Hawaiian Tropical Plant Nursery, LLC
Hawaiian Tropical Plant Nursery, LLC
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| Abelmoschus manihot-Sunset hibiscus. Family: Malvaceae. Annual or short lived perrenial. Pale yellow flowers with a maroon center. In areas with mild frost plants may come back from the roots. Deeply lobes leaves. | |
| Abelmoschus moschatus- Musk Mallow. Family: Malvaceae.Seeds are used as a flavoring agent. Large velvety leaves. Pale yellow flowers with maroon center. Blooms the 1st year from seed. | |
| Artabotrys hexapetalus- Annonaceae. This species has previously been classified as A. uncinatus and A. odoratissimus. Tropical Asia. This species is really a shrub in our experience. May be some plants have a more vine-like habit. Glossy green leaves. Tolerates full sun to medium shade. Grows best if temperatures are above 45 degrees F. . | |
| Azadirachta indica- Neem tree. Meliaceae. Small to medium tree native to India. Monopinnate leaves, brown bark. Panicles of white fragrant flowers. Used in ayurvedic medicine. Seed oil is used as a natural insecticide. Seeds have very short viability; make sure that you have a reliable source if starting from seed. | |
| Barringtonia asiatica- Family: Lecythidaceae. Large tree native to coastal areas of tropical Pacific islands. Leathery oval leaves about 6 to 8 inches long. Typically found in coastal areas. Large 4 angled seeds are poisonous. Full Sun. Sandy Soil. Salt tolerant. Once established growth is moderate to fast. Seems to be better at lower elevations in Hawaii. | |
| Bauhinia galpinii- (B. punctata)- Fabaceae. Common Name: Red orchid tree. Large shrub hardy to 18-20 degrees F. Orange or red flowers. Native to Africa. Very ornamental. Grows well in containers. Full sun. Seeds germinate in 3-12 days. Growth is moderate to fast during the summer. | |
| Bauhinia hookeri- Fabaceae. Common Name: Mountain ebony. Native of Northeastern Australia. Medium tree with white flowers and red stamens. Bifid leaves are small. Hardy outdoors in zone 10 & 11. Slow growing when small. Makes a good container specimen or bonsai. | |
| Bauhinia purpurea- Purple orchid tree. Will take slight frost. Large shrub to small tree. Native to Southeast Asia. Very attractive when in bloom. Germinates rapidly in 3-8 days. Growth is moderate to rapid in warm weather. | |
| Bauhinia racemosa- Burmese silk orchid. Small tree with yellow flowers. Native of Northern India and Burma. Another species well worth growing. Germination is erratic. Frost damage occurs at 26-28 degrees F. | |
| Bauhinia retusa- Bight yellow flowers. Unusual leaf shape. New growth has a hint of red or bronze. Seeds germinate rapidly in 3-8 days. Growth is slow to moderate to rapid in warm weather. Not commonly grown in the US. Minor frost damage occurs at 26-27 degrees F. | |
| Bauhinia sp.- This species came to us mislabeled as B. hookeri. It may be B. monandra. Very nice pink fragrant flowers in the fall. Blooms in about 2.5 years from seed. Relatively fast growing. Full sun. Tolerates some cool temperatures. I'm not sure how frost tolerant this one may be. Seeds harvested this spring from our trees. | |
| Bauhinia tomentosa- Large shrub with yellow flowers. Native to India and China. Out of stock. | |
| Bolusanthus speciosus- African tree wisteria. Small slow growing tree. Racemes of purple flowers. Small seedlings have survived a number of nights at 33-35 degrees F with no damage. Pinnate leaves. | |
| Brownea angustifolia- Family: Fabaceae. Native . Mediu tree with large pinnate leaves. Leaves are lanceolate. New growth is soft and pendant. It emerges a pale green. Best with some shade and protection from wind. Plants can tolerate full sun but will not look their best if it is a windy area. Slightly acid soil. My plant gets chelated iron and magnesium about once a month. Keep moist. Not drought tolerant. Large clusters of bright red blooms. My plant began to bloom at about 7 ft. tall. |
| Brownea lore- Family: Fabaceae. Native to the Amazon basin. Small tree with pinnate leaves. Leaflets are lanceolate. New growth is soft and pendant. It emerges a pale mauve color. Best with some shade when young. Slightly acid soil. My plant gets chelated iron and magnesium about once a month. Keep moist. Not drought tolerant. I haven't seen the blooms on this species yet. |
| Brownea macrophylla- Family: Fabaceae. Small tree with long lanceolate leaves. Native to tropical rainforest of South America. Peach colored blooms. Best in areas protected from wind. Keep moist. Outdoors in Zones 10B to 11. Keep moist. Light shade to full sun. Slightly acid soil. My largest plant blooomed in a 5 gallon pot. |
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Browneopsis sp.- Family: Fabaceae. Similar to Browneopsis ucayalina. Native to tropical rainforest of South America. The seeds are smaller than B. ucayalina and the plant is much slower growing. New foliage is pendant and mottled pale green/maroon. Mature leaves are medium to dark green. Slightly acid soil high in organic matter. Keep moist and warm. Plants need an area protected from wind. I use chelated iron and magnesium on my plant about once a month. |
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Browneopsis ucayalina- Family: Fabaceae. Native to tropical rainforest of Ecuador. Pinnate leaves are pendant and mottled with medium green/maroon markings; camoflage appearance. As growth matures it becomes stiff, straightens up and gradually turns to medium green. Slightly acid soil. Medium shade to full sun. Must be protected from wind or the new growth will suffer wind burn. Likes to be kept moist. |
| Calliandra calothyrsus- Fabaceae. Powder puff. Large shrub with red powder puff blooms. Well drained soil and full sun. Easy to grow. Will bloom in 12 inch pots. | |
| Cananga odorata- ylang-ylang. Annonaceae. Tropical tree famous for its highly fragrant flowers. Leaves are oblong to ovate. Growth rate is moderate when small. Germination can be slow and erratic. Begins to bloom when about 2.5 to 3 years old. My plants begin to bloom when 7 to 8 ft. tall. |
| Carissa macrocarpa- Apocynaceae. Common name: natal plum. Shrub with very glossy round to oval leaves. White fragrant flowers are followed by red edible fruit. Widely planted as a hedge or ornamental in the tropics and warmer regions of the subtropics. Frost tolerant to about 26 F. Full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Good canditdate for bonsai. Outdoors in Zones 9b to 11. |
| Cassia alata-Common Name: candle bush. Shrub with erect inflorescence of yellow flowers. Germination begins in 3-4 days and continues for 2 weeks. Grows rapidly in hot weather. Good Container plant. Invasive in some areas. | |
| Chorisia speciosa- Silk floss tree. Bombacaceae. Tree to 50 ft. with purple flowers. Spectacular 5-6 inch purple flowers. Native to Brazil and Argentina. Full sun. Best in regions with moderate rainfall. This species has not thrived for me in our rainforest environment. I suspect that it would perform better on the leeward side of most Hawaiian islands. Drought tolerant once established. May be briefly deciduous in the winter. Hardy in Zones 9b to 11. | |
| Cochlospermum vitifolium-wild cotton tree. Cochlospermaceae. Small to medium tree native to Mexico and Central America. Bright orange-yellow flowers. Very showy. | |
| Dillenia indica-. Dilliniaceae. Common name: elephant apple. Great as an ornamental container plant. Native Indian fruit on medium size tree. Fruits are 3 inches in diameter and used in drinks, chutney's and curries. Tropical requirements. Attractive long leaves with serrated edge. Very large white flowers. Germination begins in 4-5 weeks and continues sporadically for 2 or 3 months. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Outdoors in Zones 10 to 11. | |
| Eleocarpus sphaericus- Eleocarpaceae. Common name: rudraksha. Native to India. Large ornamental tree with an open canopy. Seeds are ornamental and used in Hindu rosaries. Seems to grow with little care in Hawai'i. In my experience seeds have been difficult to germinate. Once established growth is fast. Full sun. Drought tolerant once established. | |
