Actinodium cunninghamii

Actinodium cunninghamii, also known as the Swamp Daisy, is a small plant that can grow up to 2-5 ft in height. A native to Western Australia, it is an evergreen shrub that is popular for its white and off-white flowers. In rare cases the flowers may bloom in a range of colors including red, crimson and vinous.

This small flower is also popular for its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is tolerant of both dry and moderately wet environments. To grow well, Actinodium cunninghameii needs good soil drainage and should be watered regularly. It is tolerant of both full sun and semi-shade but it is important to ensure that it is kept moist in warm climates.

Actinodium Cunninghameii is hardy to USDA Zone 9-11. In cooler climates, it should be planted in a sheltered area to protect it from cold winds and frost. If container planting in a colder climate it is important to keep the soil moist but not too wet. A mulch can be used to help keep the roots from getting too cold in the winter.

Overall,Actinodium cunninghameii is a low-maintenance species that is suitable for a wide range of climates. With good soil drainage and enough sunlight, it will thrive in both warm and cold climates. Its easy to care for nature makes it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add some colorful variety to their garden.

Adansonia digitata

Regarded as the largest succulent in the world, the baobab tree is steeped in a wealth of mystique, legend and superstition wherever it occurs in Africa. It is a tree that can provide food, water, shelter, and relief from sickness. During drought, elephants obtain moisture by chewing on the wood. The stem is covered with a bark layer, which may be 50-100 mm thick. The leaves are hand-sized and divided into 5-7 finger-like leaflets. The baobab is a deciduous, meaning that in winter, it sheds all of its leaves and grows new ones in spring. The large, pendulous flowers (up to 200 mm in diameter) are white and sweetly scented ,that are pollinated by bats. They are followed by velvety fruits full of edible acidic pulp sought by both monkeys and people. In the dryer, temperate regions of Africa, Baobabs are a tree of myth and legend. Baobabs are carefully tended by rural peoples and are particularly useful: the hollow trunks of baobabs are used as dwellings and storehouses, traditional medicines are obtained from its bark, leaves, and fruit. Its bark can be pounded to produce fibers that are used to make baskets, cloth, hats, mats, nets, rope, and strings (interestingly, after the bark is stripped away, the baobab grows new bark). Its leaves are cooked and eaten as greens, and are dried for use as a seasoning and a sauce and stew thickener. Its fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, and iron, and is called pain de singe or monkey bread. It can be roasted, ground, and boiled to make a coffee-substitute; it is also soaked in water to make a refreshing drink, and is used as a flavoring. They will make a handsome addition to a large garden, estate, or large parkland providing the soil is not waterlogged. Baobabs cannot tolerate even mild frost. When they are young, baobabs do not resemble their adult counterparts, the stems are thin and inconspicuous, and their leaves are simple and not divided into the five to seven lobes of the adult trees. Saplings can be effectively grown in containers or tubs for many years before becoming too large and requiring to be planted into the ground.

See article about this tree.

See how to grow Baobab bonsai

Article about endangered Baobabs.

Adansonia grandidieri

Native to Madagascar and growing with a massive, cylindrical bole, Grandidier's Baobab, Adansonia grandidieri, can be a large tree, reaching up to 80 ft tall. The tree is mostly found in a restricted area, threatening its survival due to habitat destruction and regeneration. Despite being threatened, Grandidier's Baobab remains very versatile and is popular among bonsai enthusiasts.

Grandidier's Baobab can prosper in full sun, or on rare occasions in partial shade, and needs moderate watering. If grown in cold regions, pots should be elevated to ensure better drainage and should be sheltered during winter. It has a flat-topped, light crown with few branches, and white to off-white flowers. It produces edible fruits, with oil-rich seeds, making it a valuable source of food and fiber for thatching.

Grandidier's Baobab can produce hundreds of fruits, depending on the age and weather conditions, each fruit weighing about 250g. The fruits are orange and oval-shaped with a pulp containing a few large seeds. It has a pleasant taste and can be used to make refreshing drinks, jams, salads, and other desserts. Grandidier's Baobab is also rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as vitamin C, phosphorus, and fiber, providing healthy benefits and being an important component of the Malagasy diet.

Adansonia gregorii

Adansonia gregorii is native to the northern parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Once appropriate conditions are provided, it thrives in USDA zoning 9-11, and can reach up to 20 feet tall. It prefers a full sun location and regular watering, usually around 1-2 times a week. The swallow-shaped trunk, in combination with its light green leaves, gives the plant an interesting texture and an overall rounded-look.

The flowers are the showpieces of the Adansonia gregorii, ranging from off-white to white in color and bell-like in shape. They are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds which adds a whimsical, airy feel to the garden.

The Boab tree is deciduous and sheds its leaves during the winter and spring months. Once it goes dormant in the late summer or early autumn, it is best to preserve the existing moisture level.

Adansonia gregorii is best grown in pots in colder regions. Loamy soil is preferred and watering once a week is more than enough. Depending on the climate and indoor location and temperature, the Boab tree may benefit from careful pruning to reduce its growth so it can comfortably fit in its container. Keeping the moisture level during its dormant season is essential to prevent any damage to the plant.

Adenium arabicum

Growing to a height of about 4-5ft, this succulent plant is a member of the same family as Plumeria. Its swollen, often twisted trunk is pale gray. The leaves are glossy and club-shaped, and the flowers, which appear almost continuously, are trumpet-shaped, and range from white and bright pink to crimson red. It exudes a highly toxic sap which in some places is used as a poison for arrows. Adenium is not generally grown in moist tropical gardens but is often seen as a decorative pot plant; it may also be used in rock gardens. It needs full sun and a well-drained potting mixture. Exotic multi-color varieties can be grafted on the same plant. See other exotic species of Adenium, photo gallery of exotic varieties and Thai Adeniums - milti-colored, multi-grafted. More info about Adenium