Zapoteca tetragona, Calliandra tetragona

Zeuxine strateumatica

Z. strateumatica, has become naturalized in southern Florida after being introduced into the area as an adventive with Centipede Grass from China (this is where the Florida nickname "Centipede Grass Orchid" came from for this species.) Looks too nice to be just a weed! It emerges in winter, blooming in late December and January; within a few weeks, the plants vanish. The following year, they may return, and from the same root a new plant will grow next to the previous one.

Zinnia sp.

Zinnia elegans, Youth-and-old-age, is the most commonly grown kind along with its many different varieties.

Ziziphus jujuba, Ziziphus sativa, Ziziphus vulgaris, Zizyphus mauritiana

These small acid fruits are liked by children as well as by adults. A small spreading tree, with drooping branches grows readily and quickly on poor ground. Even moderately saline soils are tolerated. The tree will thrive without any special care. All parts of the plant have medicinal uses. Jujube is widely cultivated China and India. The Chinese have been growing and eating jujubes for more than four thousand years and have more jujube trees than any other type of fruit tree. From Indian legends, the tree is hard because it's blessed with a boon that no matter how badly it was cut, it will not die, and even if a single root of it was left, it will spring up again... In India, the tree is held sacred: fruits are offered to Siva, and the plant is known as the "Tree which removes sorrow". Cold hardy, mature plants withstand hard freeze.

Read more about this fruit tree.

Ziziphus mucronata, Zizyphus adelensis, Zizyphus mitis

Its presence is said to indicate underground water. It usually has a crooked trunk and drooping branches. The glossy, drooping leaves are conspicuously three-veined from the base. The branches are usually covered with stipular spines, one curved and one straight. Inconspicuous yellowish flowers are borne in clusters and produce abundant nectar that attract many insects, especially bees. The roundish fruits are russet-colored when mature and contain a dry meal-like pulp. The fruits are sought after by many birds and wild animals. Bark, leaves and roots and decoctions of these have been used for many ailments, such as skin infections, chest troubles, dysentery, measles, swollen glands, lumbago, and various pains such as toothache. During the Anglo-Boer War, the seeds were ground and the powder used as a coffee substitute. It is a very rewarding garden tree, growing well in any climate but a cold, wet one. It grows quickly from seed and reaches a height of about 7 m at maturity with a spread of about 10 m. It is drought and frost resistant and is a good choice for gardens where little else can grow.