Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Date:
The Magic of 3
top tropical trees
from the legends of Caribbean
Yellow Poinciana, Jacaranda, and Royal Poinciana:
Three happy colors of the Tropics
While traveling through the vibrant and diverse Caribbean, we acquired three exquisite local paintings. Two of these are masterfully rendered on jacaranda wood plates, and the third is beautifully crafted on a calabash. These stunning pieces of art celebrate the three most spectacular and revered flowering trees of the Tropics: Yellow Poinciana, Jacaranda, and Royal Poinciana.
These trees are not only visually stunning but also deeply embedded in Caribbean culture, legends, and folk remedies.
The Yellow
Poinciana, with its bright golden blossoms, is often associated with joy and
sunlight, symbolizing the warmth of the Caribbean spirit.
The Jacaranda,
known for its striking lavender-blue flowers, is a symbol of wisdom and
rebirth, often blooming in a breathtaking display that signals the change of
seasons.
The Royal
Poinciana, with its fiery red and orange flowers, is a symbol of passion and
energy, often referred to as the "Flamboyant" tree due to its bold and dramatic
appearance.
These trees hold a special place in the hearts of the Caribbean people. They are featured in numerous local stories and songs, and their flowers and leaves are used in traditional remedies and rituals. Owning these paintings feels like possessing a piece of the Caribbean's soul and its natural beauty.
Now, we are fortunate to have not only the paintings but also the actual trees. Watching them grow and bloom in our garden brings a piece of the Caribbean to our home, a constant reminder of our travels and the vibrant culture we experienced. These trees and their representations in art are a testament to the region's rich heritage and its enduring connection to nature.
Get them now while we have them. No need to go too far into Caribbean!
Peltophorum africanum - Golden Flamboyant, Yellow Poinciana. An excellent garden shade tree, beautiful in flower. This variety starts flowering at young age, in 3 gal pot.
Jacaranda mimosifolia - Hypnotizing bluish-purple, trumpet-like flowers create the magical image of the tree. Incredible, long-lasting purple blooms. When the trumpet-shaped blooms finally fall, they form a lilac carpet beneath the awe-inspiring Jacaranda for luxuriant curb appeal...
Royal poinciana, Flamboyant tree, Delonix regia - "One of the most spectacular flowering trees in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)
What is the most useful tree in the world?
Moringa oleifera - Bridal veil, Horseradish tree, Drumstick Tree, Ben Oil Tree
Moringa oleifera - Bridal veil, Horseradish tree, Drumstick Tree, Ben Oil Tree
Moringa oleifera - Bridal veil, Horseradish tree, Drumstick Tree, Ben Oil Tree
- 💚 One of the most versatile and valuable trees known to humanity is Moringa oleifera, also called: Horseradish tree, Bridal veil, Horseradish tree, Drumstick Tree, Ben Oil Tree. It is indeed considered one of the most useful trees in the world. This reputation stems from its wide range of nutritional, medicinal, and practical applications.
- 💚 Moringa is a beautiful flowering tree with fragrant white flowers. It produces long green pods (looking like drumsticks!) and the seeds have been compared to a cross between peanuts and asparagus.
- 💚 Moringa leaves are rich in vitamins (A, B, C, E), minerals (calcium, potassium, iron), and amino acids, and have strong antioxidant properties. they are used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation. Moringa can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- 💚 Almost every part of the tree is edible, including the leaves, pods, seeds, and flowers. Each part has its unique nutritional profile and culinary uses. Used in teas and cooking.
- 💚 The roots are used as a substitute for horseradish and the edible leaves make a highly nutritious vegetable. The roots have also been used in many folk remedies.
- 💚 Many Moringa products produced commercially: leaves, powder, oil. Moringa oil, extracted from the seeds, is used in cosmetics, skincare products. Seeds can be used to purify water, making it safer to drink.
- 💚 The plant can be used as a natural fertilizer and pesticide. Leaves are used as a nutritious feed for livestock.
