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
Where does Vanilla come from? How to grow your own Vanilla Beans
Vanilla planifolia - Bourbon Vanilla Bean Orchid beans, seeds
Vanilla planifolia - Bourbon Vanilla Bean Orchid flower
Vanilla planifolia - Bourbon Vanilla Bean Orchid
Vanilla dilloniana - Leafless Vanilla Orchid, flower
- ❣️ Vanilla spice comes from
Vanilla Orchid! - ❣️ Vanilla planifolia is a leafy climbing orchid from hot, wet tropical America. It is grown for its pods which, when dried, become the commercial vanilla.
- ❣️ The flowers are hand pollinated.
- ❣️ The Aztec Indians in Mexico used Vanilla Pods to flavor their chocolate drink 'Xoco-latl'. Vanilla was believed to be a tonic for the brain.
- ❣️ Vanilla Pods are picked green when they have no scent. The lengthy curing process, which develops fragrant aroma, is one reason for its high cost.
- ❣️ Vanilla orchid needs a flat, solid, porous support for climbing and in order to flower and produce seed pods. It can be grown over a log or a board (make sure the support wood is not chemically treated), or climb over a tree.
- ❣️ If really happy, Vanilla orchid can exceed 100 feet in length in just a few years. The plants flower only when mature, which takes a few years. It only flowers when it gets strongly attached to a support with its aerial roots.
- ❣️Vanilla orchid can be grown indoors as a house plant. Culture is similar to traditional orchids, however, it will need a support or trellis. Just keep in mind that for Vanilla Bean production, Vanilla Orchid must attach to a porous surface (like a wood log).
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Learn more:
📚 Vanilla - The Most Versatile Orchid
🎥 How to produce my own vanilla: secrets of Vanilla pollination
Vanilla dillioniana - The Biggest Vanilla Orchid in 100 Gal Pot
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🛒 Shop vanilla orchids
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Container_Garden
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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 White flower
- 🐧 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
🏵 TopTropicals
Spooktacular Halloween Sale!
Clinacanthus nutans - Snake plant
- 😀 Halloween is creeping in, and it's time to treat your garden to some tropical magic! No tricks - just bold, exotic beauties ready to boo-st your outdoor space. Our plants have flourished all summer, growing large and vibrant, and are now ready to keep your garden bursting with life year-round.
- 😀 Don't let these deals disappear into the night - offer ends November 1! To save 10% on your order, use code:
- 💸 Halloween24 💸
Min order $100, excluding S/H. Exp. 11-1-24
📸 Clinacanthus nutans - Snake plant 🐍
Celebrate Halloween with this exotic Thai plant that marries beauty and folklore!
Its striking blooms resemble the open mouths of snakes, adding a mysterious allure to your garden. Traditionally used in Thailand for snake bite relief, this captivating specimen not only enhances your space but also sparks conversation among guests. Don't miss the chance to impress with this enchanting plant during the spooky season!
🛒 Order Snake Plant
#Container_Garden #Nature_Wonders #Remedies #Fun_Facts
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals💸
What was discovered in the Pyramids: Pigeon Pea - an Ancient Superfood
Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea and Egyptian pyramids
Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea
Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea
Cajanus cajan - Pigeon Pea
- 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
Why Noni is a superfood?
Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree, fruit
Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree, fruit
Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree fruit and flower
Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree juice
Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree
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
Index of TopTropicals Telegram Channel
Follow these tags to find your interests:
#Butterfly_Plants - Butterfly attracting plants.
#Container_Garden - Plants suitable for container garden and indoor culture.
#Fertilizers - All the truth about fertilizers, plant food supplements, and our recommendations for different types of plants.
#Food_Forest - Fruit trees, Spice plants, and Edibles.
Including: #Avocado, #Mango, #Papaya, #Guava, #Jackfruit, #Loquat
📖 #Fun_Facts - interesting plant facts and legends.
🌳 #Hedges_with_benefits - Practical approach to your landscape and how to properly select showy and useful plants for your yard.
♍️ #Horoscope - Plant Horoscopes and Cat Horoscopes. Did you know that cats also have their Zodiac signs?
🛠 #How_to - Q&A about growing plants, tropical garden lifehacks.
👀 #Nature_Wonders - Unusual, amusing, outrageous, bizarre plants...
🐈 #PeopleCats - our Favorite PeopleCats (and some PeopleDogs, too).
🌸 #Perfume_Plants - Fragrant plants and perfume trees.
✍️ #Quotes - Interesting quotes.
#Recipes - Exotic recipes for tropical fruit and edibles.
💊 #Remedies - Medicinal plants.
☁️ #Shade_Garden - Plants suitable for low light conditions.
🌼 #Trees - Spectacular flowering tropical trees.
🏆 #Win - Contests, Sweepstakes, and other specials.
Join and share with friends👇🏵
TopTropicals
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!
