Euphorbia xanti

Euphorbia xanti - An interesting fast growing openly-branched deciduous evergreen shrub to 3 to 6 feet tall more and spreading by rhizomes to form extensive stands. The flowers of Euphorbia xanti are tiny but beautiful and long lasting. The entire shrub flowers all at once and stays that way for several months.

Excoecaria agallocha

Excoecaria agallocha (Thillai), a small tree native to South India to Southern Japan, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Islands, grows 10-20 ft in height. It is a deciduous plant and requires full sun and regular watering. It is an ethnomedical plant and its wood has various medicinal uses. It can be grown in USDA zones 9-11 and is tolerant of short-term flooding. It is very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but can be poisonous or toxic if touched or ingested.

The tree is quite unusual in having male and female flowers on separate plants, and produces yellow tassels of male flowers that are very scented. Female flowers consist of shorter spikes. Contact with the skin can cause irritation and rapid blistering, while contact with the eyes can result in temporary blindness.

When it comes to growing and caring for Excoecaria agallocha, the tree prefers well-drained, moist soil and full sun. Regular watering and fertilizing throughout the year is recommended for optimal growth, though it should be noted that due to its deciduous nature, it will lose its leaves in autumn and winter. In colder regions, it can be grown in a large pot and brought inside during winter. When potted, it will need more frequent watering, less direct sunlight, and protection from extreme temperatures. With the right care, this small tree can become a showstopper in any garden.

Excoecaria cochinchinensis, Excoecaria bicolor

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Excoecaria cochinchinensis, or Strawberry Cream, is a small, branching evergreen native to Indo-China, particularly Vietnam. Growing up to two to five feet, its wood stems and pairs of beautiful shiny leaves with deep green tops and a brilliant laquered red beneath provide an ornamental foliage. However, its sap is toxic, leading to its being known as the “Blindness Tree” in Southeast Asia.

Excoecaria cochinchinensis appreciates full sun, partial shade, and moderate amounts of water; it is easy to grow, and tolerates a range of soil types well. It is hardy in USDA Zone 10-11. In colder regions, the plant is well suited to pot culture, and with proper preparation, can survive the winter indoors. To this end, Excoecaria cochinchinensis should be kept in a location with moist soil and good light, and should not be watered too much.

This plant has some ethnomedical value as well, with eight compounds having been obtained from the root and stem for testing against Staphylococcus aureus. The extracts were made using various extracting procedures, and a range of solvents were used.

In the end, Excoecaria cochinchinensis is a hardy and attractive small shrub that's easy to care for, and with its ornamental foliage, can be an interesting addition to any garden. As long as the plant is kept well-soil and watered, it can survive even cooler climates, making it a great choice for many homes.

Fockea edulis

Fockea edulis is a caudiciform vine, with a tuber that may reach up to 12" in diameter in cultivation. Fockea edulis needs full sun to light shade. The tuber should always be shaded. Water regularly in summer and water only enough to keep the tuber from shriveling in winter. It is deciduous and all foliage will be lost in the winter dormancy period. Since it is a vine, some type of support is needed.In the wild, the caudex is partially or totally buried. It tends to grow faster when buried. Fockea edulis is best propagated from seed. The tuber is edible after the alkaloids in the latex have been inactivated by cooking. Some parts of the plants are also poisonous.

Fritillaria sp.