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

paintings of 3 top tropical trees - Royal Poinciana, Yellow Poinciana, and 
Jacaranda

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

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 (acutifolia)

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

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)

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Cat of the Day - Mr B. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Cat of the Day - Mr B

🐈 Cat of the Day - Mr B.

Did you know that Lemon Grass freshens your pet's breath? Mr B knows. He is the fan. He doesn't brush his teeth before going to bed, but claims he has a lemon-fresh breath. Good night!🌜

📸 😺 👇 Share your cats in comments!

🛒 And get some Lemon Grass - a versatile performer in the kitchen where it can be used in teas, beverages, herbal medicines, Eastern inspired soups and other dishes.

🐾 More #PeopleCats in our Garden:
PeopleCats.Garden

#Remedies #Food_Forest

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Shocking content: flowers with lady's parts used for making tea. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Shocking content: flowers with ladys parts used for making tea

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Blue

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Blue

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Lavender

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Lavender

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea White double flower

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea White double flower

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Blue

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Blue

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Blue Double flower

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Blue Double flower

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea White

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea White

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Blue Tea

Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Blue Tea

Shocking content: flowers with lady's parts used for making tea...

Now that you've met the Sausage Tree, it's time to introduce you to Clitoria...
  • 💙 Clitoria ternatea - also called Butterfly Pea, has distinctive, delicate blooms resembling certain anatomical features... These curious flowers have the shape of clitoris - hence the name of the plant.
  • 💙 Nature's Wink: the Clitoria vine boasts these beautiful sexy flowers in vibrant shades of blue, white, or purple. They’re an absolute showstopper!
  • 💙 Herbal Benefits: beyond its looks, the clitoria flower is known for its traditional uses as a herbal tea, including stress relief and cognitive support. The flowers also used in salads. The plant is both pretty and practical!
  • 💙 Blue Tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea, or Tisane - a beverage made from a decoction or infusion of the Clitoria flower. This stunning blue tea changes color with a squeeze of lemon 🍋 - science and beauty in your cup!⛾
  • 💙 In Thailand and Vietnam the Blue Tea is mixed with honey and lemon for a drink served after dinner, or as a refreshment at hotels and spas; a preparation called Nam Dok Anchan in Thai.
  • 💙 Pollinator's Paradise: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators can't resist Clitoria's allure 🐝
  • 💙 Easy to grow: Clitoria vine is a gardener’s dream. It is very delicate, fine vine that is both fast growing and easy to control. It can cover a small fence, trellis in a few months. It is also great for containers - this vine will grow just the way you want it.


📚 Learn more about Clitoria and its Tea Infusion

🛒 Get your own Clitoria Vine for fun and Blue Tea

#Nature_Wonders #Recipes #Fun_Facts
#Remedies #Butterfly_Plants #Food_Forest

🏵 TopTropicals

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Can you eat bird-looking flowers? You can eat the whole tree! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Can you eat bird-looking flowers? You can eat the whole tree!

Sesbania grandiflora - Hummingbird Tree

Sesbania grandiflora - Hummingbird Tree Red flower

Sesbania grandiflora - Hummingbird Tree Red flower

Sesbania grandiflora - Hummingbird Tree White flower

Sesbania grandiflora - Hummingbird Tree White flower

Can you eat bird-looking flowers? You can eat the whole tree!
  • 🐧 Sesbania grandiflora - Hummingbird Tree - is named for its flowers resembling little birds.
  • 🐧 It produces a mass of large, 3-4", curved flowers from November to June. Flowers can be coral red or white.
  • 🐧 The fun part is - the flowers are edible! As well as the rest of the plant: tender leaves, green fruit (bean pods), and flowers, used in curries, salads, or fried in batter.
  • 🐧 Medicinal uses: bark, leaves, gums, and flowers have medicinal properties.
  • 🐧 Lower branches form a beautiful floral canopy. It is a fast growing, but a small tree that will fit any yard. Great everblooming tree for container culture.


🛒 Get an edible Hummingbird Tree

#Food_Forest #Remedies #Butterfly_Plants #Container_Garden #Fun_Facts

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Did you know that you can eat and drink Hibiscus plants? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Did you know that you can eat and drink Hibiscus plants?

