Category Tropical Plants

Bamboo, palms, bananas, and other tropical species

December 2004

Christmas Wintergreen berries on plant

Christmas Wintergreen – Gaultheria procumbens Origin: Northeast USA One of the most useful edible plants native to the United States, the tiny Christmas Wintergreen adds a bright spot of color to a drab winter landscape. This gem grows a scant…

September 2004

Bananas in a tree ready for harvest

Apple or Manzano Banana – Musa spp. Origin: Asia (Probably) The name of this wonderful banana pretty much says it all…delicious! Living in the northern climes has pretty much discouraged any ideas that I had about growing bananas which actually…

August 2004

Areca palm growing in someone's front yard

Areca Palm – Chrysalidocarpus lutescenss Origin: Madagascar Also known as the Yellow Palm or Butterfly Palm, the Areca Palm is one of the most popular houseplants. Rightly so since this graceful palm is very tolerant of living indoors. It also…