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Why is it called Kings Mantle

King's Mantle - Thunbergia erecta

🤴Why is it called King's Mantle
  • ✨ Looking for a hedge that blooms non-stop, even in the shade? King's Mantle - Thunbergia erecta - is ever-blooming superstar is the perfect flowering bush or hedge for those tricky shady spots in your garden.
  • ✨ Unlike its climbing cousins, this Thunbergia prefers to sprawl as a shrub, making it easier to manage.
  • ✨ With its fast-growing, bushy habit, it's ideal for mixed beds or creating a medium-to-low hedge that stays dense and beautiful year-round.
  • ✨ The flowers? Think of morning glories, with stunning purple or white petals and sunny yellow throats. And if you're feeling adventurous, try the 'Lavender Ice' variety with royal, lavender-variegated flowers for a unique twist. The name King's Mantle is well-deserved!
  • ✨Not just a pretty face, King’s Mantle also boasts small, dark green leaves that make the flowers pop even more.
  • ✨ It's a pruning enthusiast's dream - cut it back, and it'll reward you with even more blooms!
  • ✨ Whether you plant it in sun or partial shade, King's Mantle will thrive in well-drained soil, delivering a burst of color all year long.


📚 Learn more from previous post:
Perfect everblooming hedge for shade

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Eight most spectacular gingers

White ginger flower

Photo above: Costus arabicus - Spiral Ginger

Q: I grow ginger for cooking, but I know that some varieties have showy flowers. What gingers can you recommend as ornamentals?

A: Ginger is famous for its culinary and medicinal uses, and many species are also strikingly beautiful, making them perfect centerpieces for tropical gardens or potted plant collections, especially in shaded spots. Here are a few of our favorite cultivars.

1. Yellow Butterfly Ginger

Hedychium flavum x coronarium - Yellow Butterfly Ginger, Nardo Ginger Lily

Hedychium flavum x coronarium - Yellow Butterfly Ginger, Nardo Ginger Lily - rare hybrid of White Butterfly ginger we mentioned earlier (https://t.me/TopTropicals/710), it is more vigorous and tall than its parent. With attractive long green leaves with a slight fuzziness, this ginger has open long spikes of pastel yellow flowers with a beautiful heady aroma. Exquisitely fragrant!

2. Variegated Spiral Ginger

Costus arabicus (amazonicus) variegata - Variegated Spiral Ginger

Costus arabicus (amazonicus) variegata - Variegated Spiral Ginger - is a tropical stunner originally from South America but adored in Hawaii and Florida. This ginger's eye-catching, spiraling stems are streaked with striking white variegation, topped with elegant pure white flowers with yellow centers. The pure white blooms are truly a piece of art! Perfect for shade gardens, this plant thrives in moist soil and loves plenty of water. If you're looking to add a bit of drama and elegance to your garden, this beauty is a must-have!

3. Pine Cone (Shampoo) Ginger

Zingiber Zerumbet - Pine Cone Ginger, Shampoo Ginger

Zingiber Zerumbet - Pine Cone Ginger, Shampoo Ginger - is probably the most popular one. All parts of this ginger are spicy fragrant. The cone shaped flowers are long lasting and useful for cut flower arrangements. It is in fact used as a shampoo in Asia and Hawaii, and as an ingredient in several commercial shampoos! Pinecone ginger is considered a "canoe plant", that is, a plant introduced throughout the Pacific by the ancient Polynesian settlers.

4. Spiral Raspberry Ginger

Costus vargasii - Spiral Ginger Raspberry Yogurt

Costus vargasii - Spiral Ginger Raspberry Yogurt - The name refers to the colorful raspberry colored stem, but that's not the only colorful thing about it: the leaves are dark green, long and glossy with velvety deep purple undersides. The inflorescence is a vivid red with tight bracts and bold yellow flowers. The butterflies love to drink the nectar from the flowers. Large vigorous ginger, growing up to 5-6 ft tall.

5. Cameroon Costus African Princess

Costus fissiligulatus - African Princess, Cameroon Costus

Costus fissiligulatus - African Princess, Cameroon Costus - from Gabon in West Africa. It has a dazzling pink trumpet flower with a yellow throat. It is very floriferous with an inflorescence of numerous flower buds on a shortish plant of 3-4 ft that stands very erect. It is an easy grower.

6. Red Button Ginger (French Kiss)

Costus spicatus x woodsonii - Red Button Ginger, French Kiss

Costus spicatus x woodsonii - Red Button Ginger, French Kiss: this ginger's inflorescence resembles a cluster of bright red buttons, making it a standout in tropical gardens.

