TPF189 Teakwood Tree Tectona grandis
Teak is very fast growing, and on favorable sites may reach 130 to 150 feet in height with clear boles of 80 to 90 feet. The trunks are cylindrical to fluted and may reach 3 to 5 feet in diameter.
Teak is a beautiful golden to dark brown, sometimes reddish brown, with a straight grain, sometimes wavy. Teak is rich in natural oils, is easily worked, and dresses to a very smooth finish. Because of its natural oils, teak is very durable and resistant to moisture and the drying effects of exposure to weather. Teak is unique in that it does not cause rust or corrosion when in contact with metal.
Teak is a very valuable wood and is prized throughout the world. It is sought for the decks, trim and detail work in expensive boats, and fine furniture, flooring, carving, joinery, cabinetwork, paneling, turnery and veneer.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95

RHM066 Red Torch Ginger Etlingera elatior
Its inflorescence comes out of the ground instead of the terminal spike, thus making it easier to cut as a cut flower. The bracts are cherry red with yellow edges. As the bract opens up the lower bract leaves turn down revealing a cone shaped torch. An exceptional ginger for the garden or greenhouse, give it plenty of room to grow. Height 12' to 17'. Needs a warm climate or greenhouse. Very exotic!
  Package of 5-8 seeds $3.50

3234 Crepe Ginger Costus speciosus

Photo by Forest and Kim Starr

3235 Natal Plum Carissa grandiflora
The Carissa, or natal plum, Carissa grandiflora, is native to South Africa and is one of the most popular seaside hedge plants in South Florida because of its tolerance to salt spray and resistance to damage by wind. This large shrub grows to about 15 feet and has very thick, shiny, dark green leaves on thick branches heavily armed with sharp, branched thorns.
This plant grows relatively slowly compared to other shrubs but makes up for it by its many uses. Carissa is excellent as a barrier or security hedge because of the large thorns; a large dense hedge of this is almost impenetrable. The plant also has white fragrant flowers about 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter for most of the year. The heaviest bloom is during the warmer months, and many varieties form large numbers of large--up to 2 inches long--oval-to-elliptical-shaped reddish fruits.
The thin skin of the fruit encloses a reddish pulp with several small, almost circular seeds, and while the pulp has a white milky latex, this in no way interferes with the eating of the fruit. The fruits are eaten fresh but are most often used for sauces, jellies, and even ice cream. Sauce made from carissa is often said to taste almost like that made from cranberries.
Due to the wide tolerance of soil types, carissa can be grown almost anywhere there is good drainage and sufficient light. Carissa is not easily damaged by cold weather either, and can be used well into Central Florida with no problems.
Many landscapers use carissa more for its ornamental value than for its fruits, and allow birds and other animals to enjoy the fruits, but some people have developed quite a liking for the fruits and purposely buy natal plum for that purpose. Carissa can also be grown well in containers and because of its attractive leaves, flowers and fruit, makes an excellent container specimen or even bonsai.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95

3236 Dwarf Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow Brunfelsia floribunda dwarf
A dwarf variety of Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow with fragrant flowers. When in bloom, the plant will fill a large area with it's sweet fragrance.
Flowers start dark purple then fade to lavender then to almost white. All 3 colors are displayed on 1 plant simultaneously.
This shrub will do well in any location between full sun to filtered light. Avoid too much shade.
It blooms for a long time during the warm weather.
The plant produces the flowers at the end of the new growth, therefore the more branches you have the more flowers you get. To accomplish that, the plant should be trimmed in order to achieve a round shape which can be done anytime of the year, except between September and November when the flowers start to develop and open.
The plant will survive temperatures in the low 30°s for short periods.
The soil needs to be a little bit on the acidic side.

  Package of 10 seeds $2.95

RHM034 Silk Cotton Tree Ceiba pentanira
This large tropical tree grows to 160' and develops many thin buttresses extending to 30' while the trunk has spines to a 9' height. Its 6" leaves are digitately compound. The flowers are rosy yellow and fragrant in dense clusters. Soft cottony fibers develop from the leathery fruits, commercially known as Kapok.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

3250 Pink Orchid Tree ( Bauhinia monandra )
Tropical tree to 20' known for lobed leaves and 5" pink orchid-like flowers with overlapping petals.Fast growing. May be grown indoors with warmth and bright light and kept pruned to a small size.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

