by 5 people |
Tropical Plants--If You Look In the Dictionary for the Definition of "Green", This Is What You See!
One thing you will notice about the tropics is that they are GREEN! Very Green. When my mom and dad packed up our family and moved from New Mexico to the Western Pacific island of Guam, we saw LOTS of Green. The island was just Squishy with Green. Tropical Plants.
And, we then used Guam as "home-base" as we travelled around Micronesia (including the Rock Islands of Palau) and through the Philippines, Taiwan, Okinawa, Hong Kong, and Hawaii.
Contents at a Glance
- Read Up on the Tropicals--Lots of Good Info Here!
- Most Tropical Plants Need a Lot of Water... But Also a Lot of Drainage!
- Ginger Blossoms in Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii
Read Up on the Tropicals--Lots of Good Info Here!
Timber Press Pocket Guide to Palms (Timber Press Pocket Guides) by Robert Lee Riffle
Given their diversity and versatility, it is surpr more...0 points
Tropical Plants of Costa Rica: A Guide to Native and Exotic Flora by Willow Zuchowski
Ranging from miniature epiphytic orchids to toweri more...0 points
The Book of Bamboo: A Comprehensive Guide to This Remarkable Plant, Its Uses, and Its History by David Farrelly
Bamboo's amazing versatility, strength, and beauty more...0 points
Earth User's Guide to Permaculture 2nd Edition by Rosemary Marrow
Included in the text is an overview of the bromeli more...0 points
Encyclopedia of Exotic Plants for Temperate Climates by Will Giles
<p>With their bold foliage, exuberant colors more...0 points
Most Tropical Plants Need a Lot of Water... But Also a Lot of Drainage!
Bananas!--This tropical fruit is considered one of America's (and most likely the world's) most favorite fruits.
Breadfruit!--The breadfruit--originally from the Malay peninsula and then spread through early human exploration and migration throughout the Western Pacific Islands, is now a starchy fruit valued by tropical inhabitants throughout the world.
Papayas!--These fruit, originally from the tropics of the Americas, have now spread throughout the tropical areas of the world and have found their way into many types of excellent meals.
Ginger Blossoms in Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii
Bring the Tropical Plants To Your Home One Way, Or Another..
Small Pineapples - Bromeliads
Tropical Plants Provide Lots of the Fruits That We Enjoy Eating!
Pineapples--Pineapples--of the bromeliad family, originated in the Central America and Northern South America regions. They have now spread to most tropical areas of the world. They contain an enzyme called "bromelain" that breaks down proteins and essential vitamins, so they are good for digestion and overall health.
Mangos!--Normally you might not think it wise to eat the fruit of a plant related to poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak.... but hey, mangos taste so good that they may be worth it! Not,, it isn't a case of *may*... They *Are* worth it!
Plumerias - Ready for Some Leis
Most Tropical Plants Like Warm, Sunny Places - Frost Is Definitely Something to Avoid!
Jackfruit--The Jackfruit, or "langka" as is known in the Philippines, is considered to be the world's largest edible tree-borne fruit. These things can be huge--with some reaching weights of more than 75 pounds. The fruits have an interesting odor that takes a while to get used to, but the flesh of the fruit that surrounds the seeds (which are also edible) is delicious--a sort of citrousy (?) flavor and a "mouth-feel" of a fruity-version squid sashimi..(meaning, sort of rubbery and slick). Check out the Squidoo site for more information and to give this fruit a try!"Noni" or Morinda citrifolia--the "Tahitian Noni" fruit is found all over the Pacific Islands... the fruit and bark are used for medicine and sometimes for dyes. This fruit has gained in popularity recently because of some of its reputed health benefits, but it still has a funcky taste that is tough to get past. More information can be found on the Squidoo lens.
Heliconia pendula (aka "Dragon's Claw) in Kapa'a, Kauai, Hawai'i
Tropical Plants by the Bay... eBay, That Is!
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A Mix of Tropical Plants... From Bananas to Tangentangen to Coconuts!
More Tropical Plant Goodies
Kapok-The "Cucumber Trees"--These impressive plants (Ceiba pentandra) can grow into huge trees, with almost house-sized trunks. Their fruit pods resemble cucumbers on the outside, but are filled with silky fibers that at one time were used extensively as bouyant fillers for life-preservers and as stuffing for quilts and plush-toys.Cycad Palms--These attractive palms--also called "sago palms"--are common in most of the tropical and warm arid areas of the world. They bear fruit, but the fruits are poisonous. They are decorative plants that can enhance the beauty of tropical gardens.
Cycads, Birds-Nest-Ferns, and Other Tropical Plants
Some Tropical Plants Are Valued For More Than Just Their Fruit!
Coconuts--Coconut palms have more than just the coconuts... the fronds are used for a wide variety of things such as woven baskets, hats, roofing material, and fibers; the trunks are used for building canoes and homes; and even the husks of the coconuts can be used in a wide variety of ways. This Squidoo lens provides more pictures and information about these amazing plants.Bamboo--this relative in the grass family is a fast grower and can be found in almost all tropical and temperate areas--although it grows slower in temperate areas, it still can attain amazing heights quickly. A very sturdy plant used for construction, furniture, and small crafts. The shoots can also be eaten if caught young enough that they are still tender.
Bananas in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga Province, Luzon Island, Philippines
Pandanus Fronds Close Up... Showing Spines on Leaf Edges
Some Tropical Plants Have Strange Habits... Like, Strangling their Hosts!
Banyan trees, very common in the Pacific islands and native to India, are also known as "strangling figs" because when a bird drops a banyan seed in a "host" tree... the seed will sometimes germinate and start growing by not only producing leaves but also sending out "drop roots". When enough of the "drop roots" reach the ground, they gain diameter and strength... enough that they effectively strangle their "host tree". You can see lots of banyans in Angkor Wat, Cambodia seemingly strangling the ancient temple ruins. 
Stairs of Old Building Being Taken Over by Jungle, Koror Island, Republic of Belau
Tropical Plants... They'll Grow on You... But Drop a Note Here First!
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Reply
- JaguarJulie JaguarJulie Jun 24, 2009 @ 3:05 pm
- Why Editor Dave, this is very nicely done -- thanks for telling me about Jackfruit -- something new to me. Off to check that out.
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Reply
- boiscanot boiscanot Dec 12, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
- Hello again Editor Dave,
you visited my lens sometime ago - so you would know how much I love this one! Love the photos ..( many of your other lens too)!
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Reply
- naturegirl7 naturegirl7 Dec 5, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
- Our climate enables us to grow some tropical hummingbird plants, but some winters they must be protected or we loose them. Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
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by EditorDave
Living on Guam is what now "defines" me. It was such a dramatic difference in my life and outlook on things that there's no way I'd be the same...
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