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica

🌺 Did you know that you can eat and drink Hibiscus plants?

Who doesn't adore hibiscus flowers? But guess what? Some hibiscus species are not only gorgeous but also surprisingly practical. They can jazz up your garden and your dinner plate!

Hibiscus cannabinus - Salad Hibiscus - flowers and leaves used in tasty healthy salads and teas.

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica, Karkade Sorrel, Roselle - flowers and used for famous beverage "Agua de Flor de Jamaica" and Karkade Tea.

Hibiscus acetosella - Cranberry hibiscus - cranberry-colored flowers and leaves are also tasty and healthy in salads and teas.

Grow your edible flower landscape in no time!

📚 Learn more, with recipes: Most useful Hibiscus plants
🎥 YouTube video: Jamaican Hibiscus Tea: what's in it?

🛒
Shop Edible Hibiscus

#Food_Forest #Remedies #Recipes

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What fruit can you drink? Costa Rican Cas is the Guava for Drinking, yet with a bonus of health benefits! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What fruit can you drink? Costa Rican Cas is the Guava for Drinking, yet with a bonus of health benefits!

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)

What fruit can you drink? Costa Rican Cas is the Guava for Drinking, yet with a bonus of health benefits!
  • The fruit of Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum) has unusual tart flavor with passionfruit and pineapple tones, more pronounced than common Guava🍍
  • Cas Guava used in pies, salads, fresh juices, ice-cream, jams, and as a base for the refreshing drink Fresco de Cas!🍹
  • High pectin content makes firm jellies.
  • Hydrating and low glycemic index, suitable for those mindful of sugar consumption.
  • Rich source of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, phosphorus, potassium, copper, vitamin A, and folic acid.
  • This small tree or bush is very fast growing and undemanding, usually pest free (unlike most Guavas that can be very bugsy).
  • Tolerates hot summers and short frosts, appreciates well-drained soils.
  • Easy to grow, drought-tolerant once established, suitable for container cultivation.
  • Seedlings start flowering and fruiting at a young age, typically 2-3 years old from seed.


📚 Learn more about Cas Guava

🛒Order Cas Guava

#Food_Forest #Remedies

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Date:

What was discovered in the Pyramids: Pigeon Pea - an Ancient Superfood. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What was discovered in the Pyramids: Pigeon Pea - an Ancient Superfood

Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea and Egyptian pyramids

Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea and Egyptian pyramids

Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea

Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea

Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea

Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea

Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea

Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea

What was discovered in the Pyramids: Pigeon Pea - an Ancient Superfood...
  • Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea - existed for more than 4800 year! It's been widely consumed in South Asia, South East Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Documented in India since 2,800 BC; reached Ancient Egypt around 2,200 BC.
  • Provides flavorful, nutritious, and healthy food, with potential to become widely popular like Japanese sushi 🍱
  • It is a showy perennial woody shrub or small tree, 4-8 ft tall, with soft leaves. Can be grown in container
  • Pretty flowers are yellow, with purple or red streaks, pods containing oval to round seeds.
  • Many culinary uses: the tasty and healthy beans used in rice dishes, soups, stews, tempeh, tofu. Unripe pods eaten in curries, leaves and young shoots cooked as a vegetable.
  • Rich source of fiber, protein, vitamins (B, C, E, K), and minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc).
  • Medicinal value: various folk medicinal uses for sores, bladderstones, jaundice, skin irritations, bronchitis, coughs, pneumonia, toothache, dysentery, and more.
  • Everyone can grow it! The plant is super easy, tolerates poor soils, drought tolerant, improves soil quality like many other beans.


📚 Learn more about Pigeon Pea

🛒Grow your own Pigeon Pea Superfood

#Food_Forest #Remedies #Container_Garden #Fun_Facts

🏵 TopTropicals

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18 most popular herbs: where to use each herb? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

18 most popular herbs: where to use each herb?

