Pararistolochia goldieana

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Pararistolochia goldieana is an unusual and eye-catching, fast-growing perennial vine or creeper native to Equatorial Africa, specifically Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Fernando Po and Cameroun. It is an evergreen, woody climber and can grow up to 30 ft high, climbing tall trees and adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the forest. With its glossy, heart-shaped leaves, it is a sight to behold. What is most remarkable, however, is its oversized, trumpet-like flowers which can reach up to 12 inches across, featuring mottled purple to red petals with a distinctive purplish striped throat. Pollinated by flies, their bizarre shape gives the plant its name of African Corpse Flower.

When it comes to cultivation, Pararistolochia goldieana prefers a sheltered, semi-shaded spot of the garden but can thrive in full sun if well-watered. Regular watering is key for this species to bloom abundantly and bless its admirers with its spectacular foliage and always surprising flower displays. It is important to note that while this plant thrives in temperatures above 55F, it won't tolerate frost and must be kept at least above freezing to ensure healthy growth. Grown in USDA Zone 10-11, this plant is perfect to be used as a climber to cover sun-drenched walls, espalier trees and cover sheds.

For those residing in colder regions, the plant can still be enjoyed by growing Pararistolochia goldieana in a large pot and protecting it with layers of straw during late autumn and winter. This way, it can be moved to a sheltered spot during colder months and be brought back to a sunny spot in the garden when temperatures rise. The same watering principles apply when grown in a pot and the additional care of wrapping the pot in bubble wrap during winter time is recommended.

Petraeovitex bambusetorum, Petraeovitex wolfei

This amazing climber brings ease of culture, vigorous growth and stunning floral form to the container gardener. Flowering from spring through fall, the blooms form on the tips of its vining stems and pendulate down 2' or more in length. Soft yellow bracts and creamy white flowers form a pendulous infloresence that opens over many weeks. Train it on a trellis or a fence.

See Article about Petraeovitex bambusetorum.

Randia siamensis, Oxyceros horridus

Medium size shrub with highly perfumed 1" wide white flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Flowers come in clusters. The plant has woody thorns on the stem that makes it look unusual for such a fine flowering shrub. Foliage is dark green, sometimes blueish. Can be grown in a pot and as a bonsai. Blooms almost year-round, easy in cultivation. The plant has medicinal properties - analgesic activities, blood tonic, blood purifier.

Salacca magnifica, Salacca zalacca

Salacca sp. magnifica minor (Minor Salak) is an extremely impressive palm, with very long (to 20 ft), undivided leaves. It is a clustering palm, which doesn't trunk. Very spiny. A truly stunning palm which is slowly becoming more common in collections, but is still very expensive. Prefers warm, sheltered, lightly shaded, very moist position, tropical climate, but plants can be grown quite successfully in the warm subtropics. Fuzzy fruit are edible.

Salak palm is cultivated for its fruits, the bulk of which are consumed fresh when fully ripe. In Indonesia the fruits are also candied ("manisan salak"), pickled ("asinan salak") and fresh unripe ones may be used in "rujak", a spicy salad of unripe fruit. Mature fruits may be canned. The seed kernels of the young fruits of the Javanese "Pondoh" form are edible. A closely-planted row of palms forms an impregnable hedge and the very spiny leaves are also cut to construct fences; the leaflets are used for thatching. The bark of the petioles may be used for matting.

Sandoricum koetjape, Sandoricum indicum

This plant grows in warm humid areas - most parts of the tropics and subtropics. Yellow and round fruit has thick skin and tasty segments inside. Sometimes called the "Lolly Fruit" because you have to suck it to get the flavor. Plants from seeds bears fruits in three-four years. Fruits mature in mid summer.