Tag: Linda Abbott Trapp

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

Crossandra, mango and jellybean plant: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

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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: Acanthaceae Alternate Names: Firecracker Flower. The scientific name is from the Greek, meaning “fringed antlers.” Use: This tropical shrub is originally from India but is widely cultivated for its beautiful, long-lasting flowers. It is […]

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In Mexico, a choice for pots and borders is plumbago, which can -- even with a little coaxing -- perform as a short-distance climber. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2007

Tropical blues: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

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Blue can be compelling as the neon flash of a bird’s wing, or quiet as a cloud, but it is never unnerving, always drawing the viewer to relax and witness its timeless grace. In music, blues are associated with longing, unfortunate choices, and heartbreak. Fortunately, the color blue often alludes to much more positive things […]

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The ponytain palm can be at home on a coffee table, or growing tall and majestic in a Mexican garden. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2007

Gorgeous giants: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

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The next time you find yourself in a tropical or subtropical zone, take a closer look at some of the large and lovely foliage. One of the most delightful surprises of any tropical vacation is recognizing familiar faces in new surroundings. When it comes to the familiar “faces” of your houseplants, you may do a […]

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The A. hispida's wooly red flower spikes are chenille-like tassels, and may droop to 18 inches on mature plants. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2007

Acalypha, anthurium and sago palm: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

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Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are the acalypha, anthurium and sago palm. Family: Euphorbiaceae Alternate Names: Beefsteak Plant, Red Hot Cat’s Tail, Fire Dragon Plant, Copper Leaf Use: This is an eye-catching hedge or background plant, including the A. hispida (photograph) and the A. wilkesiana, a tall shrub with variegated leaves related to the poinsettia. The copper leaf […]

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Photographed near Puerto Vallarta, tulipan blossoms are edged with yellow. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2007

Allamanda, tulipan and zamia: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

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Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are the allamanda, tulipan and zamia. Family: Apocynaceae Alternate Names: Golden Trumpet, Bush Allamanda Use: The allamanda is grown as an informal fence in tropical climates, and as a houseplant elsewhere. It is excellent for use in planter boxes, especially when used with other brightly colored flowers for contrast. […]

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With its beautiful blossoms, thunbergia is also known as blue sky flower, glory vine, blue trumpet vine and clockvine. It flourishes in the author's Puerto Vallarta home. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2008

Triangle palm, yucca and thunbergia: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

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Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are the triangle palm, yucca and thunbergia. Family: Arecaceae Alternate Names: Neodypsis decari Use: Bold and formal, this fast growing palm makes an excellent accent plant in open space. Its three planed leaf base provides the name, for the leaves emerge from a triangular formation. The leaves are a […]

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The flowers' bird-like appearance attracts birds, which helps with the spread of pollen. This is a perfect bird of paradise specimen, photographed in Mexico. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2008

Bamboo, banana and bird of paradise: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

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Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are bamboo, banana and bird of paradise. Family: Musaceae Use: Banana is a tree-like plant (actually a herb), closely related to plantains. It produces edible fruit that grows in clusters. There are many fruits to each tier, which is called a hand. Bananas are the staple starch in […]

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The bottle palm is a novel choice for landscape interest in Mexico's tropical gardens. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2008

Bismark palm, bottle palm and blue agave: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

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Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are the bismark palm, bottle palm and blue agave. Family: Areceae Use: The bismark palm is prized as a landscape specimen, singly or in rows. Its height can vary from 40 to 70 feet, and branched reach up to 15 feet across, with a crown of spiky fronds. […]

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Aided by clinging thorns, orange bougainvillea climbs a white wall in Mexico. © Linda Abbott Trapp 2008

Bougainvillea, breadfruit and bromeliads: ornamental plants and flowers of tropical Mexico

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Three beautiful options for your tropical garden in Mexico are bougainvillea, breadfruit and bromeliads. Family: Nyctaginaceae Alternate Name: Paper Flower Use: Bougainvillea is an ornamental climber for covering fences and walls. It is also seen as a sprawling shrub. The paper flower can be grown in pots, or trimmed as border hedge. It has thorns, bright green heart-shaped […]

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