Shade - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Named for Enrichetta Treves de Bonfili, of Padua, 19th century patron of botanical research.

Leaves of all the species are palmately lobed, but in some the lobes are narrowed to form false petiolules, and the lamina is expanded again towards the base of the leaf. In Trevesia burckii these leaves are the normal adult state, while in another species (Trevesia palmata) the leaf dissection is variable both between and within individual plants. Young T. burckii seedlings have ovate leaves.

The plant reaches in nature a size of up to 15-20" and prefers the shaded environment of a mountain rainforest. It is a hardy indoor plant that can tolerate a very wide range of home environments from full sunshine to dark corners.

Theobroma grandiflorum can be propagated from seeds and cuttings, but are generally best grown from cuttings. It will grow in full sun and semi-shade and prefers a temperature above 55F. It can be grown in USDA Zones 11-12, making it a great ornamental plant for colder locations.

Theobroma grandiflorum (Cupuasu) is a small to medium tree that originates in the Amazon Rainforest. It can reach heights up to 50 Ft, with its seeds being dispersed by birds and monkeys that feast on the pulp of its sweet fruit. Indigenous tribes and local communities have been cultivating Cupuacu as a primary food source for centuries, traditionally trading its seeds along the Rio Negro and Upper Orinoco rivers. It is also an important ethnomedical plant for indigenous tribal medicine. The plant is used in Amazon region for abdominal-pains

Cupuacu fruit is about the size of a cantaloupe and is highly sought after for its creamy, exotic-tasting pulp. The pulp occupies approximately one-third of the fruit, and can be enjoyed fresh, in juice, frozen into ice cream, or made into jam or tarts. Cupuacu is plentiful in the rainy months between January and April, and is a highly prized delicacy in South American cities. It also boasts a variety of nutritive, stimulant, and tonic properties.

When it comes to fruit production, Theobroma grandiflorum typically produces multiple fruits each season. Each tree can yield up to 80-100 fruits with a sweet juicy pulp and a large center seed pod. On top of that, the fruit is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and minerals that can contribute to improved cardiovascular health.

Euphorbia mellifera is an evergreen shrub or tree growing to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) tall and broad, with narrow leaves up to 20 cm (8 in) long. In spring it produces brown, honey-scented flowers.

If grown in sun it will be more compact â€" a shady position giving an elegant open centred plant.

Beaumontia sp. (Easter Lily Vine, Heralds Trumpet) is a vigorous evergreen vine or creeper native to the Himalayan tropics. It is an extraordinary ornamental plant with its glossy green foliage and impressive white off-white flowers. This plant prefers full sun to semi-shade and requires regular watering. It is a vigorous woody climber that typically bleeds a white milky sap from cut stems. Although technically a climber, it is usually grown as a shrub to 6-10ft tall with dark glossy green leaves that are deeply veined. In spring to summer, it produces fragrant white flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

In USDA Zone 9-11, Beaumontia sp. thrives best in well-drained soil but can tolerate clay or sandy soils. While it enjoys an abundance of sunlight, it benefits from protection from the hottest afternoon sun. This plant loves moisture, so water regularly, especially when cultivated in an area of drought or in cold regions. If planted in a pot, ensure regular watering in summer and over-wintering in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.

Heralds Trumpet is an interesting rare plant with large white flowers that have a sweet tropical perfume. The large white flowers have a rich tropical scent and bloom throughout the warmer periods of the year, in spring and summer.

Called pikake in Hawaii, this is the plant used to flavor the jasmine tea and making perfumes. Perfect houseplant, takes both sun or shade, Jasminum Sambac is a beautiful fragrant everbloomer for your home and garden.

This variety is a slow grower, with pale green pointed leaves and double flowers with elongated narrow petals. Prefers filtered light, but will tolerate full sun.

See Video about Sambac varieties

Read more about Jasminum Sambac varieties and see more pictures: Jasminum Sambac Page.