Basil

Basil

Catnip

Catnip

Rosemary

Rosemary

Balm

Balm

Cilantro

Cilantro

Sage

Sage

Tarragon

Tarragon

Lemon grass

Lemon grass

Mint

Mint

Thyme

Thyme

18 most popular herbs: where to use each herb? 🍲
  • 🌿 Arugula - Green salads, pasta sauce
  • 🌿 Balm - Iced drinks, salads, poultry stuffing
  • 🌿 Basil - Tomato salad, any past dish? home-made pesto, garnish
  • 🌿 Catnip - Sauces and stews, for tea
  • 🌿 Chervil - Soups, green salads, as a garnish
  • 🌿 Chives - Cream cheese, potato salad, green salads, sauces
  • 🌿 Cilantro - Stews, rice, salads, salsa
  • 🌿 Dill - Fish dishes, pickles, potato salad
  • 🌿 Lemon grass - Oriental stir-fry, for tea
  • 🌿 Marjoram - Italian dishes, stews, soups
  • 🌿 Mint - Add to potatoes, peas, cucumber, carrots, mint sauce, mint tea
  • 🌿 Oregano - Italian and Greek dishes, green salad
  • 🌿 Parsley - Butters, pasta dishes, as garnish
  • 🌿 Rosemary - BBQ, roast lamb/chicken, fish, fried/baked potatoes
  • 🌿 Sage - Stuffing, add to poultry, mix with cream cheese
  • 🌿 Sorrel - Soup, serve with fish, pastries
  • 🌿 Tarragon - Fish, chicken, sauces
  • 🌿 Thyme - Stocks and stews, add to pasta


📸 Basil, Catnip, Rosemary, Oregano, Cilantro, Sage, Terragon, Lemon grass, Mint, Thyme

🛒 Shop tropical herbs and spices

#Food_Forest #Recipes #Remedies

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Why Noni is a superfood? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Why Noni is a superfood?

Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree, fruit

Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree, fruit

Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree, fruit

Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree, fruit

Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree fruit and flower

Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree fruit and flower

Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree juice

Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree juice

Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree

Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree

💪 Why Noni is a superfood?

We mentioned Noni fruit in our previous post as a fruit that keeps you young.

This beautiful small tree with lush foliage is very undemanding, and can be grown as a houseplant.

What is the secret of Noni power?

Noni juice, derived from the fruit of the Morinda citrifolia tree, has many medicinal effects:

1 Antioxidant properties: lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

2 Anti-inflammatory effects: help conditions like arthritis.

3 Immune system support: immune-boosting due to its high content of vitamin C and other compounds, reducing the risk of infections.

4 Digestive health: improves digestion and regularity.

5 Pain relief: joint pain, headaches, and cramps.

6 Cardiovascular health: lowers cholesterol levels and improves blood circulation

7 Liver health: protects the liver from damage caused by toxins and free radicals

8 Anti-cancer properties: may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells

9 Skin health: soothes irritated skin, promote wound healing

10 Energy and vitality: boosts energy levels, improves stamina.

🛒 Get your own Noni Tree

#Food_Forest #Container_Garden #Remedies

🏵 TopTropicals

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Three tropical plants that help you to stay young. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Three tropical plants that help you to stay young

Longevity Spinach - Gynura

Longevity Spinach - Gynura

Amlak, Otaheite Gooseberry fruit

Amlak, Otaheite Gooseberry fruit

Noni fruit

Noni fruit

🌱 Three tropical plants that help you to stay young.
  1. Longevity Spinach - as the name suggests, this is one of the superfoods, and it lowers cholesterol. The leaves and young shoot tips can be used fresh in salads, steamed, used in stir fry, stews, and soups. Just add them at the very end. Recipes here
  2. Amlak, or Otaheite Gooseberry - fruit is a major ingredient of Chavyanprash, a popular Ayurvedic tonic. It is the richest source of vitamin C. Makes a perfect lemonade.
  3. Noni - a world-famous medicinal fruit. The noni juice works on a cellular level and rejuvenates nearly every system in the body. Large leaves, very tropical look, quick to fruit... This is a perfect tree for container and indoors. PDF: Noni's health benefits (Tropical Treasures Magazine).


⚕️ Discover more medicinal plants

#Food_Forest #Remedies

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