📚 Learn more: How to grow a happy Moringa Tree
🛒 Plant your own Moringa Tree and save the Planet
#Food_Forest #Remedies
🏵 TopTropicals
What is the most delicious Annona fruit?
Annona muricata - Soursop, Guanabana, Graviola
Annona muricata - Soursop, Guanabana, Graviola
Annona muricata - Soursop, Guanabana, Graviola
Annona muricata - Soursop, Guanabana, Graviola
Annona muricata - Soursop, Guanabana, Graviola
Annona muricata - Soursop, Guanabana, Graviola
Annona muricata - Soursop, Guanabana, Graviola
- 🍐 Annona muricata - commonly known as Soursop, Guanabana, or Graviola, is widely regarded as the best-tasting annona fruit.
- 🍐 This tropical tree, native to Tropical America, produces large, unusual-looking fruits with a unique blend of sweet and slightly sour flavors. The custard-like pulp is fragrant, smooth and creamy, making Soursop perfect for milkshakes, desserts, or simply enjoyed fresh.
- 🍐 Soursop is evergreen in warm climates, though it's highly sensitive to cold and requires temperatures above 50°F to thrive. However, it can also be grown indoors in containers, making it possible to enjoy its delicious fruit even in cooler regions. The tree itself is medium-sized, fast-growing, and relatively easy to manage in a pot, offering a wonderful option for indoor fruit growing.
- 🍐 Soursop is one of the largest of the Annonas, and its quirky, bumpy fruit shapes make it a fun conversation starter. We even have an interesting article on how to grow, hand-pollinate and fruit Soursop in an apartment - ideal for plant lovers looking to bring a taste of the tropics into their homes!
- 🍐 Soursop leaves are superheroes in the world of natural remedies. Known for their potential to fight cancer, these leaves are packed with compounds that may help keep rogue cells in check. Whether brewed into tea or turned into extracts, they've become a popular go-to in holistic health circles.
📚 Tropical Treasures Magazine:
Growing and fruiting Soursop in apartment (PDF download)
Spoiler in the next post ⬇️⬇️⬇️
More about Anonnas in previous posts:
Top 10 fast-fruiting trees: #1. Annona
Why everyone wants the Sugar Apple?
The best tropical fruit tree for container growing, and the fastest to fruit: Annona
Spiny Hedgehog fruit: what does it taste like?
🛒 Plant your own Guanabana
#Food_Forest #Remedies
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
What are Health Benefits of Alpinia galanga (Galangal)
Alpinia galanga (Galangal)
🌿 Galangal, also known as Thai ginger, is more than just a fast growing ornamental ginger and flavorful root - it's also a powerful healing plant with centuries of use in both kitchens and traditional medicine. Here are some of its top health benefits:
- Digestive aid - Galangal stimulates digestion, reduces bloating, and relieves nausea. It's especially helpful after heavy or oily meals.
- Anti-inflammatory properties - Contains compounds like galangin that help reduce inflammation, making it useful for joint pain and inflammatory conditions.
- Antioxidant rich - Packed with flavonoids and polyphenols that fight oxidative stress and may help slow aging and support overall wellness.
- Immune support - Traditionally used to fight colds and infections thanks to its antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
- Respiratory health - Used in Thai herbal remedies for clearing the lungs, soothing sore throats, and reducing coughs.
- Brain function - Some studies suggest galangal may help protect brain cells and improve cognitive performance due to its antioxidant profile.
- Circulatory support - Acts as a natural stimulant and may help improve blood flow and circulation.
🛒 Grow your own Thai ginger – fresh, healing, and flavorful!
#Food_Forest #Discover #Remedies
🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Health benefits of a simple plant: Coral bean
Don't let the tough, thorny branches fool you - this native plant has a long history of traditional use. While the seeds are poisonous, the young leaves and flowers have been safely cooked and eaten in small amounts by various cultures.
