Viewing comments posted by hawkarica

The full name of this pictured species orchid is Stanhopea oculata 'Eye Doc' AM/AOS. The flowers are exotic, large and fragrant but only last a couple of days. I'm trying to record the whole bloom sequence.

Jim

Beautiful blooming small tree, but it is invasive in warm climates and can harbor nasty biting ants. Enjoy the profusion of color, but beware.

I grow a Jaboticaba tree in Odessa, Florida. I bought it in a three-gallon pot and it took 12 years to get a decent crop of fruit on it, so it is a very slow grower. Watering frequently will help the fruiting process. At 15 years old, my tree now stands about 10 feet tall and produces fruit two or three times a year. The grapelike fruit grows directly on the trunk and large branches, making it a standout in the landscape. The fruit skin is heavy with tannin and should be discarded. Each fruit contains one or two seeds, which also should be discarded. I like to eat them out of hand, but they also make a tasty jelly. I have not encountered any insect or disease problems and the tree will take temperatures down to at least 28 degrees without damage.