Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
What is the Secret of Longevity?
"...Time spent in the garden doesn't count against your lifespan..."
❣️ Gardening not only helps you stay active and healthy but can also be a fun and rewarding way to extend your life. Let nature nurture you!
❣️ Living Longer with Green Spaces: A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that a 10% increase in vegetation within 1,600 feet of your home can lower your death risk by 4%.
❣️ Nature Exposure: Being outside boosts your mood
❣️ Exercise: Gardening is a great workout.
❣️ Healthy Eating: Grow and eat your own fresh produce. Gardening promotes daily exercise and a plant-based diet.
❣️Mind Exercise: Gardening can reduce stress and keep your mind sharp.- ❣️Many centenarians (people living to 100) gardened and continue gardening! In "blue zones," where people live longer, gardening is common.
#Remedies #How_to
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How to grow Noni tree for fruit?
Morinda citrifolia - Noni fruit
Morinda citrifolia - Noni fruit tree
Morinda citrifolia - Noni tree
Morinda citrifolia - Noni fruit
💊 The medicinal Noni tree (see our earlier post) is one of the most suitable fruit trees for potting culture. A 1-3 gallon size plant will flower and fruit for you within a year.
Noni's special features:
- ✅ flowers and fruits at young age, nearly year around.
- ✅ tolerates shade and grows large ornamental leaves in filtered light.
- ✅ suitable for indoor culture
- ✅ medicinal properties are endless and cannot be under-appreciated.
- ✅ This plant can be grown in any climate indoors, and will produce fruit for you under minimal care. Just provide warm frost-free conditions, as this tropical tree is very cold sensitive.
- easy in cultivation, drought and water tolerant, not susceptible to insects.
📚 Learn more: Morinda citrifolia - Noni. Life Sustaining Plant
🛒 Order Noni Tree
#Food_Forest #Remedies #How_to
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Index of TopTropicals Telegram Channel
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#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.
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🛠 #How_to - Q&A about growing plants, tropical garden lifehacks.
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How to Grow Your Own Cinnamon Tree Spice and Health Right by the Kitchen
Cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum aromaticum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum), young leaves
Cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum aromaticum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum), flowers
Cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum aromaticum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum aromaticum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum), balk and leaves
- 🌿 The Cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum aromaticum or zeylanicum), is an easy, fast-growing tropical plant that thrives in pots, making it perfect for patios, balconies, or even sunny indoor spaces.
- 🌿 It naturally grows compact and bushy, so it's great for container gardeners - even those outside the tropics.
- 🌿 You don't need to wait years for fruit - because cinnamon is the bark and the leaves!
- 🌿 Once your tree is established, you can begin gently harvesting bark and fragrant leaves. Both parts of the plant are bursting with that signature warm aroma. Use the bark as a spice in baking, curries, or mulled drinks, and steep the leaves in teas or add them to savory dishes.
- 🌿 Cinnamon has been treasured for over 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used it in rituals, and Roman emperors burned it at funerals to show wealth - it was once worth more than gold. Its value helped drive global trade and exploration.
- 🌿 Today, cinnamon is celebrated not just for its flavor, but also its health benefits. It may help lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria and fungi. It's even linked to improved memory and brain function! The tree's powerful scent comes from cinnamaldehyde, a natural compound with medicinal properties.
- 🌿 Two main types of cinnamon:
🟤 Cassia Cinnamon – stronger, spicier, and most common in supermarkets
🟤 Ceylon Cinnamon – milder and sweeter, often called "true cinnamon"
🌿 In short: With a cinnamon tree near your kitchen, you’re not just growing a plant - you're growing a spice, a medicine, a piece of world history, and a daily source of joy!
🛒Start growing yours today - fresh, homegrown cinnamon is truly the spice of life!
📚 Lean more from previous posts:
- • How to increase libido
- • Two trees are behind the creation of Eggnog
- • What is Cinnamon made of?
- • About Cinnamon
- • Plants of Love: Aphrodisiacs of the plant world
#Food_Forest #How_to #Remedies
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How to Make Fresh Noni Juice
Moringa citrifolia - Noni
Moringa citrifolia - Noni fruit
Moringa citrifolia - Noni fruit
Noni Juice
- Prepare the Noni: Wash the noni fruits thoroughly.
- Cut the Noni: Slice the fruits into small pieces for easier blending.
- Blend: Place the pieces in a blender or food processor. Blend until a smooth pulp forms.
- Strain (Optional): For smoother juice, strain the pulp through a cheesecloth or fine mesh to separate solids.
- Add flavor: you can add some Blueberry or Apple juice for improved flavor.
- Store: Pour the juice into clean, airtight glass jars or containers. Refrigerate for freshness.
💊 Benefits of Fresh Noni Juice:
- Supports joint health.
- Boosts physical endurance.
- Enhances immune activity and metabolism.
- Helps with weight management.
- Maintains bone health, especially in women.
- May support normal blood pressure.
- Promotes gum health and reduces protein glycation.
📚 Learn more from previous posts:
- · How to grow Noni tree for fruit
- · Why Noni is a superfood?
- · Morinda citrifolia - Noni: Life Sustaining Plant
🛒 Plant your own Noni Tree
#Food_Forest #Remedies #How_to
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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
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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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