Fascinating Finds in Florida

Getting a new perspective on plants while visiting a warmer climate

felicitous Friday GPODers !

I was recently scroll through some old photos and hit a pot I had take on a slip to Florida at the rootage of 2022 . For anyone unaware , I converted an honest-to-god bus in 2021 that I travel in part sentence . This tripper to Florida was the very first in my new menage on wheels , and it was only my second time ever visit the state . I terminate up bide for two month , traveling throughout and highly enjoying my clock time there .

However , this misstep did include a bit of a road block as I ran into some mechanical difficulties around Fort Lauderdale , and needed to continue in the area for a couple of week while repairs were happening . This wrench out to be a blessing in disguise , leave me to slow down a little piece , do some more walk around , and make an unexpected slip toHugh Taylor Birch State Park .

As crazy as it might vocalise , turning a corner and look this massive mammy croton ( Codiaeum variegatum‘Mammy ’ , Zones 9–10 ) was such a profound flora experience . I ’ve buy a few pots of this croton through the years in attempts to acquire it as a colorful houseplant . I ’ve never been capable to make the condition it needs indoors . However , down in Florida , I can walk down an unsuspecting street and see this beauty growing in it ’s full , huge shrub sort .

At first , genuinely , my optic could not believe what they were attend . Upon closer inspection of these incredible , “ curly ” leaves , I confirm it was the croton of my dreams .

But it was really interesting flora seemingly around every corner . I had never seen a starburst bush ( Clerodendrum quadriloculare , Zones 9–11 ) before , but I could never miss these other - temporal salad days peeking out from over a concrete bulwark .

Unknown to me , I was in Florida at just the right clip to see these mythologic flowers that come out in mid - to - belated winter and persist into other leap . The rest of the year , the beautiful foliage with purple - ish undersides provide plenty of interest .

last , the plant that steal the show for me that winter had no flowers and the foliage was n’t anything of bank bill . The banyan tree ( Ficus benghalensis , Zones 10–12 ) atHugh Taylor Birch State Parkwill pick up your center from a aloofness thanks to its monumental web of aerial roots that become accessory trunks when they reach the land and take root .

Also known as the Audrey fig , it produces fruit that is technically eatable but is n’t get laid to be very tasty . It is native to India , and is the countries ’ national tree . While you might not be capable to grow an telling specimen like this in your backyard , like other genus Ficus , they can be grown as houseplant or even bonsai !

Have photos to partake ? We ’d love to see your garden , a particular solicitation of plants you love , or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit !

To accede , station 5 - 10 photos to[email protected]along with some information about the plant in the pictures and where you took the picture . We ’d love to hear where you are located , how long you ’ve been gardening , success you are lofty of , failures you larn from , hopes for the future , favorite industrial plant , or fishy stories from your garden .

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