7. White Butterfly Ginger

Hedychium coronarium - White Butterfly Ginger

Hedychium coronarium - White Butterfly Ginger is a must for every Southern garden. It is famous for its intense, sweet scent. Symbol of Hawaiian Paradise along with Plumeria and Jasmine. It is popular in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands for leis and hair adornments and bears fragrant, butterfly-resembling flowers in summer. It has long lasting cut flowers, ideal for scenting the home. Can survive light freezes, with tops regrowing in the spring. Takes sun or shade.

8. Laos Silver Stripe Peacock Ginger

Kaempferia angustifolia - Laos Silver Stripe

Kaempferia angustifolia - Laos Silver Stripe is one of the most beautiful of all the Kaempferia Peacock Ginger cultivars. It is one of the large types. The plant has boldly striped leaves of green and silver. The flowers are orchid shaped white and purple. Small, compact perennial, great for container culture. This hard to find variety is a must for every Ginger collector.

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Date:

Discover top 10 fruiting plants youll ever need for your health benefits

Discover top 10 fruiting plants youll ever need for your health benefits
🔍 Discover top 10 fruiting plants you'll ever need for your health benefits.

⁉️ I planted Mango and Avocado trees, and I still have room for more trees but want to use the space wisely. What other trees should I plant to get the most benefits out of the fruit?

✅ Everyone loves planting Mango or Avocado trees for their well-known benefits. But did you know that adding a variety of other fruit trees to your garden can expand those benefits even more? If you plant just one of each of these 10 trees, you'll have a complete spectrum of nutrients and health-boosting ingredients you ever need. With a diverse range of healthy fruits, you'll boost your diet, improve your health, and elevate your lifestyle.

By planting these 10 diverse fruit trees, you’ll not only enjoy a delicious and abundant harvest but also ensure your garden provides all the nutrients needed for a healthier, more vibrant life:
  1. Guava
  2. Coffee
  3. Noni
  4. Papaya
  5. Banana
  6. Dragon fruit
  7. Tamarind
  8. Surinam Cherry
  9. Nescafe
  10. Loquat


    11. ⚠️ Learn more about these 10 top fruit you'll ever need for your health benefits in our following posts... Stay with us and make sure to subscribe! ⬇️

    🛒 Shop fruit trees

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The most beautiful of all orchid trees

Bauhinia blakeana - Hong Kong Orchid Tree

🌺 The most beautiful of all orchid trees

Bauhinia blakeana - Hong Kong Orchid Tree:
"...Edging the golf course of the club was a glorious sweep of glowing purple. Even before I was near enough to identify the trees, the rich, heady perfume which filled the air told me they were Bauhinias. The sight left me breathless and it was then I realised how difficult was the attempt I was making to describe in mere words the trees I know better how to paint..." (D. Cowen, "Flowering trees and shrubs of India")

🛒 Order online

#Trees #Quotes

📱 Watch the video about Hong Kong Orchid Tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seJQN-VfjcI

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Go Pineapple!

Go Pineapple!
💩 Go Pineapple!

Our Cats love pineapples. They start eating pineapple from the top!

Share your cats in comments!
📸 🐈🐈🐈👇

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Three must-have fruit for every tropical garden

Three must-have fruit for every tropical garden
🏆 Three must-have fruit for every tropical garden

🍍Pineapple is a tropical favorite that's incredibly easy to grow, making it a perfect choice for beginners. With minimal care, Pineapples don't take mush space, you can grown them underneath other fruit trees. Plant good varieties, and when you get your crop, plant the tops and you will have your little Pineapple plantation in no time: you'll enjoy sweet, juicy fruit from those little babies in about 18-24 months. Freshly harvested pineapples are delightful in smoothies, salads, or grilled, adding a tropical flair to your garden.

🥭 Mango trees are not only a staple in tropical gardens but are also easy to cultivate. They flourish in sunny spots and well-drained soil, requiring little maintenance once established. These vigorous trees can yield an abundance of juicy, flavorful fruit in just a few years. They are perfect for fresh eating or adding to salsas and chutneys. Condo varieties are dwarf trees and can be grown in containers.

🥑 Avocado trees are fun to grow and add both beauty and nutrition to tropical gardens. Grafted cultivars start yielding fruit within a few months with proper care. The rich, creamy avocados are a culinary favorite, perfect for salads, spreads, and smoothies. With their lush foliage and bountiful harvests, avocado trees are a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for ease and abundance.

📚 Learn more from previous post:

🛒 Shop fruit trees

#Food_Forest

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How big is the Little Gem?