Dendrobium 'Party Queen' is a hybrid in the Dendrobium x Phalaenopsis group (often referred to as Den-Phal hybrids). A very bright eye-stopper new hybrid from Thailand with deep purple and white flowers, high contrast colors!

This low-growing, 2ft plant thrives in semi-shade, coastal, and even salt-tolerant sites. Although, it does need regular watering, either in the form of irrigation or rain. The Tradescantia zebrina is a versatile flower that can bloom with small bright pink blooms, contrasting against its uniquely patterned leaves. It's particularly popular as a groundcover or hanging plant. The Tradescantia zebrina is hardy to USDA Zone 9-11, making it an attractive and resilient choice for warm-weather gardens.

It is relatively easy to care for. The soil should be kept lightly damp so that it's evenly moist, but not soggy. It should also be fertilized during the growing season. The Tradescantia zebrina can be grown in partial shade, such as under trees or on porches or balconies, or in containers placed in cooler, shadier locations, such as near a north or east-facing wall. However, it will need regular water and fertilizer to help it thrive and will require more frequent watering in hotter weather and if it's in full sun.

For those in colder climates, successful Tradescantia zebrina growth in pots can be achieved in unheated rooms or greenhouses during the winter, and can be brought outdoors during the summer. The plants should be placed in a bright, sunny spot with good air circulation. The pot should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept lightly moist. It is also important to ensure that the plants receive adequate light during the winter, so they can maintain their vibrant colouration.

Camptosema grandiflora, commonly known as Dwarf Red Jade Vine, Brazilian Red Jade Vine, or Crista-de-Galo, is a spectacular flowering vine admired for its brilliant red blooms and greater cold tolerance than the tropical Red Jade Vine, Mucuna benetti..

This vigorous evergreen climber, native to Brazil, belongs to the legume family and develops strong twining stems. Although often called a dwarf red jade vine, it can become a substantial plant when established. Its lush green foliage remains attractive even when not in bloom.

From fall through winter, the vine produces long, pendulous racemes of fiery red to orange-red flowers reminiscent of those of Mucuna benettii. The spectacular blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds and are most effective when displayed overhead, allowing the clusters to hang naturally.

Camptosema grandiflora grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with regular moisture. Once established, it can tolerate short dry periods and light frost. Adequate feeding and occasional pruning after flowering encourage vigorous growth and abundant blooming. Considerably more cold tolerant than Mucuna benettii, this species has become a favorite among gardeners who admire jade vines but live outside truly tropical climates.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 9b-11. Established plants can tolerate brief temperature drops to approximately 25-28F, although young growth may be damaged by frost.

Dorstenia bahiensis is an interesting plant with strange looking receptacles. At maturity, seeds shoot ballistically from the mature flower/fruit heads, and they germinate readily whenever the land on soil or other moist substrate.

Mattress Button Plant is a shade-loving oddball. Its glossy green leaves are topped with flat, wavy discs that really do look like old-fashioned upholstery buttons scattered across the garden floor. But these button heads aren't just for show - on their surface are tiny clusters of male and female blooms, all crammed together like a mini city of flowers.

The real fun begins when those button heads ripen. Instead of quietly dropping seeds like most plants, Dorstenia goes full popcorn mode. With a little "pop!" the seeds are catapulted yards away, just like squeezing a watermelon seed between your fingers. One moment it's calm, the next it's launching its offspring across the yard.

At only 6-12 inches tall, this little understory dweller doesn't take up much space, but it makes up for it with personality. Think of it as a ground-hugging trickster, content in the shade, thriving in moist tropical soil, and ready to surprise you with its seed-shooting antics. Grow it in a pot, use it as quirky groundcover, or just keep it around as the botanical equivalent of a party trick.

The plant can be propagated from cutting the rhyzomes.

It covers well exposed soil in greenhouses, dark corners, and shaded beds.

It is a popular large shrub or small tree in gardens. Likes fertile, well drained soil. Good coastal plant; tolerates salt spray and withstands heat!