Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Chippy the Cat stretching

Banana Double Mahoi

Why Hummingbird Tree?

🍥 Why is Sesbania grandiflora (Hummingbird Tree) so popular? Because it's as useful as it is beautiful. This small, fast-growing tree stands out with its striking, bird-shaped flowers and incredible versatility:
🍥 Ornamental beauty: The large flowers (ivory-white or red) resemble little birds and bloom in abundance, creating a floral canopy from fall through summer.
🍥 Edible flowers and leaves: Used in curries, salads, and even fried in batter. Tender leaves and green fruits are also eaten in Southeast Asian cuisine.
🍥 Fast-growing, flood-tolerant: Great for reforestation, shade, or as a quick ornamental tree for wet or challenging areas.
🍥 Medicinal: Every part of the plant is used: bark for fiber and medicine, flowers for food, wood for light construction, gum for fishing lines, and even as natural pest control.
🍥 It's a food plant, a medicine cabinet, a garden centerpiece, and a support system for other plants - all in one tree. That's why gardeners, farmers, and chefs all love the Hummingbird Tree.

Sesbania grandiflora (Hummingbird Tree)

Why Hummingbird Tree?

🍥 Why is Sesbania grandiflora (Hummingbird Tree) so popular? Because it's as useful as it is beautiful. This small, fast-growing tree stands out with its striking, bird-shaped flowers and incredible versatility:
🍥 Ornamental beauty: The large flowers (ivory-white or red) resemble little birds and bloom in abundance, creating a floral canopy from fall through summer.
🍥 Edible flowers and leaves: Used in curries, salads, and even fried in batter. Tender leaves and green fruits are also eaten in Southeast Asian cuisine.
🍥 Fast-growing, flood-tolerant: Great for reforestation, shade, or as a quick ornamental tree for wet or challenging areas.
🍥 Medicinal: Every part of the plant is used: bark for fiber and medicine, flowers for food, wood for light construction, gum for fishing lines, and even as natural pest control.
🍥 It's a food plant, a medicine cabinet, a garden centerpiece, and a support system for other plants - all in one tree. That's why gardeners, farmers, and chefs all love the Hummingbird Tree.

Chin-Chin the Cat, with flowers

Nancy Tree, Golden Spoon, Nance (Byrsonima crassifolia)

🎆 Stunning kaleidoscope of Nancy Tree

🎇 Look at this beautiful kaleidoscope of colors! The flowers of the Nancy Tree glow in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a stunning display that lights up any garden. What a breathtaking tree! But it’s not just about beauty - the fruits of the Nancy Tree are not only delicious but also has health benefits.
🎇Nancy Tree (Byrsonima crassifolia), also known as Golden Spoon or Nance, is a stunning medium-sized tree with round crown and glorious flowers, transitioning from yellow to orange and red as they age, make it a true standout.
🎇Native to tropical and subtropical climates, the Nancy Tree is not commonly seen in cultivation, making it a rare gem for plant lovers. The fruits are a tasty treat that can be enjoyed fresh or cooked, often used in desserts, soups, or as stuffing for meats.
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🎇Nancy Tree is highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
🎇Perfect for those seeking a colorful, health-boosting, and low-maintenance tree, the Nancy Tree is a must-have for tropical and subtropical landscapes.

Cat with Latin names of plants

Timo the cat stretching

Banana Bordelon

Which Banana has red fruit and leaves?

💃 Banana Bordelon is a show-stopping ornamental AND edible HARDY banana that gardeners love for its bold look and surprising resilience.

💃 Striking Red-Striped Leaves: The main attraction is its dramatic foliage - large green leaves boldly striped with deep red. It instantly adds a tropical, exotic flair to any garden.
💃 Tall and Impressive: Grows 10-15 feet tall, making it a fantastic focal point or privacy screen in warm climates.
💃 Hardy for an Ornamental: Despite its tropical look, 'Bordelon' is more cold-tolerant than many bananas. With protection, it survives mild winters and can even flower and fruit in zone 8b and up.
💃 Flowers and Fruits: It's not just eye candy. With proper care and winter protection, Bordelon produces deep purple flowers and striking red fruit - a rare and beautiful bonus in ornamental bananas.
💃 Native Charm: Originally discovered in Bordelonville, Louisiana, it's adapted to Southern gardens and thrives in warm, humid conditions.
💃 Why everyone wants Bordelone Banana? Because it's both beautiful and tough. Bordelon brings color, height, and a tropical vibe to any landscape - and unlike many ornamentals, it can survive a chilly season and still reward you with vibrant foliage, flowers, and fruit. It’s perfect for collectors, Southern gardeners, and anyone who wants bold impact with low maintenance.