Little Gem Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia

Little Gem Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia

Little Gem Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia, flower

Little Gem Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia, flower

Little Gem Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia, tree

Little Gem Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia, tree

Little Gem Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia, flower

Little Gem Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia, flower

💎 How big is the Little Gem?
  • 🕊 Looking for a cold-hardy tree with majestic flowers and a scent that could make angels swoon? Meet the Little Gem Magnolia! This delightful dwarf variety of the Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia - packs all the charm without the towering height.
  • 🕊 With large, perfect white flowers that emit a divine fragrance, this beautiful columnar tree is like nature's perfume dispenser.
  • 🕊 The leaves? They’re fluffy and brown underneath, like a teddy bear wearing a velvet jacket!
  • 🕊 Though it’s called a "dwarf," don’t be fooled - Little Gem can still reach up to 8-10 feet wide if planted in the ground, offering plenty of blooms even when young.
  • 🕊 While it's slow-growing, this compact beauty is perfect for small gardens where space is precious. Ideal perfume tree for container garden.
  • 🕊 Whether it's in a container or part of your landscape, this magnolia is a total showstopper. If you're ready for a tree that blends elegance, fragrance, and manageable size, Little Gem is your new best friend!


📚 Learn more:

🛒 Order Little Gem Magnolia

#Perfume_Plants #Trees

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Date:

Its the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, entering the year 5785!

Its the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, entering the year 5785!
❤️ It's the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, entering the year 5785!

😋 Moshe the Cat is wishing everybody a peaceful and understanding start to the year! Today is extra special because it's the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and we're entering the year 5785! 🐈

  • 🐾 Some people might not know about this holiday, but it's a time for reflecting on the past and setting intentions for the future. Moshe and the whole Top Tropicals family are wishing everyone a year full of peace, kindness, and a deeper understanding of each other.


🤪 "Be kind! And if you are not - you know what happens!" - says Moshe

✨ Let's make this year purr-fect, Planet!

Share your cats in comments!
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How to make Nescafe from Mucuna beans

Mucuna pruriens, Velvet Bean, Purple Jade Vine - beans

Mucuna pruriens, Velvet Bean, Purple Jade Vine - beans

Mucuna pruriens, Velvet Bean, Purple Jade Vine - beans, flowers

Mucuna pruriens, Velvet Bean, Purple Jade Vine - beans, flowers

Mucuna pruriens, Velvet Bean, Purple Jade Vine - seeds

Mucuna pruriens, Velvet Bean, Purple Jade Vine - seeds

☕️ How to make Nescafe from Mucuna beans.
  • 😼 Looking for a caffeine-free coffee substitute with health-boosting benefits?

    • Mucuna pruriens, also known as Velvet Bean, or Purple Jade Vine, offers a rich and satisfying alternative to traditional coffee.
  • 😼 With its natural L-Dopa content, it supports brain function, calms the mind, and nourishes the body. Paired with ingredients like chicory root, this blend not only tastes great but also promotes digestion and overall well-being.


💬 Simple guide to making your own Mucuna "Nescafe" at home
  • 🫘 Prepare the Beans: Collect Mucuna beans carefully, wearing gloves to avoid contact with the irritating hairs on the pods.
  • 🫘 Roast the Beans: Roast the beans until they turn dark and aromatic, similar to how coffee beans are roasted.
  • 🫘 Grind the Beans: Once roasted, grind the beans into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or blender.
  • 🫘 Brew: Use the ground beans just like instant coffee. Add hot water, mix, and enjoy. You can add milk or sweetener if desired.


🥉 Benefits of Mucuna Nescafe:
  • 🟡 Natural source of L-Dopa, which supports brain and nervous system health.
  • 🟡 May calm the mind, nourish tissues, and support kidney function.
  • 🟡 Aids digestion and acts as a prebiotic.
  • 🟡 A caffeine-free alternative that provides sustained energy and balance.


📚 Learn more from previous post:
What is Nescafe Coffee made from?

🛒 Plant your own Nescafe Vine

#Food_Forest #Remedies #Recipes

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Florida Native Plant Sale

Florida Native Plant Sale

One Week Only: Instant 10% OFF

Take advantage of this limited time offer: 10% OFF Florida Native plants! With cooler weather on the way, these hardy plants are perfect for fall and winter planting. They’re easy to establish and offer numerous benefits, especially for those in HOA communities.

Why choose Florida natives?

- HOA approved and welcomed
- Adapted to the local climate and soil
- Require less water, fertilizer, and fewer pesticides (if any, thanks to natural insect predators)
- Easy to grow - perfect for beginners - Provide essential habitat and food for local wildlife, including birds and butterflies

Go native and make your landscape thrive!

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Florida landscape

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