Small tree 10-20 ft - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Cephalocereus polylophus is a fascinating cactus with a unique appearance, making it a popular choice for cactus enthusiasts and gardeners interested in desert plants.

The cactus is well-adapted to hot, dry climates and can tolerate high temperatures and intense sunlight. The fruits are edible by humans and have a delicate, nutty flavor.

Corynocarpus laevigata is a slow growing narrow upright evergreen tree reaching 25 to 40 feet tall densely covered with oblong dark glossy green foliage with creamy variegation. In the spring, small white flowers are followed by orange (poisonous) berries. Fruits are very toxic and bitter, containing the compound karakin, but seeds are edible if roasted and were consumed as a staple food by the Maori of New Zealand.

Its slender, straight trunks are often blackened by fire in habitat, and hold a neat crown of fairly short, flat, green to gray-green leaves. It makes a beautiful ornamental for tropical and some warm temperate areas but is rather rare in cultivation.

Distinguishing features: distinguished by the flattened leaves with short petioles and leaflets with recurved margins, and the basal leaflets reducing in size.

Interesting powderpuff-like pink flowers make this plant unforgettable. Shrub up to 9ft high with grey bark and solitary thorns often bearing one or two leaves. Leaves bipinnate and finely pubescent, 1" to 3" long. Pendulous flower heads that are pink in the upper part and yellow in the lower part. Dark-brown pods, borne in clusters, twisted, each 1" to 3" long and 1" broad. Good plant for bonsai.

Varieties: Red , Yellow. Season: October-January. This beautiful tree has large dark green leaves that shade the fruit pods which grow directly from the trunk and branches. The flesh is eaten as a dessert, and the seeds are the raw material of chocolate. Hot chocolate can be made by drying the seeds, roasting, grinding, and adding milk. Chocolate beans were used as money by the Maya Indians of Central America. The red pods are larger and have more abundant flesh. Cocoa is prepared by grinding the beans into a paste between hot rollers and mixing it with sugar and starch, part of the fat being removed. Chocolate is prepared in much the same way, but the fat is retained. Oil of Theobroma or butter is a yellowish white solid, with an odor resembling that of cocoa, taste bland and agreeable; generally extracted by expression. It is used as an ingredient in cosmetic ointments and in pharmacy for coating pills and preparing suppositories. It has excellent emollient properties and is used to soften and protect chapped hands and lips. Theobromine, the alkaloid contained in the beans, resembles caffeine in its action, but its effect on the central nervous system is less powerful. Its action on muscle, the kidneys and the heart is more pronounced. It is used principally for its effect due to stimulation of the renal epithelium; it is especially useful when there is an accumulation of fluid in the body resulting from cardiac failure, when it is often given with digitalis to relieve dilatation. It is also employed in high blood pressure as it dilates the blood-vessels. It is best administered in powders or cachets. See Article about Drink of the Gods.

In full sun, Giant Dioon (Dioon spinulosum) grows into a large plant up to 20 ft tall, while in semi-shade the plants form a nice small shrubs up to 10 ft tall. The trunk of this tree is interesting, being upright and covered with small spines. In the right conditions, it can be a real show stopper.

Giant Dioon needs moderate water, but can tolerate short dry spells as they are adapted to live in semi-arid environments. While it's native to Mexico, it can grow well in other parts of the world with a mild climate. In warmer regions it will be able to tolerate temperatures in the 30s F for a short time.

For those who have cold winters, you can still enjoy a Giant Dioon by planting it in a large pot and placing it in a sheltered area, such as a south-facing wall. In colder climates, use a good-quality compost to create an insulated environment for the plant. Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer and keep an eye out for any signs of fungal diseases or pests. Make sure the soil doesn't become too wet in winter as it can be hard to dry out and the roots can rot.

With the right care and plenty of sun, your Giant Dioon will be a great addition to your garden, adding structure and a unique look.

Ever-blooming small tree with elliptic leaves with rough upper surface. Flowers are bright canary-yellow in clusters. Free-branching habit. The plant requires regular watering until established. Nice specimen container plant.

See article about cordia.

Ewergreen tree, pale grey bark, veined velvety leaves, strongly scented white flowers, decoction from fruit used for tattooing.

Like Gardenia thunbergia, this species has fragrant white blossoms and woody seed pods that remain on the branches. Gardenia thunbergia possibly often confused with Gardenia resiniflua, it may be distinguished from Gummy gardenia, by its much larger fruits.

Gliricidia maculata, native to Central America, is a small evergreen tree with a fast growth rate. It is ideal as a livestock fodder and as a plantation shade and green manure due to its acceptance of different types of soils and its drought resistant qualities. At maturity, the height of the tree can measure between 10-20 ft and has a reddish-brown bark. It blooms during the dry season and produces pink flowers in sprawling clusters.

This tree is well-suited for areas with full sun exposure and can tolerate moderate water. It is cold hardy to temperatures of at least 30°F, allowing it to survive in harsher climates for a short amount of time. Generally, it grows in USDA Zone 10-11 and is easily propagated through basal cuttings or air layering.

In order to keep the tree healthy and ensure optimal growth, it benefit from pruning as mature size is quicker to reach. For colder climates, especially in the northern regions of USDA zones, it can be grown in a pot, but with care it should still be ok. To ensure the tree maintains its health and growth, fertilizers can be applied once a month with a mixture of low nitrogen and high potash. It's important to keep the area the tree is growing in weed-free and the soil at a pH between 6.5-7.5 by adding slow releasing mulches and compost.