freely and germinate easily. When the seeds ripen, they burst open, so watch them to turn brown before you miss them jumping away! Seed pods will explode, launching the seeds several feet away.

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There are over 300 species of Tibouchina. They are tropical and subtropical plants. The frost kills the plant to the ground, and it grows back in the spring. Covered with flowers during several months, at the end of the summer. After each blooming cycle prune and fertilize with fertilizer for acid loving plants. The Tibouchinas like a good proportion of organic content in the soil.

Growing to a height of about 4-5ft, this succulent plant is a member of the same family as Plumeria. Its swollen, often twisted trunk is pale grey, the leaves are glossy and club-shaped, and the flowers, which appear almost continuously, are trumpet-shaped and range from white and bright pink to crimson, red. It exudes a highly toxic sap which in some places is used as a poison for arrows. Adenium is not generally grown in moist tropical gardens but is often seen as a decorative pot plant; it may also be used in rock gardens. It needs full sun and a well-drained potting mixture. Exotic multi-color varieties can be grafted on the same plant. See other exotic species of Adenium, photo gallery of exotic varieties and Thai Adeniums - milti-colored, multi-grafted.

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The Tropical almond tree (Terminalia catappa) is a large deciduous tree that grows up to 100 feet tall and can survive in cold regions as long as temperatures do not drop below 30FF. It is native to USDA Zones 10-11 and grows best in full sun and with moderate water. In addition to being an ornamental tree, the tropical almond tree is also a valuable source of nutrition. Each tree can produce edible fruits, which are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. The kernel of the fruit is particularly rich in proteins and fats, and has been shown to improve eye health, reduce inflammation, and strengthen teeth and bones.

In addition to its nutritional properties, the tropical almond tree has several other medicinal uses. In Taiwan, the fallen leaves of the tree are used as a herbal drug to treat liver diseases. The kernel of the fruit has been shown to have aphrodisiac properties. In Suriname's traditional medicine, a tea made from the leaves is used to treat dysentery and diarrhea.

The tropical almond tree is also known for its salt and drought tolerance, and can be grown in a container where its size can be controlled for many years.

Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle) is a large shrub that can grow up to 5-10 feet tall, or a small tree that can reach between 10-20 feet in height. It is native to Australia, Asia and the Pacific. This deciduous plant is a great choice for gardens as it blooms for a long period of time, from 3-4 month and the profuse flowering begins even when the plant is very small. The flowers come in shades of white, off-white, pink, blue, lavender, purple, red and crimson and have a light but sweet fragrance. They also attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making them an eye-catching addition to any garden.

This shrub prefers full sun and regular watering to really thrive. In USDA Zone 7-10. The plant is also tolerant of seaside and salt conditions, making it suitable to grow even in seaside gardens.

When growing Crape Myrtle in a pot, or in cooler climates, there are a few precautions that one should take. The pot should be well-draining and the soil should contain plenty of organic matter to keep it moist. In addition, the plant should be protected from strong winds and some shade should be provided during the hottest parts of the day.

Formerly the Sonneratia were placed in a family called Sonneratiaceae which included both the Sonneratia and the Duabanga, but these two are now placed in their own monotypic subfamilies of the family Lythraceae.

In Sonneratia species, the pneumatophores are erect side branches of the horizontal roots which grow just below the soil. In Sonneratia, they grow more slowly to become woody and may even reach 3 m in height, though most will be less than 50 cm tall.

Its flowers are ephemeral and open at sunset, lasting for only one night; stamens fall off in the early morning. Bats and nectar-feeding birds are the pollinators.

The fruits are edible, though they taste very sour. The fruit is also applied in poultices to relieve sprain.

It can be used to control erosion of tidal river banks and it is cultivated as an ornamental.

The Hibiscus request frequent deep watering, but good drainage. It is sensitive to root rot if the ground stays soaked. Check regularly for aphids and mealy bugs, and fertilize.The flowers last only a day or two, but they are produced in abundance most of the year. More pictures of different varieties: Hibiscus page and Catalog of Fancy varieties

Read more about hibiscus:

Hibiscus growing tips: The Tips of Hibiscus Flowers

Most useful Hibiscus plants

Hibiscus: TopTropicals' first plant

Catalog of Fancy Hibiscus varieties

Hibiscus Varieties Gallery

A small (even miniature) feather palm, from Laos and southeast Asia, with a slender trunk. Hardy to around 24°F for a short time. Likes lots of water and fertilizer during the hot months. Can be grown in shade to full sun and make wonderful planter palms for indoors or on the deck during the warmer months.