"/>
Newsletter sign up Call Us: 1-866-897-7957
Select FREE SHIPPING
Cart
Index > Garden Blog

Date:

Why do we love Papaya?

Why do we love Papaya?
😘 Why do we love Papaya?

#Fun_Facts about Papaya:

  • πŸ’Ÿ Not a tree: Papaya is technically a giant herb with a single, straight trunk that can grow up to 30 feet tall.

  • πŸ’Ÿ Gender flexible: Papaya plants can change their gender based on environmental conditions. This complex mechanism ensures better adaptability.

  • πŸ’Ÿ Cold and wind resistant: Papayas can withstand light freezes and strong winds, making them surprisingly hardy for a tropical plant.

  • πŸ’Ÿ Solo cultivars: These smaller, round or oval papayas are incredibly sweet and less susceptible to fruit flies.


Learn about #How_to grow Papaya tree in our next postπŸ‘‡

πŸ›’ Shop Papaya trees

#Food_Forest #Papaya

πŸ”΄ Join πŸ‘‰ TopTropicals

Date:

What is the secret of Mameys popularity

Pouteria sapota, Mamey Sapote fruit

Pouteria sapota, Mamey Sapote fruit

Pouteria sapota, Mamey Sapote fruit on a branch

Pouteria sapota, Mamey Sapote fruit on a branch

Pouteria sapota, Mamey Sapote fruit on a branch

Pouteria sapota, Mamey Sapote fruit on a branch

Pouteria sapota, Mamey Sapote fruit

Pouteria sapota, Mamey Sapote fruit

😎 What is the secret of Mamey's popularity
  • 🍊 Pouteria sapota, or Mamey Sapote - is a large tropical fruit with a thick, rough skin and sweet, creamy orange flesh with sweet and pumpkin-like flavor.
  • 🍊 It's eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in desserts like ice cream and shakes.
  • 🍊 National fruit of Cuba, native to the Caribbean and Central America, Mamey has been cultivated for centuries and is valued for its rich flavor and high nutritional content.


Flowers emerge in clusters in the axils of fallen leaves along the branches, followed by the showy fruit. This is called cauliflory - when plants flower and fruit from their main stems or woody trunks. Other examples of cauliflory are Cucumber tree and Jaboticaba.

πŸ“š More from previous post:
Why exotic Mamey is so much wanted

πŸ›’ Order Mamey Tree

#Food_Forest #Fun_Facts

πŸ”΄ Join πŸ‘‰ TopTropicals

Date:

Did you know which two trees are behind the creation of Eggnog?

Did you know which two trees are behind the creation of Eggnog? Nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans)

Nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans)

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia).

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia).

β˜•οΈ Did you know which two trees are behind the creation of Eggnog?

β˜•οΈ Eggnog is made from milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, and two spices: Nutmeg and Cinnamon. Both nutmeg and cinnamon come from spice trees:

πŸ₯§ Nutmeg is made from the seed of the Nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans).

πŸ”₯Cinnamon comes from the bark of the Cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia).

πŸ₯‚ These spices add the classic, warming flavors that make eggnog so popular during the holiday season.

πŸ›’ Shop Spice Trees

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Fun_facts

πŸ”΄ Join πŸ‘‰ TopTropicals

Date:

What is the most popular Christmas plant?

Christmas Orchid Cactus - Schlumbergera

πŸ˜‚ What is the most popular Christmas plant?
  • πŸ₯³ Every one knows Christmas Orchid Cactus - Schlumbergera. But this rare variety is exceptional - it is called New Deal.

    • This remarkable Christmas cactus hybrid has spectacular, large-flowers and blooms twice a season.
  • πŸ₯³ New Deal is completely lost to the trade today, but we have it at Top Tropicals for the first time after it was originally offered for purchase at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden over 90 years ago while having a special rare plant sale on the day of the famous presidential election on November 8, 1932 when F.D.R. was historically voted in as the next American president.
  • πŸ₯³ The plants we are offering are all 3rd generation vegetative propagation from an original specimen (still alive btw). Its name New Deal - is identical to President Franklin D. Roosevel main campaign slogan πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
  • πŸ₯³ Not only is New Deal an exceptionally obscure, heirloom cultivar especially easy to grow under average house plant conditions,
  • πŸ₯³ It reliably produces almost an overabundance of brilliant violet-pink and white flowers which are easily an inch larger than any other variety.


