🌿 What spice comes from the small dried flower buds of a tropical tree?

• 🌿 That would be Clove, from the tropical tree Syzygium aromaticum. The spice is actually the dried, unopened flower buds. They turn from pink to brown as they dry and release that powerful, warm aroma we associate with baking and holiday dishes. Cloves are native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands of Indonesia, and are still grown widely across the tropics. The clove tree is ultra-tropical and very challenging to grow outside the true tropics, which is why it’s so rare in plant collections.

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🌿 Another spice with a similar story is Allspice, from Pimenta dioica, also known as the Jamaica pepper tree. Unlike clove, it comes from dried unripe berries, not flower buds, but it earned its name because its flavor tastes like a mix of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg all in one! The Allspice tree is much easier to grow, as it isn’t as fussy as the clove tree - though still frost-sensitive. It's compact and easy to keep in a container. This tree brings joy to your life and spice to your kitchen right away, so you don’t need to wait for years for the fruit of your labor!
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🛒 Explore tropical spice trees and edibles

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☄️ You won’t believe this red orchid tree exists!

• 💥 Bauhinia galpinii (punctata) - Pride of De Kaap or Nasturtium Orchid tree - has the most unusual color for Bauhinias. It went bold with bright scarlet flowers that look like little flames!
• 💥Native to South Africa, it’s a woody shrub you can shape into a small tree about 6-10 feet tall.
• 💥It blooms almost year-round, covering itself with clusters of fiery red blooms that butterflies can't resist. The flowers resembling those of nasturtiums, coming in clusters.
• 💥 As all orchid trees, it has deep green, bilobed leaves are resembling butterfly wings. Tough, sun-loving, and low-maintenance - this beauty brings a touch of Africa right into your garden.

🛒 Plant beautiful Pride of De Kaap

📚 Learn more:
• Why red flowers are so attractive?

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📖 Fun Fact: Papayas contain an enzyme called papain, which is commonly used as a meat tenderizer, now you know what the secret is!

Papaya (Carica papaya) is a delicious fruit that is good for you as a dessert or as a digestive aid. We eat it after every meal!

🛒 Shop Papaya trees

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🌹 The tree that smells like roses and candy

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  🌹 Radermachera Kunming - Dwarf Tree Jasmine. This rare Thai beauty is small but mighty. Its creamy-pinkish blooms release a powerful scent that mixes roses, candy, and fine perfume - you can smell it from yards away!
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  🌹 The leaves have a graceful, fountain-like shape, and the plant stays compact and full, perfect for pots or small gardens. Relatively cold hardy, everbloomer.
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  🌹 In Thailand, it’s a symbol of peace and progress, and locals even use the flowers in traditional remedies as a natural relaxant and aphrodisiac. A true gem for anyone who loves fragrance and charm in one small tree.

🛒 Get your own Sacred Tree Jasmine for Peace and Love

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Smells like roses, but not a rose

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