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
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Why should you grow Chinese keys ginger in your garden?
Boesenbergia rotunda, or Chinese Keys Ginger
- 🟡If you're looking for a plant that offers both culinary versatility and health benefits, Boesenbergia rotunda, or Chinese Keys Ginger, or Fingerroot, is a fantastic choice.
- 🟡This Southeast Asian herb is known not just for its ability to spice up soups and seafood dishes, but also for its role in traditional medicine. From aiding digestion to boosting vitality and longevity, this plant brings more than just flavor to the table.
- 🟡Whether you're a foodie exploring new tastes or someone seeking natural wellness solutions, this unique ginger might just be the perfect addition to your garden and kitchen!
📚 Learn also from previous post:
Most interesting edible gingers
🛒 Plant Chinese Keys Ginger
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Shade_Garden
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Why Red Plumbago is so wanted for shade gardens
Plumbago indica - Chitraka, Scarlett Leadwort, Red Plumbago
- ♥️ Plumbago indica - Chitraka, Scarlett Leadwort, Red Plumbago is a rare gem from India that boasts vibrant scarlet-red flowers. A semi-woody perennial shrub with graceful, flexible branches.
- ♥️ Thrives in low-light areas, bringing bold color to places where many plants struggle.
- ♥️ Works great in shade gardens, containers, or even indoors as a striking ornamental plant.
- ♥️ Traditionally used in India for enhancing digestion and stimulating appetite, thanks to compounds like Plumbagin.
- ♥️ Cold sensitive plant, protect from frost, keep above 40F.
📸 More photos in next post👇
🛒 Order Red Plumbago indica
#Container_Garden #Remedies #Shade_Garden
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What plant can symbolize a Year of the Snake
Clinacanthus nutans - Snake plant
🎉 Clinacanthus nutans - Snake plant!
🍾 Celebrate New Year of the Snake 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.
🛒 Order Snake Plant
#Container_Garden #Remedies #Shade_Garden
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Why this pepper is different?
Piper longum - Indian Long Pepper, Pippali
- 🍀 Piper longum - Indian Long Pepper, Pippali - is a sweeter, less pungent cousin of black pepper, prized for its unique flavor and healing powers.
- 🍀 Its leaves start out heart-shaped, then lengthen as the plant matures. Originating from South Asia, Pippali is a fun and exotic choice for any spice lover seeking a fresh twist on classic pepper.
- 🍀 Its dried fruit makes a tasty seasoning, while traditional medicine loves it for soothing coughs, easing congestion, and calming upset stomachs.
- 🍀 This vining shrub can climb a trellis or fence, preferring shady spots with regular watering.
📚 Learn more from previous post:
What is Pepper Made From? Black, white, green, and red...
How to grow your own Pepper plants. Five most valuable 'Pipers'
Article about Pipers
🛒 Grow your own Pippali Pepper
#Food_Forest #Shade_Garden #Remedies
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Legendary healing at your fingertips: how to grow Golden Tendril as houseplant or ground cover
Callisia fragrans, Golden Tendril
- 🌱 This isn't just a pretty plant - it's a European household remedy, treasured for generations! Callisia fragrans, known as Golden Tendril, is packed with natural compounds that support digestion, immunity, skin health, and respiratory relief.
- 🌱 And now - the rare Variegated Golden Tendril is available too - Callisia fragrans x soconuscensis Melnikoff. With stunning striped leaves, it's a true collector's gem with the same powerful health benefits.
- 🌱 It's easy to grow, fast, fragrant, and even edible. Grows beautifully indoors or out, in baskets, containers, or as groundcover, and needs very little water or care. Tolerates sun or shade, very low maintenance.
- 🌱 Clusters of dazzling white blooms hover above the plant like a cloud of shimmering lace - soft, fragrant, and so enchanting, they look like they were stitched from moonlight!
- 🌱 HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOLDEN TENDRIL PLANT:
- ✅ Improves digestion and helps regulate metabolism
- ✅ Boosts circulation and supports heart and immune health
- ✅ Supports respiratory health – used traditionally for asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia
- ✅ Antibacterial action – research shows it inhibits Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, common causes of respiratory infections
- ✅ Relieves stomach pain, ulcers, nausea, and diarrhea
- ✅ Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties for joint pain, burns, and skin conditions
- ✅ Skin protection and healing – antioxidant compounds defend against UV and free-radical damage. Poultice from rhizomes – used for boils and abscesses in folk medicine
- ✅ Topical use – leaves are used for insect bites, skin diseases, and minor wounds
🛒 Grow your own natural remedy. Legendary plant. Legendary benefits.
📚 Learn more about Golden Tendril:
Callisia fragrans, Golden Tendril - Holistic Medicinal Plant
#Food_Forest #Discover #Remedies #Shade_Garden #Container_Garden
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
Why do the Chinese drink tea?
🍃 It actually has to do with the Chinese theory of the five elements - wood, metal, fire, water, and earth:
木 金 火 水 土
🍃 Tea comes from a plant - Camellia sinensis - the Tea Leaf Tree - that is used to make all true teas: green, black, white, and oolong. The Tea Tree contains the element of wood (木) 🌳
🍃 When it's roasted in a cast-iron pan, it gains the element of metal (金)
🍃 Then it's dried over fire, adding the element of fire (火) 🔥
🍃 When it's brewed with boiling water, the element of water enters (水) 💦
🍃 Finally, tea is poured into a clay vessel, symbolizing the element of earth (土) 🍯
🍃 In this way, all five elements - wood, metal, fire, water, and earth - come together in a single cup.
🍃 The plant grows slowly and can thrive in containers or frost-free gardens with sun to semi-shade.
🛒 Grow your own tea
📚Learn more from previous posts:
Tea facts
How to grow your own tea?
Where does the tea come from?
Instructions how to make tea from tea leaves (PDF)
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Fun_facts
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