Traditionally, Erythrina herbacea - Coral Bean has been used in folk remedies for calming the nerves, easing muscle pain, and even promoting better sleep.
Modern science hasn’t fully explored these uses yet, but the plant contains alkaloids that may have sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. It's a reminder that even rugged native plants can carry powerful natural potential.
As a bonus, Erythrina herbacea is also beautiful and beneficial in the garden, drawing in hummingbirds and butterflies with its vibrant pink flowers - hummingbirds can't resist this wild bloomer! It grows well in poor soil and dry conditions - low effort, high reward!
🛒 Plant once, enjoy for years
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Butterfly_plants #Discover
🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Fruits with the most vitamin E, according to dietitians
Fruits with the most vitamin E
- 🔛 Vitamin E works as an antioxidant that helps fight inflammation throughout the body. While nuts and seeds top the charts, some fruits quietly add their share to your daily needs - especially when eaten with a bit of healthy fat. According to New York City Nutrition, vitamin E anti-inflammatory action supports heart, brain, and skin health.
- 🔛 Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, meaning it fights inflammation in the body. Because of this anti-inflammatory role, vitamin E is beneficial for immune health, heart health, eye health, brain health, and skin health.
- 🔛 Adults need about 15 milligrams a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Deficiency is rare, but it’s smart to get vitamin E from a variety of foods. Fruits alone don’t provide large amounts, but they can complement vitamin-E-rich foods like almonds or sunflower seeds.
- 🔛 Since vitamin E needs fat for absorption, pair fruit with something creamy or crunchy - like yogurt, olive oil, nuts, or seeds - for best results.
- 🔛 Here are some fruits that naturally offer vitamin E:
- 🍊 Sapote 1 cup = 3.7 mg vitamin E. A tropical favorite with rich orange flesh and a flavor somewhere between pumpkin pie and sweet potato, with hints of honey and almond, Sapote is great fresh, blended in shakes, or scooped over ice cream. It also packs calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
- Blackberries 1 cup = 1.7 mg vitamin E. Deep color, bold flavor, and plenty of antioxidants, Blackberries are high in fiber and low in calories. Dietitian Keri Glassman calls them her top fruit for fighting inflammation.
- Mango 1 cup = 1.5 mg vitamin E. The “king of fruits” brings more than tropical sweetness, Mango supports digestion, helps you feel full longer, and delivers both vitamin A and E in one juicy package.
- 🍉 Guava 1 cup = 1.2 mg vitamin E. This fragrant fruit has a flavor that lands between strawberry and pear, Guava is also one of the highest-fiber fruits and surprisingly rich in protein for a fruit.
- 🍑 Persimmon 1 fruit = 1.2 mg vitamin E. An autumn favorite that looks like an orange tomato but tastes sweet and mellow, Persimmons are rich in vitamins A and C and make a colorful, fiber-filled snack or dessert.
- Avocado 1 fruit = 0.9 mg vitamin E. Creamy, mild, and versatile, Avocado’s healthy fats help your body absorb vitamin E while protecting heart health. Try it on toast, in salads, or as a smooth butter substitute in baking.
🛒 Plant more remedies in your food forest
📚 Learn more:
- ▫️Plant a fruit tree - and breathe easier: fruit might be the surprising key to healthier lungs
- ▫️11 tropical fruits to eat instead of taking a fiber supplement
- ▫️Tropical fruit health benefits guide - what fruit and edibles can help with health issues and vitamin deficiencies, Part 1 and Part 2.
- ▫️Five best fruit trees to plant in Summer
- ▫️10 best fruit trees to grow in Florida and Southern landscapes
- ▫️Top 10 fruiting plants you'll ever need for your health benefits
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Discover
🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals
How to make lots of Insulin Ginger plants quickly and get more health benefits
Costus igneus (Chamaecostus cuspidatus) - Fiery Costus or Spiral Flag
- Costus igneus (Chamaecostus cuspidatus) - Fiery Costus or Spiral Flag is believed to help lower blood glucose levels naturally and managing diabetes.
- Have you heard of Insulin Ginger? Everyone wants to have it in the garden!
- Gardeners in India grow it not just for its pretty spiral leaves, but for what those leaves do. People with diabetes often chew them fresh or brew them into tea, saying it helps keep their blood sugar under control.
- Researchers have found something interesting: the leaves contain an insulin-like compound, along with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. In animal studies, extracts from the plant lowered blood sugar, protected the liver and kidneys, and even made the body more sensitive to insulin.
- The way folks use it is simple. You can chew a leaf right off the plant, steep dried leaves for tea, or find it in powders and capsules. It's one of those plants that shows how tradition and science sometimes meet in the garden.
- Its lush, turmeric-like leaves spiral around upright stems, with a glossy dark green top and a striking light purple underside. In warm months, it produces bright orange, cone-like flowers that stand out beautifully in the garden.
- Beyond its beauty and natural insulin effects, the insulin plant is credited with aiding digestion, reducing cholesterol, boosting energy, improving skin health, supporting weight loss, relieving stress, and promoting heart wellness. A real botanical multitasker!
🎥 In this video, we’ll show you how to multiply Insulin Ginger fast, so you’ll have plenty of plants for yourself and even extras to share with friends and family.
✅ Don’t forget to use Green Magic fertilizer for the best results. Gingers absolutely love this plant food - they thrive on it and respond better than any other plant, with vigorous growth, lush foliage and loads of leaves you’ll need for all the benefits.
🛒 Grow your own sugar-fighter - the Insulin Ginger
📚 Learn more:
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Shade_Garden #Discover
🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Why do the Chinese drink tea?
🍃 It actually has to do with the Chinese theory of the five elements - wood, metal, fire, water, and earth:
木 金 火 水 土
🍃 Tea comes from a plant - Camellia sinensis - the Tea Leaf Tree - that is used to make all true teas: green, black, white, and oolong. The Tea Tree contains the element of wood (木) 🌳
🍃 When it's roasted in a cast-iron pan, it gains the element of metal (金)
🍃 Then it's dried over fire, adding the element of fire (火) 🔥
🍃 When it's brewed with boiling water, the element of water enters (水) 💦
🍃 Finally, tea is poured into a clay vessel, symbolizing the element of earth (土) 🍯
🍃 In this way, all five elements - wood, metal, fire, water, and earth - come together in a single cup.
🍃 The plant grows slowly and can thrive in containers or frost-free gardens with sun to semi-shade.
🛒 Grow your own tea
📚Learn more from previous posts:
Tea facts
How to grow your own tea?
Where does the tea come from?
Instructions how to make tea from tea leaves (PDF)
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Fun_facts
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
What is better than Spinach
Date:
What is the easiest, prettiest, and most practical plant?
A plastic one?
Believe it or not, there is a different answer:
Plant of the month: Callisia Variegated Golden Tendril
Callisia fragrans x soconuscensis Melnikoff - Variegated Golden Tendril
An ultimate plant:
- perfect low maintenance house plant
- easy to grow
- has multiple holistic medicinal properties
- can grow fast as grownd cover
- needs almost no water
- sun or shade
- no fuss, no kidding!
This is an extremely rare variety of the European Holistic Medicinal Plant - Golden Tendril. It has showy variegated leaves and makes a beautiful houseplant on top of its medicinal value. It tolerates wide range of conditions and requires very little water; takes both bright sun or shade and is very fast growing and easy. The plant has wide medicinal use in Europe, literally every household uses this plant as a home remedies... just like Aloe Vera! According to scientific research, active biological substances from steroid group contained in this plant can struggle with any types of infections, stimulates metabolic processes, strengthens immunity and circulatory system, has a positive influence on growths and much more... some people consider it a virtual panacea. Whether it works for everybody or not, it is definitely fun to own such a legendary plant!
These are pictures of actual plants for sale!