| Erythrina humeana- Fabaceae. Large shrub. Native to coastal regions of South Africa. Scarlet flowers and red seeds. Begins blooming at about 1.5 years old. Don't over water in the winter. Prefers to be kept a bit dry when temperatures are cool. Germination can be erratic taking several months. | |
| Erythrina indica( E. variegata)- Indian Coral Tree. Fabaceae. Vigorous grower with scarlet flowers in racemes up to 6 inches long. Spectacular in bloom. In Hawai'i we get 4 to 6 feet of growth each year. Our plants bloomed when just 1 year old and 5 to 6 feet tall. Doesn't tolerate hard freezes. I have broken a seedling in half and the plant survived and quickly recovered. It is a tough plant as long as you don't let it freeze. | |
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Fagraea berterana- Common Name: Puakenekene. Native to tropical Pacific Islands. This large shrub to small tree has dark green glossy thick leaves. Nicely fragrant flowers open white and turn orange with age. Popular lei flower. Full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerates some wind. I doubt that this plant has much tolerance to cool or cold temperatures. USDA Zones 10B to 11. |
| Ficus abutilifolia-Moraceae. Shrub or small tree. Smooth light bark and very large round leaves. Native to tropical Africa. Zone 10 outdoors. Full sun or light shade.Young plants grow slowly. Thick truncks are already developing on our plants. Excellent container plant with good bonsai potential. | |
 | Ficus lutea-Moraceae. Medium tree. Smooth light bark and oblong leaves with yellow veins. New buds are reddish and when the tree is flushing with new growth it is showy. Native to tropical Africa. Full sun or light shade. Drought tolerant. Young plants grow slowly. Zone 10 outdoors. Thick truncks are already developing on our plants. Excellent container plant with good bonsai potential. |
| Ficus religiosa- Bo tree or Sacred Fig. Moraceae. Fig native to India. The Buddha was supposed to have reached enlightenment will meditating in the shade of this tree. Unique leaves. Good for bonsai. Can be maintained in a container for many years. | |
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Gardenia carinata Tree gardenia. Rubiaceae. Native of Southeast Asia. Small Tree. Oval medium green leaves about 8 inches long. Young plants may be slow growing. Large showy fragrant flowers. Flowers are white when they open but slowly change to orange. |
| Gardenia thunbergia- South African Gardenia. Rubiaceae. large white fragrant flowers. Glossy green leaves Grown in southern California and in the deep south. Some cold damage occurs at 26-27 degrees F. Germination begins in 4-5 weeks. | |
| Gardenia volkensii- Rubiaceae. Large shrub to small tree native to tropical Africa. Glosy green obovate leaves. Large white fragrant flowers in the spring and summer. Can be fast growing in warm areas. Seeds germinate easily in 2-4 weeks at 80-90 degrees. Zone 10. Minor cold damage occurs at 28 degrees F. | |
 | Hamelia patens- Family: Rubiaceae. Common Name: Fire cracker bush. Large shrub to small tree native to tropical South America. Clusters of bright red flowers. Blooms throughout the year. Small black berries with very small seeds. The berries are edible and medicinal. Prune to maintain a smaller size if desired. Vigorous plants are easy to grow. Full sun. Fertilize lightly once or twice a year. Mulch to maintain moisture during dry periods. Requires little care and tolerates neglect. |
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Hibiscus acetosella- Family: Malvaceae. Common Name: False Roselle. Native to tropical Africa. Large shrub with deep red leaves. Flowers are reddish and don't contrast much with the foliage. The attractive foliage stands out agains greens or variegated plants. The young leaves are edible and the calyx is reported to be a substitute for roselle. |