πŸ’• Do you have Christmas cactus at home? What colors? Share your pictures!

πŸ“š Learn more:
"New Deal" - a remarkable Christmas cactus

πŸ›’ Order Schlumbergera New Deal

#Container_Garden #Fun_Facts

πŸ”΄ Join πŸ‘‰ TopTropicals

Date:

Whats the smelliest fruit on Earth?

Durian (Durio zibethinus)

Durian (Durio zibethinus)

Durian (Durio zibethinus)

Durian (Durio zibethinus)

Durian (Durio zibethinus)

Durian (Durio zibethinus)

Durian (Durio zibethinus)

Durian (Durio zibethinus)

😷 What's the smelliest fruit on Earth? The King of Fruits: Durian!
  • 😢�️ Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a tropical fruit tree known for its prickly, spiny fruit, which is famous for its distinctive, highly pervasive aroma - often described as unpleasant by many.
  • 😢�️ Despite the powerful scent, which can deter some from trying it, durian is celebrated in Southeast Asia as the "king of fruits." To many, the strong odor is actually a welcome signal of the fruit's rich, creamy golden flesh, which has a sweet, custard-like flavor that's likened to almond and vanilla.
  • 😢�️ Its creamy texture and unique taste make it a beloved delicacy, often commanding a high price in the market.
  • 😢�️ As naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace noted after trying durian on Borneo in the 19th century, "The more you eat of it, the less you feel inclined to stop".
  • 😢�️ Other varieties, like the red and yellow-fleshed Durio graveolans, are available in Southeast Asia and even in regions like South Florida, offering a peanut butter-like taste and greater tolerance to local conditions.


πŸ›’ Shop exotic fruit trees

#Food_Forest #Fun_Facts

πŸ”΄ Join πŸ‘‰ TopTropicals

Date:

Does Queen of the Night bloom only one night out of the year?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night

πŸͺ© Does Queen of the Night bloom only one night out of the year?
  • πŸ’Ž Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night, is a captivating cactus famous for its nocturnal, powerfully fragrant blooms!
  • πŸ’Ž Native to tropical rainforests, it thrives as an exotic houseplant with its wide, fleshy leaves.
  • πŸ’Ž This plant earns its royal title by producing stunning, large white fragrant flowers that open only at night, creating a spectacular and fleeting display of beauty.
  • πŸ’Ž Each flower lasts only one night, but if you missed it - no worries! New blooms will follow from multiple buds. So you actually will have several nights to enjoy it!
  • πŸ’Ž A must-have for those who love unique and fragrant indoor plants.


πŸ›’ Order Queen of the Night

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Fun_facts

πŸ”΄ Join πŸ‘‰ TopTropicals

Date:

What is the sweetest Passionfruit?

Passiflora nitida, Bell Apple, Water Lemon fruit

Passiflora nitida, Bell Apple, Water Lemon fruit

Passiflora nitida, Bell Apple, Water Lemon flowers

Passiflora nitida, Bell Apple, Water Lemon flowers

🌸 What is the sweetest Passionfruit?
  • πŸ‹ Passiflora nitida, also called Bell Apple or Water Lemon, is a rare gem among passion fruits, native to the lush Amazon jungle. Its orange-yellow fruits are much sweeter than typical passion fruits, with succulent, non-acidic pulp that’s irresistibly flavorful.
  • πŸ‹ This tropical vine thrives in lowland regions from Costa Rica to Brazil, growing rapidly in warm climates.
  • πŸ‹ Fruits: Small (up to 2 inches), orange-yellow, and incredibly sweet, best enjoyed fresh.
  • πŸ‹ Flowers: Striking blue and red blooms, resembling those of P. laurifolia and P. quadrangularis.
  • πŸ‹ Growth: A vigorous, fast-growing vine suited for tropical conditions; frost protection is essential.
  • πŸ‹ Uses: Often eaten fresh but also a key ingredient in the refreshing drink "Purple Passion."
  • πŸ‹ #Fun_Facts: Despite its sweet, crowd-pleasing taste, this fruit remains a relatively unknown delight, making it a treasure for tropical fruit enthusiasts.


