Ceratozamia sp.

The plants are dioecious, with a globose or cylindrical stem, rarely dichotomously branched, that may be underground or emergent. The leaves are pinnately compound, straight, and spirally arranged. Leaf bases are usually deciduous but sometimes persistent. The petioles and rachis often have spines, though there may be very few to none. Leaflets are simple, entire, and articulate at the base, with parallel side veins and no distinct central vein.

Cercidium floridum, Parkinsonia florida

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Cercidium floridum (Blue Palo Verde) is a striking Large shrub or Small tree native to the Sonoran Desert of California and Arizona. It grows 5-10 feet tall as a shrub and 10-20 feet as a tree. It is mainly grown in USDA Zone 8-10. It is a full sun loving plant and can tolerate moderate water in arid or dry conditions.

It is famous for its striking bark which looks bluish in color and has a greenish tint to it. The tree is also well known for its yellow and orange flowers that appear in clusters and bloom in Spring. This plant is also attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds and other animals.

Cercidium floridum (Blue Palo Verde) has a few thorns or spines which give it a protection from browsing animals. It is also very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures at least to the 30sF for a short duration. This makes it ideal for perennial gardens, as a feature specimen or even growing as a container plant.

In regions with colder winter also, the Blue Palo Verde can be grown if it is given proper care and planted in a protected area with full sun and good drainage. It should be watered regularly during hot dry spells and protected from frost. In winter, it should be given little to no water and adequate protection from snow and freezing temperatures. Container grown plants should be brought indoors in winter to protect them from freezing.

Cereus peruvianus, Cereus repandus, Cereus uruguayanus, Cereus hildmannianus

Cereus peruvianus is a large erect, thorny columnar cactus. It is an unexplored, underutilized cactus, grown only as an ornamental plant, even though it produces attractive, edible fruits. The nocturnal flowers remain open for one night. The fruits are thornless and vary in skin color from violet-red to yellow. The flesh, which is the edible part of the fruit, is white and contains small, edible, and crunchy seeds. Fruits of a number of other columnar cacti, also belonging to the subfamily Cactoideae, tribe Cereeae, are known to be of economic significance for native use in South America.The Cereus peruvianus is a very upright plant and is used mainly as a floor plant.Many people think from the start that since the plant is a cactus or in the cactus family it shouldn't be watered or it only needs a little. In the watering department it wants to be watered well. What this plant wants as well as most cactus is very good drainage, warmth, sun and low humidity. This plant is a perfect candidate for a sunny south, east or west window. The plant can handle low light levels but thrives in bright light.

Chloroleucon tortum, Pithecellobium tortum

It is native to Brazil, but can be grown all over the world. Chloroleucon tortum or Brazilian Raintree can be used for bonsai. In ground it grows as a small tree, generally 10-20 feet tall. It prefers full sun, though can take some shade, and moderate watering. It starts blooming with white, off-white flowers, in late spring or early summer. This small tree can be grown successfully in USDA zones 9-11.

When it comes to growing and caring for Chloroleucon tortum, they require well-drained, slightly acidic soils and regular watering, especially in hot dry weather, and an application of fertilizer in spring. Pruning is needed to maintain the desired shape and size. In cold regions, it's best to grow it in a large pot, so it can be brought indoors during wintertime. Plant the tree in a large pot and ensure that the soil is well-drained. Place the pot in a sunny spot, and make sure it's sheltered from harsh winter winds. Water the Chloroleucon tortum frequently, using lukewarm water. Don't overwater, as that can cause root rot. If it's grown in a pot, you can use a plastic pot or a ceramic container. It can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11. During winter, your tree will need some protection from frost. Once is has experienced temperatures of 30s F, it will need to be brought indoors and placed in a bright spot with warm temperatures.

Citrus aurantifolia

It is a small tree, 10-20 ft. tall. This plant must have full sun to partial shade, with moderate water needs. It is cold hardy to at least 30sF for a short time. This plant has fragrant, off-white flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The fruit is edible and highly valued for its sourness. The fruit is round and can be green or yellow depending on when it is picked. It can produce up to four fruits in one season.

Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) has many useful properties. Its fruit has many healthy benefits, as it contains vitamin C, calcium and other minerals that are thought to prevent some types of cancer, as well as support strong bones, teeth, and skin. It is also used for its therapeutic properties, as it can be used to help with constipation, digestive problems, and infections. The juice is often used to enhance the flavor of food and drinks, and the essential oils are used in perfumes, cosmetics and soaps.

This small tree can be grown in USDA Zone 9-11, and prefers full sun to semi-shade. It does not need significant water beyond occasional deep-watering. The tree's spiny branches offer protection from animals and make it an appropriate choice for a hedgerow.

While fruit production is abundant in the warm months of May to September, the Mexican Lime is also known to be hardy in cold climates - surviving temperatures down to 30sF for a short time. C. aurantifolia can produce up to four fruits in a season. To get the best harvest, the plant needs to be regularly pruned, watered, and fertilized. The plant also needs to be protected from frost during the coldest months, which can be done using an insulating fabric, specifically designed for this kind of climate.