| Hymnenosporum flavum Australian native in the Pittosporaceae. Masses of strongly fragrant yellow flowers. Large shrub. Should do well in containers. I'm not sure how much cold it can take. Our plants tolerated several moderate frost with no damage. Probably takes temperatures aroun 24F with no damage. | |
| Leucaena leucephala - Fast growing tropical legume. Fabaceae. Used for reforestation in the tropics. Mimosa like blooms. I have had Leucaena seedlings that survived a 27 degree freeze. | |
| Markhamia hildebrandtii- Bignoniaceae.Funnel shaped yellow flowers in panicles. Native to east Africa. Small tree with glossy pinnate leave; each leaflet is serrated.. Germination is rapid. Growth rate is moderate during the first year. Good potential for containers. Zone 10. | |
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Megaskepasma erythrochlamys- Acanthaceae. Common Name: Brazilian Red Cloak. Large shrub with bright red bracts. Blooms all year. Full Sun. Easy to grow. Needs little care once established. USDa Zones 10B to 11. |
| Mesua ferrea- Clusiaceae. Common Names: nag champa, Indian ironwood. medium tree native to Asia. Fragrant flowers about 2 inches in diameter with white petals and a dense ring of bright yellow stamens. Young plants grow slowly. Best with some shade when small. Prefers a rich soil high in organic matter. New leaves are deep blood red. Has medicinal uses also. | |
| Nyctanthes arbor-tristis- Verbenaceae. Common Name: Night Jasmine, Tree of Sadness. Large shrub to small tree. Rough textured deep green leaves. Fragrant orange and white flowers open at night. Easy to grow and vigorous. Very limited number of plants. | |
| Oroxylum indicum- Bignoniaceae. Common Name: Indian trumpet tree. Native to eastern India. Trumpet shaped flowers. Deep green pinnate leaves. The pods are eaten and maybe the young leaves. Seeds are very flat larger than a quarter in diameter. Barely cover the seeds and keeping very moist. Germination is fast (7 to 12 days). | |
| Palicourea sp.- Rubiaceae. Common name: unknown. Shrub native to tropical South America. Leaves are a dark velvety green. Bright red flowers. Very ornamental. Rare in cultivation. | |
| Parkinsonia aculeata- Jerusalem Thorn. Fabaceae. Tropical legume. Shrub or small tree. 1 inch yellow flowers in large racemes. Native to tropical America. Worth trying in container in cold regions. Rapid germination at 80-90 degrees F. Fast growing. Survives frost of 26-27 degrees F with little or no damage. | |
| Peltophorum africanum- Fabaceae. Fast growing tropical legume grown for showy yellow flowers. Delicate pinnate leaves. Seedlings have survived frost of 26-27 degrees F. | |
| Pseudobombax ellipticum- Shaving brush tree. Bombacaceae. Ornamental tree cultivated in zone 9&10. Large ornamental flowers. Very attractive tree. | |
| Pterospermum acerifoium- Kanak-champa. Sterculiaceae. Medium tree with with large cordate or round leaves Large fragrant flowers are produced in April - May. Some parts of the plant are used medicinally in India. Full sun. Tolerates brief droughts and neglect. Full sun. Seeds germinate easily in 2-3 weeks at 80-90 degrees F. | |
| Rothmannia globosa- Tall shrub. Rubiaceae. Strongly scented white flowers. A close relative of the more commonly grown Gardenia jasminoides. Probably not as hardy. I am trying this one for the first time. | |
| Saraca thaipingensis- Fabaceae. Common name: ashok. Native to Malaysia species. New leaves are pink. Large pinnate leaves with dark green lanceolate leaflets. Flower clusters occur on large branches and can be up to a foot in diameter. Flowers are fragrant in the evening. Flowers emerge yellow and age to red. Moderate to fast growth rate. A beautiful tree. Needs a wet area with protection from wind. Can tolerate full sun once established. Grows along stream banks in its native habitat. Slightly acid soil. Benefits from applications of chelated iron and magnesium. Apply a thin layer of mulch several times per year if growing on poor rocky soils. | |
