Unusual specimens that intrigue even plant geeks

It’s not often that plant people come across plants that they’ve not seen before. Garden Center Magazine tried its best to track down plants that may puzzle even the most knowledgeable plant geeks among us.

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What is it? Aechmea ‘ Del Mar.’

More: This hybrid bromeliad is widely used in interior plantings and landscape designs. The foliage is pure green; the plant will grow to a 24-inch diameter in a 6-inch pot. ‘ Del Mar’ prefers partial shade.

For more: Bullis Bromeliads, (305) 258-8932; www.bullisbrom.com.

What is it? Amorphophallus paeonifolius.

More: Amorphophallus paeonifolius is one of a group of plants known as arums, or corpse flowers because they smell like decomposing flesh when they bloom. They belong to the family Araceae. They are dormant much of the time and usually come up in late spring and die back in fall. The “flower” technically is an inflorescence, with the actual flower hidden inside. In a recent episode of “CSI,” investigators Warrick and Greg encounter the largest species of this genus at a suspect’s house and think there’s a dead body hidden nearby because of the odor.

For more: Trans-Pacific Nursery, www.worldplants.com. Zone Ten Nursery, (305) 255-9825; www.zoneten.com.

What is it? Bowiea volubilis, climbing onion.

More: Climbing onion is a member of the lily family and is from South Africa. It’s easy to grow and takes little care. The lacy branches climb anything they can reach.

For more: Logee’s Greenhouses Ltd., (888) 330-8038; www.logees.com.

What is it? Ceropegia ampliata.

More: Ceropegia ampliata is from southern Africa; it’s called horny wonder or bushman’s pipe. Nearly leafless rambling stems produce 3-inch inflated balloonlike flowers. The thick, twining, succulent stems make this plant well-suited to hanging basket culture or trellising. This plant needs at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day and can withstand a fair amount of drought.

For more: Top Tropicals Botanical Garden, (941) 575-6987 (please call between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Eastern); www.toptropicals.com.

What is it? Ceropegia sandersonii, parachute plant or umbrella plant.

More: Umbrella plant is also from southern Africa and belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae, and so is it closely related to the milkweed varieties that are grown as butterfly plants in gardens throughout the United States. It likes full, but not hot, sun and the potting medium should be kept moderately moist during the growing period. It doesn’t like wet feet, so allow it to dry slightly between watering. It is extremely sensitive to Malathion.

For more: Bob Smoley’s Garden World, (352) 465-8254; www.bobsmoleys.com.

What is it? Aerococcus flavifolius.

More: Aerococcus flavifolius looks more like an exotic grass than the bromeliad it really is. It’s native to Colombia and Venezuela and likes partial shade to full sun and high temperatures. It is rare and has limited availability from Bullis Bromeliads.

For more: Bullis Bromeliads, (305) 258-8932; www.bullisbrom.com.

What is it? Aristolochia gigantea.

More: Aristolochia gigantea is one of several aristolochias or Dutchman’s-pipes that southern gardeners use as a host plant for two swallowtail butterfly species. A tropical climber from Brazil, it can grow to a huge size. The exotic flowers can be 10-12 inches from top to bottom.

For more: Logee’s Greenhouses Ltd., (888) 330-8038; www.logees.com.

What is it? Morinda citrifolia.

More: Morinda citrifolia is native to Southeast Asia. If you’ve heard about Noni juice, this is the source. Native peoples have been using all parts of the plant for its health benefits for more than 2,000 years. Noni grows well in any soil and is drought tolerant. The flowers are small and white and grow from a fleshy structure. The nectar is a favorite of honey eaters, although the fruit is not pleasant tasting. The plant is easy to grow in a container, tolerates shade and will fruit in a pot. It’s very cold sensitive and must be protected below 55°F.

For more: Top Tropicals Botanical Garden, (941) 575-6987 (please call between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Eastern); www.toptropicals.com.

What is it? Monodora myristica.

More: Monodora myristica is from West Africa, and is often called Calabash nutmeg or Jamaica nutmeg. It is a medium to large tree with a lush crown. The large, oblong leaves emerge purple and then turn deep green with metallic green underneath. The flowers resemble orchids, but dangle on long, sturdy stems which are actually modified twigs. The flower, which is beetle pollinated, is very waxy; if it’s pollinated the stem becomes woody and the flower develops into a large cucumberlike fruit filled with aromatic pulp. The large seeds embedded in the fruit are used like nutmeg to flavor foods, or are roasted, ground and used as a topical medication for wounds and headaches. The root is chewed to relieve toothache.

For more: Top Tropicals Botanical Garden, (941) 575-6987 (please call between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Eastern); www.toptropicals.com.

What is it? Gmelina philippensis.

More: Gmelina philippensis comes from Malaya, Malaysia, India and the Philippine Islands. Also known as parrot’s beak, hedgehog or ching-chai, it forms a round shrub with pendant branches and large, long leaves. The yellow blossoms emerge from the end of a tubelike structure of overlapping bracts and develop into a large yellow pod that contains a single seed. This tropical plant may be deciduous in cooler climates.

For more: Top Tropicals Botanical Garden, (941) 575-6987 (please call between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Eastern); www.toptropicals.com.

- Carolee Anita Boyles

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Carolee Anita Boyles is a freelance writer in Tampa, Fla.

April 2008