Mexican Bird of Paradise

[Tmai]

This plant is native to the West Indies and the American southwest. I gathered seeds from the Keys. They grow very big, very fast. The nursery down the road planted seeds this spring out by the road and their plant looks like this picture. Mine is potted and hasn't bloomed yet (fingers crossed!). Here's a link with better pics. Enjoy!
http://www.delange.org/BirdOfParadis...aradiseRed.htm

[Tmai]

After two years of not watering it enough and keeping it in way too small a pot. I put it in a 20 x 20 pot and set it out in full sun with lots of water. Grew these from seeds I collected from Fiesta Key KOA in the Florida Keys. These pics were taken a week ago = not in full bloom. We've had torrential rains lately and the plants are beat down and are just now standing back up. Enjoy Mo plees yo eyes

tmai

[Molly Taco]

It is so pretty. Does it have long seed pods, like a mimosa? I love the blooms.
Cin

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Very nice -- like little burst of flames! Congratulations on getting it to bloom!

Cheers!
BD

[Piper]

Very nice Tami!

Congrats on the blooms, and congrats even more collecting your samples without meeting the local constabulary!

McJulie

[Tmai]

Thanks, all. Yes, it does have seed pods like a mimosa. And the butterflys seem to love the blooms, too. Double beauty.
Right, McJulie, but remember - I've had lots of practice and the nights are very dark in the Keys!

Bikes with Scissors

[wetfeet101b]

Wow that tree brings back some memories

Back home in the Philippines these are called "fire trees" because the mature (30+ feet) trees would be fully covered with the red/orange flowers and they look like they are engulfed in flames.

They are also sometimes called "caterpillar trees" because a certain butterfly species lays eggs on these trees and results in a heavy infestation of caterpillars. Those unfortunate enough to be walking under the tree (or park their cars underneath) when the winds pick up would get a nasty surprise as it would literally rain caterpillars.

I called it the "chore tree" as my grandmother would make me sweep the driveway every afternoon after it gets littered with fallen petals and leaves (and caterpillars).

Just to give an idea on how big these things can get:

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Wow. That is huge! I bet it is amazing to see in person.

Cheers,
BD

[JUDIUK]

Jazzy colours, do you know the latin name? Judi