| Flowers of Paradise |
 Tropical Regions with their warm weather and substantial rain fall produce a staggering array of plant life. A wide variety of shapes and forms and a dazzling display of colors. Here’s but a small sampling of tropical flowers you can find here.
Middle left: Thunbergia grandiflora, Blue Trumpet Vine - The Thunbergia genus has over 100 species of shrubs and ornamental vines. The Blue Trumpet Vine is a very fast growing climber with large blue yellow throated flowers in hanging clusters with large rough leaves. It does best in full sun or light shade with moist well drained soil, and can be trained to beautifully cover walls and fences. Propagation is by cuttings or air-layering
Middle right: Orchid, Tricolor Vanda - Not the exclusively tropical plant most people think they are, orchids can be found in almost all climate regions, but most are native to warm humid places. With as many as 20-25,000 different species, Orchidaceae is by far the largest family of flowering plants and one of the most popular with plant aficionados. Found beautifully in the wild and passionately cultivated, with almost a thousand new hybrids being registered every year. Vandas are generally easy to grow with a good deal of sun, at least half a day, in a loose potting mixture that drains well and regular applications of liquid fertilizer.
Bottom: Cuphea hyssopifolia, False Heather - A Native of South America, it grows better in slightly cooler climates, but can be found in tropical or sub tropical gardens. Low growing and bush like, it reminds some of heather with tiny dark green leaves and tiny flowers which can be mauve, white or pink. Prefers full sun, but does well in most soils, propagation by seeds or cuttings.
 Top right: Euphorbia pulcherrima, Poinsettia Euphorbia is comprised of over 1,600 widely different species, all sharing the characteristic of producing a poisonous milky white sap. The best known is the Poinsettia, a native of Mexico with small yellow flowers surrounded by large showy red, white or pink bracts. Blooming depends on the amount of daylight the plant receives, and is very popular around Christmas time. Propagation is from cuttings.
Bottom right: Passiflora, Passion flower There are more than 400 species in this genus, almost all native of tropical America and climbers, with blue, purple and red varieties. They have tendrils along the stems that allow them to climb quickly, with strikingly complex flowers. So named Passion Flower for their resemblance to the crown of thorns worn by Jesus. Can be trained on a trellis or wire for support. Needs a sunny location and well drained soil. Propagation by cuttings from mature wood.
And what’s that big beautiful yellow one on top? I was hoping you could tell me, anotherday@zihua-ixtapa.com
Sources: Tropical Plants for Home and Garden by William Warren, 1997.
All photos by Patsy Cummings, artist, photographer, renowned chef and owner with her husband of Zihua institution, Coconuts Restaurant and Cococabaña Gift shop of exclusive Mexican Folk
January 2003
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