| Saraca indica- Fabaceae. Common name: ashok. This species is from India. Similar to Malyasian species described above. New growth is a deep purplish-red. Slightly more tolerant of windy and drier conditions than the S. thaipingensis. Full sun. Acid soil. Benefits from applications of iron and magnesium. Apply thin layer of mulch several times a year if growing on poor rocky soil. | |
| Schotia affraKaroo boer-bean. Fabaceae. Large shrub native to South Africa. Pinnate waxy leaves and panicles of bright red flowers. Drought tolerant. Zone 9. Seeds may be edible. Germinates over a 2-7 week period at 80-90 dgrees F. | |
| Schotia brachypetala- Tree fucshia. Fabaceae. South African native. Large shrub or small tree. Also with bright red flowers. Zone 10. | |
| Sesbania cannabina- Fabaceae. Pinnate leaves and small yellow flowers. Used as a cover crop or green manure to enrich the soil in tropical and subtropical regions. Blooms in 4-5 months from sowing. Seeds germinate rapidly in 2 or 3 days. . Grows rapidly after a few weeks. | |
| Sesbania tripetii- Hardy shrub to small tree. Fabaceae. Worth trying outdoors in the South or in California. Does well in a large container. Blooms in the 2nd year from seed. Racemes of orange-red flowers in early summer. | |
| Spathodea campanulata- African tulip tree. Bignoniaceae. Very showy red or orange tulip shaped flowers. Small tree with pinnate leaves. Native of tropical Africa. Zone 10. | |
| Spirotheca sp.- Bombacaceae. Large tropical tree native to South America. Large spines on the trunk. May develop a buttressed trunk. Palmate leaves emerge deep red. Large flowers. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate. Faster growth if fertilized several times per year. | |
| Stenocarpus sinuatus- Proteaceae. Common names: Pinwheel tree, firewheel tree. Medium tree native to eastern Australia. Can become large in tropical areas. Very ornamental 1 inch flowers in umbels of 12 to 20 flowers. Seeds germinate easily; barely cover leave partially exposed. | |
| Tecoma stans- shrub to small tree. Hardy in zone 9. Grows well in a large container and can be pruned to maintain small size. Fragrant flowers. Can bloom the 1st or 2nd year from seed. | |
| Tabernaemontana africana- Apocynaceae. Common Name: Cinnamon gardenia. Formerly T. holstii. The botanist have done extensive revisions to this genus. Shrub native to tropical Africa. Long curly white petals. Flowers are very fragrant. Seed pods turn bright orange-yellow when ripe; they are toxic if eaten. Full Sun. Slightly acid soil. Once established it tolerates some neglect. More flowers are produced if the plants are fertilized several times per year. Benefits from application of iron and magnesium. | |
| Tabernaemontana sananho- Apocynaceae. Shrub native to tropical South America. Large glossy leaves. White fragrant flowers. Attractive plant even when not in flower. This will make a good container plant for bright window or sunroom. Used medicinally. Medium shade to full sun. Requires rich soil with high organic matter. This plant is cold sensitive. Benefits from applications of iron and magnesium. Protect from slugs and snails. | |
| Tephrosia polystachya- African shrub to 3 ft. with pink flowers in the autumn. Pinnate leaves. Shade tolerant. Easy to grow. Some frost damage occurs at 26-27 degrees F. Zone 9 or container.. | |
| Tipuana tipu- Fabaceae. Common Name: Tipu tree, Pride of Bolivia, rosewood. Fast growing tall tree native to South America. Pinnate leaves. Bright golden flowers in racemes. This species is one source of rosewood. Hardy outdoors in Zone 10. | |
| Voacanga thouarsii- Family: Apocynaceae. Common Names: Africa frangipani. Medium tree with oval leathery leaves. Native to Southern Africa. Flowers are fragrant and the fruit is reported to be edible. Full sun. Tolerates drought. Seems to prefer slightly acid soils. Growth is moderate to slow. Fertilize several times per year. Benefits from application of chelated iron. | |
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