monkey

Monkey's brush. Combretums are very impressive plants, and this one is definitely one of the brightest of them. Powder-puff flowers are multi-colored: yellow, orange, and red. When in bloom, this vining shrub is all covered with them, looks like a fire. Can be trimmed as a shrub or grows as a vine with support when you let it go. See picture of the plant.

Monkey Ear, Ear Pod Tree, Elephant Ear Tree. Looking for a cool looking tree that grows faster than your to-do list? This large, feathery beauty is one of the quirkiest members of the subtropics.
This fast-growing, cold-hardy giant provides ample shade in no time, making it perfect for anyone seeking instant relaxation under a canopy. But here's the real kicker - the tree's pods curl up to resemble ears! These unique legume pods aren't just fun to look at, they're also great for crafts and decorations. Nature's art project, anyone?
So, if you're looking for a curious tree with personality (and maybe a bit of ear charm), the Monkey Ear Tree is ready to impress. Grow it, shade it, and get crafty with its ear-shaped pods!

Curious fruit tree from Tropical Africa, Madagascar. This small to medium sized tree with its dark green glossy leaves and bright yellow fruit, with interesting pleasant taste somewhat similar to mangosteen. The tree is compact and slow growing.
What does the Monkey Orange taste like? The fruits, size of an orange, have a hard shell that protects their sweet-tart pulp with interesting pleasant taste somewhat similar to mangosteen. Some people say it tastes like a mix of citrus and pineapple with a hint of fermentation.
Rich in vitamin C and B vitamins, the fruit can be enjoyed fresh or transformed into jams, juices, and even wine.
Its durable wood is prized for carvings, and its leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine and as natural insecticides.
Slow-growing yet resilient, this hardy tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering beauty, nourishment, and practicality - an excellent choice for tropical or subtropical landscapes.
Why is it called Monkey Orange?
The "monkey orange" likely gets its name from its appeal to monkeys that eat the fruit and distribute the seeds in their habitat in Africa.

Ruellia makoyana, the Monkey Flower or Trailing Velvet Plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to Brazil. It is an evergreen perennial growing to 2-3 ft, with white-veined hairy leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers.
Called the monkey plant or the trailing velvet leaves, it is a showy spreading groundcover for shaded areas. Ruellia makoyana has attractive leaves which are purple tinged and with pretty silver markings on the upper surface, and very deep purple underneath. It blooms mainly autumn and early winter, with lovely carmine-pink flared flowers. It is best in part to dappled shade. Fall and winter bloomer, it provides color when it is needed most. Trailing Velvet Plant starts to flower in late fall and continues until spring. The flowers rise above the foliage so they are easily seen. The leaves have pronounced silver veining and are accented by the deep green velvety tones. This plant is perfect for limited space on windowsills or hanging baskets.