πŸ›’ Plant Water Lemon Passion Fruit

#Food_Forest

πŸ”΄ Join πŸ‘‰ TopTropicals

Date:

Why this cactus is called Blue Flame

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

⚑ Why this cactus is called Blue Flame πŸ”₯
  • πŸ”₯ Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus - is a spectacular bloomer!
  • πŸ”₯This is a rare, spineless, epiphytic cactus from the rainforests of the Amazon jungle.
  • πŸ”₯ The flowers emerge along the leaf edges from late spring through early summer. They have a distinctive blue tip on the magenta flower, just like a blue flame!


πŸ›’ Order Blue Flame Cactus

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Fun_facts

πŸ”΄ Join πŸ‘‰ TopTropicals

Date:

Is it Cashew nut or Cashew Apple?

Is it Cashew nut or Cashew Apple? Is it Cashew nut or Cashew Apple? Is it Cashew nut or Cashew Apple? Is it Cashew nut or Cashew Apple? Is it Cashew nut or Cashew Apple?
🌰 Is it Cashew nut or Cashew Apple? 🍏

  • πŸ₯¨ Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a small, fast-growing marvel that gives us both the crunchy cashew nut and the juicy, quirky "cashew apple"

  • πŸ₯¨ It's a tropical multitasker, thriving in poor soils, drought, and salty winds, and can even fruit in a pot within two years!

  • πŸ₯¨ Cashew #Fun_Facts:

  • ♦️The Fruit Switcheroo: The true fruit is the nut, while the brightly colored "apple" is actually a swollen stem. Talk about a fruit with an identity twist!

  • ♦️The cashew apple has a sweet-astringent flavor and can be eaten fresh, stewed, or turned into delicious fragrant juice. A tangy treat!

  • ♦️Nut Know-How: Raw cashews are caustic and must be roasted outdoors because their fumes are anything but friendly.

  • ♦️Whether in sandy soils or salty winds, this tree keeps thriving, proving it's as tough as it is tasty.

  • ♦️The cashew tree is not just a food source; it's a conversation starter! Perfect for gardeners who love both practicality and personality.


πŸ›’ Get your own Cashew Tree

#Food_Forest

πŸ”΄ Join πŸ‘‰ TopTropicals

Date:

Is it Cashew nut or Cashew Apple?

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) fruit

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) fruit

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) fruit

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) fruit

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) fruit

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) fruit

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) fruit

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) fruit

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) flowers

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) flowers

🌰 Is it Cashew nut or Cashew Apple? 🍏
  • πŸ₯¨ Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a small, fast-growing marvel that gives us both the crunchy cashew nut and the juicy, quirky "cashew apple"
  • πŸ₯¨ It's a tropical multitasker, thriving in poor soils, drought, and salty winds, and can even fruit in a pot within two years!
  • πŸ₯¨ Cashew #Fun_Facts:

  • ♦️The Fruit Switcheroo: The true fruit is the nut, while the brightly colored "apple" is actually a swollen stem. Talk about a fruit with an identity twist!
  • ♦️The cashew apple has a sweet-astringent flavor and can be eaten fresh, stewed, or turned into delicious fragrant juice. A tangy treat!
  • ♦️Nut Know-How: Raw cashews are caustic and must be roasted outdoors because their fumes are anything but friendly.
  • ♦️Whether in sandy soils or salty winds, this tree keeps thriving, proving it's as tough as it is tasty.
  • ♦️The cashew tree is not just a food source; it's a conversation starter! Perfect for gardeners who love both practicality and personality.


πŸ›’ Get your own Cashew Tree

#Food_Forest

πŸ”΄ Join πŸ‘‰ TopTropicals
< Previous pageNext page >Most recent entryBlog table of contents