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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What are Health Benefits of Alpinia galanga (Galangal)
Alpinia galanga (Galangal)
🌿 Galangal, also known as Thai ginger, is more than just a fast growing ornamental ginger and flavorful root - it's also a powerful healing plant with centuries of use in both kitchens and traditional medicine. Here are some of its top health benefits:
- Digestive aid - Galangal stimulates digestion, reduces bloating, and relieves nausea. It's especially helpful after heavy or oily meals.
- Anti-inflammatory properties - Contains compounds like galangin that help reduce inflammation, making it useful for joint pain and inflammatory conditions.
- Antioxidant rich - Packed with flavonoids and polyphenols that fight oxidative stress and may help slow aging and support overall wellness.
- Immune support - Traditionally used to fight colds and infections thanks to its antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
- Respiratory health - Used in Thai herbal remedies for clearing the lungs, soothing sore throats, and reducing coughs.
- Brain function - Some studies suggest galangal may help protect brain cells and improve cognitive performance due to its antioxidant profile.
- Circulatory support - Acts as a natural stimulant and may help improve blood flow and circulation.
🛒 Grow your own Thai ginger – fresh, healing, and flavorful!
#Food_Forest #Discover #Remedies
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Health benefits of a simple plant: Coral bean
Don't let the tough, thorny branches fool you - this native plant has a long history of traditional use. While the seeds are poisonous, the young leaves and flowers have been safely cooked and eaten in small amounts by various cultures.
Traditionally, Erythrina herbacea - Coral Bean has been used in folk remedies for calming the nerves, easing muscle pain, and even promoting better sleep.
Modern science hasn’t fully explored these uses yet, but the plant contains alkaloids that may have sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. It's a reminder that even rugged native plants can carry powerful natural potential.
As a bonus, Erythrina herbacea is also beautiful and beneficial in the garden, drawing in hummingbirds and butterflies with its vibrant pink flowers - hummingbirds can't resist this wild bloomer! It grows well in poor soil and dry conditions - low effort, high reward!
🛒 Plant once, enjoy for years
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Butterfly_plants #Discover
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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
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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
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
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
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals