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10 Cards in this Set
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This large, fast-growing tree begins life as an epiphyte. Its leaves are excellent, if exaggerated, examples of drip tips, which allow rapid shedding of water. Widely planted in the tropics, in India the tree is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists
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Sacred Fig
Ficus religiosa Mulberry family |
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The mangroves are widely distributed throughout the tropics and in southern Florida, growing in areas of salt water, such as tidal shores and marshes. The many arching aerial roots make dense tangles that stabilize the surrounding soil, prop the tree, and assist in absorbing water and minerals. Seeds germinate while still attached to the parent plant, giving them a head start on growth when they fall and lodge in the mud. Mangrove bark is an important source of tannin, used in tanning, dyeing, making ink, and medicine. American mangrove is also referred to as red mangrove
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American Mangrove
Rhizophora mangle Mangrove family |
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This southeast Asian tree, which can grow to 80 feet, is also sometimes spelled "ylang-ylang." Its greenish yellow, drooping flowers are exceedingly fragrant, and their oils are distilled for use in some of the world's most expensive perfumes.
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Ilang-Ilang
Cananga odorata Annona family |
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Not true pines, the many trees and shrubs in the Pandanus family are noteworthy for their dramatic architecture and aerial prop roots. The name "screw pine" reflects their twisted patterns of growth. In areas where the plants are native, their leaves are often woven into thatch, baskets, hats, and mats, while their flowers are sources for perfumes and folk medicines.
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Screw Pine
Pandanus copelandii Pandanus family |
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This Southeast Asian bamboo became famous during World War II for its ability to overgrow jeeps rapidly, reportedly sometimes overnight. A mature specimen can reach more than 100 feet in height and 12 inches in diameter.
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Giant Bamboo
Dendrocalamus giganteus Grass family |
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The largest seed in the plant kingdom looks like two coconuts fused together, giving rise to this fan palm's common name. The plant is tender and very slow-growing, especially when young (for instance, the nut takes a year to germinate and another year to form its first leaf); hence, it is rarely cultivated. Eventually, it can attain heights of 100 feet and leaf blades to 20 feet in length and 12 feet in diameter. The fan palm is native to only a few islands in the Seychelles, located off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. For centuries its nuts were mistakenly thought to come from the Maldive Islands, an error preserved in its Latin name.
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Double Coconut
Lodoicea maldivica Palm family |
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One of the wonders of the plant kingdom, the banyan, begins life as an epiphyte, growing on another plant and taking its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. The banyan sends down aerial roots which become accessory "trunks," supporting the tree's immense crown and allowing it to extend over several acres. Widely cultivated in the tropics, the banyan is native to India and Pakistan, where it is considered sacred.
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Banyan Tree
Ficus benghalensis Mulberry family |
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Sometimes referred to as "Eve's umbrella," coccoloba can grow to 80 feet but in its juvenile stage is grown as a pot plant for its large, veined ornamental leaves. "Pubescens" refers to the fine hairs, in this case rusty-colored, that cover the leaves' undersides.
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Coccoloba
Coccoloba pubescens Buckwheat family |
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"Umbraculifera" means "bears an umbrella," an appropriate name for this ornamental. The talipot palm's flower clusters are the largest in the plant kingdom. Specimens can easily grow trunks to 80 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter and leaf blades to 16 feet in diameter. The plant dies after flowering and fruiting.
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Talipot Palm
Corypha umbraculifera Palm family |
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The orange growths on this male specimen are actually leaves which will slowly peel off to expose small green male flowers.
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Freycinetia
Freycinetia multiflora Pandanus family |
