After many years, (30 to 40, once thought to be up to a century), a flowering spike shoots up several feet from the center of the century plant's rosette. Flowers appear on the ends of lateral branches of this spike. Yellow-green clusters bloom, and then the leafy rosette dies, after flowering only once. The century plant plant is native to Mexico. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2008

Celosia, century plant and coconut palm: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are the celosia, century plant and coconut palm. Family: Amaranthaceae Alternate Names: Cockscomb, Chinese Wool Flower Use: Celosia is a showy, fast-growing annual with red, gold, yellow, or pink flowers, lasting up to two months. They make excellent cut flowers. Raise celosia in a greenhouse or a conservatory in […]

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Photographed in Mexico, the fishpole heliconia has bract clusters that dangle. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2008

Coffee, swamp lily and heliconia: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are the coffee tree, swamp lily and heliconia. Family: Rubiaceae Use: The beans produce a beverage and stimulant used widely for at least 1000 years. There are about 60 species in the wild, about 10 species under cultivation. The most valuable are arabica and robusta. Flowers: Coffee flowers are small, white, star-shaped […]

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Native to Mexico and the rest of tropical America, the dwarf poinciana blooms in orange-red and yellow flowers. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2009

Ponytail palm, croton and dwarf poinciana: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are the ponytail palm, croton and dwarf poinciana. Family: Agavaceae Alternate name: Elephant’s Foot Use: The ponytail palm is a tropical landscape specimen. It can be grown indoors as a potted plant, and is also grown as a bonsai. Cultivation: The ponytail palm is a hardy, forgiving plant for a […]

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Related to the frangipani, desert rose is green all year round. It flourishes in the Mexican garden. © Linda Abbott Trapp, 2009

Desert rose, dracaena and pothos: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are the desert rose, dracaena and pothos. Family: Apocynaceae Alternate names: Impala Lily, Desert Azalea, Sabie Star Use: Related to the frangipani but more drought tolerant, this small shrub is evergreen. It grows to 6 feet high in the wild, but is usually smaller in cultivation, and is often […]

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Bright berries on Mexico's tropical Pua-kenikeni or bishop's egg plant. © Linda Abbott Trapp, 2006, 2010

Moonflower, bishop’s egg and maritime pine: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

Common names, scientific names, use and care, cultivation and propagation tips, flowering habits, history and little-known facts for the curious tourist or resident Family: Solanaceae Alternate Names: Angels Trumpets, Moon Flower Use: In tropical and sub-tropical climates, this fast-growing shrub is an attractive isolated lawn or garden specimen, and is sometimes used in borders. In cooler areas, it […]

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The canna lily is also called "Indian Shot" for its hard, round seeds. The plant flourishes in a Puerto Vallarta garden. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2008

Caladium, candleabra cactus and canna lily: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are the caladium, candleabra cactus and canna lily. Family: Araceae Alternate Name: Geraniums of the South Use: The caladium is a bedding or container plant grown for its colorful foliage. There is some debate about its some seven to seventeen varieties, their names and origins, but all are beautiful. […]

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