Allamanda sp. Alba

Allamanda sp. Alba (Allamanda Blanca) is a beautiful and large shrub, measuring 5-10 ft tall, and is native to Thailand. Although usually seen as a vine or creeper, it can also be grown in a pot, hence making it suitable even in colder regions. It needs full sun and regular water, but not too much. It produces gorgeous, white, off-white flowers which have an almost too sweet, but pleasant odor. The downside? These flowers are also a bit irritating, so it's best to enjoy their sight from a safe distance.

These flowers attract butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds and thus have become a favored nectar source for them. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 but should not be exposed to below 20 Fahrenheit. It's also easy to manage, as it requires regular pruning to keep in shape and create a shapely look. Allamanda sp. Alba (Allamanda Blanca) is a great addition to any garden. Its attractive flowers and low maintenance means any gardener is sure to enjoy this plant!

Allamanda violacea Cream

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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A beautiful variety with delicate light cream flowers. An eye-stopper! A tropical deeply twining vine with whorled leaves and large, trumpet shaped flowers. Prickly seed pods follow the flowers with winged seeds that fly about when the pod dries and breaks open. Allamanda is perennial in tropical climates and may be treated as an annual or brought inside during cold weather and replanted after danger of frost. The plant has milky sap and is considered poisonous; all parts are highly cathartic (hence the botanical name). Grows well in most soils, but becomes chlorotic in very alkaline conditions. Train up a trellis, tree, or side of a building where there is support. In areas where there is seasonal change, keep fairly dry during winter and prune in spring before growth begins. It may be desirable to prune annually in any case to control for size.

Allanblackia sp.

Allanblackia sp. (Tallow tree), native to the tropical forests of Africa, is a small tree usually ranging from 10-20 ft tall. It prefers full sun, but can also do well in semi-shade and needs regular but moderate water. This tree is a showstopper, with bright pink, white, off-white and yellow or orange flowers.

This tree is an ethnomedical plant, which means its seeds have been used for centuries in African traditional medicine for inflammation and for fighting bacteria, and parasites. It is also edible and the fruit, although not particularly delicious, can be eaten as a snack or added to fruit salads.

Allanblackia floribunda can produce up to 100 fruits per year, each of which contain a dozen or more seeds. The seeds contain a rich oil that is used in cooking and cosmetics. In cooking, the oil has a neutral flavor and is high in omega-3 fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add healthy omega-3s to their diet. In the cosmetics industry, it is used for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

This tree can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 in pots in cold regions as well. When planting, make sure the soil is well-drained, with plenty of compost and fertilizer added. Keep soil moist and provide regular but moderate water. Sun exposure should be full sun to semi-shade but avoid full shade as it will cause poor flowering, fruit formation and oil production.

Allophylus sp.

Alocasia macrorrhiza

Alocasia macrorrhiza is similar to other large-leafed arums such as the Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Peltrandra spp., and Colocasia esculenta, often called Taro. Alocasia macrorrhiza differs from the others in having an upright stem and holding its leaves upright, and in several technical characteristics that mean a lot to the botanists. Numerous hybrids have been produced from among the various Elephant Ear species, and it's not always possible to identify particular specimens.

It produced insignificant but fragrant white flowers on a sradix enclosed in a leaf-like, yellow-green spathe.

Giant taro is cultivated throughout the tropics for its edible rhizomes and shoots.

Alocasias require continual warmth and humidity. The soil should be rich but well drained, and the plant appreciates frequent watering (daily in hot weather), especially as if grows larger. Note however, that when the plant is young and small, too much water (particularly if the weather is cold) will rot the tuber, so be careful not to overdo it.

Bright light is preferred, but it will do well in anything up to 80 percent shade. Leaves tend to grow larger in shadier positions. Full sun is usually not preferred and may discolor the leaves, although it will usually cope with a bit of full sun provided it can get enough water.