FA47 Butterfly Tree ( Bauhinia purpurea )
Bauhinia purpurea is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to South China (which includes Hong Kong) and southeastern Asia. In the United States of America, the tree grows in Hawaii, coastal California, southern Texas, and southwest Florida. Common names include Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Purple camel's foot, and Hawaiian orchid tree.
It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 17 m tall. The leaves are 10-20 cm long and broad, rounded, and bilobed at the base and apex. The flowers are conspicuous, pink and fragrant, with five petals. The fruit is a pod 30 cm long, containing 12 to 16 seeds. For zones 9-10.
  Package of 5 seeds $3.95

RHM041 Indian Shot Canna indica
Very popular in most tropical zones. Produces large flowers - bright red with bright orange lips. The stems are slender to 3-1/2' with attractive ribbed leaves extending another 1-1/2' being 8" wide and boat shaped having some resemblance to Strelitzia. For landscape in warmer zones or indoors with high intensity lighting.
The seeds are small globular black pellets, hard and heavy enough to sink in water. They resemble shotgun pellets giving rise to the plant's common name of Indian Shot. They are widely used for jewelry.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.95

RHM043 Sword Bean Canavallia gladiata
A twining nearly erect annual to 6'. Very similar to C. ensiformis. Not edible. Sometimes grown as an ornamental with very attractive pink/purple papilionaceous flowers. Requires a long, warm growing season. The 1" seeds are bright pink.
  Package of 5 seeds $3.25

3243 Pigeon Pea Cajanus cajon
Widely cultivated in tropical countries for the edible beans. Conspicuous purple flowers in racemes. A very prolific bearer and will require support. Requires constant warmth. This pea-like legume is widely propagated in the tropics for the edible seeds and pods. Although an important food plant in the West Indies, they are not grown in gardens or commercially to any great extent in the United States. However, in 1950 there were 10,000 acres of pigeon peas in Hawaii reported. The pigeon pea plant is an erect annual or short-lived perennial reaching a height of 3-10 feet. Because the coarse bush is deeply rooted, it has wide adaptability and grows well on semiarid land. It has slender, pointed trifoliate leaves and yellow or yellow and red flowers. Pods are similar to English peas, green and pointed with a bit of reddish mottling. Several pods are produced in clusters on an upright stem.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.95

RHM053 Egyptian Hempwood Sesbania sesban
A shrubby tree to 20' indiginous to tropical Africa and other warm regions. It is used as a windbreak, fuelwood, erosion control, and as a trellis tree for various vining plants and fodder for livestock. Easily grown.
  10 or more seeds per pack $3.95

D9807 Baby Woodrose Argyeria nervosa
A very popular tropical climber with wide heart shaped leaves and beautiful rose pink flowers.
  Package of 8 seeds $2.75

SO317 Hawaiian Woodrose Ipomoea
A very interesting vine with deep cut 5-7 lobed foliage that can easily be grown inside. The yellow flowers are followed by woody pod fruits that when opened, resemble a wooden rose. Cannot ship to AR, AZ, PR
  Package of 4 seeds $2.50

1A012 Jamaican Sago Tree Zamia furfuracea
An eye-catching species of cycad growing over 3 ft. tall with long, arching blue-green leaflets. Mature plants bear attractive rusty brown cones.
Excellent container plant or outside plant in warm areas.
 20 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $5.95

D9809 Herald's Trumpet Beaumontia grandiflora
This is a long leaved woody vine to 20 ft. with huge fragrant white trumpet flowers.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.50

D9810 Angel's Trumpet Tree Brugmansia sanguinea
A small shrubby tree from the Andes with large pendulous flowers up to 10" long. Flowers are tubular, bright red at the mouth, fading to yellow at the base. Bears long, ovate leaves up to 10" long.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.50

D9812 Catclaw Vine Doxanthus unguis-cati
A woody stemmed tropical climber that will reach 25 ft. if not pruned back. Climbs and anchors itself with claw type tendrils, thus the name. Very attractive foliage, it also has numerous medicinal uses.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.50

2242 Spikes Cordyline indivisa
Curving 3- to 6-foot foliage is a key filler for planters, and an excellent center accent for color bowls. Landscape plant in drier parts of Zones 8-10. Fast-growing when young.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.50

RHM067 Pink Torch Ginger Etlingera venusta
Its inflorescence comes out of the ground instead of the terminal spike, thus making it easier to cut as a cut flower. The bracts are a soft pink on a tall round spike. As the bract opens up the lower bract leaves turn down revealing a cone shaped torch. An exceptional ginger for the garden or greenhouse, give it plenty of room to grow. Height 12' to 17'. Needs a warm climate of greenhouse. Very exotic!
  Package of 5-8 seeds $3.50

D9814 Elephant's Ear Tree Enterolobium cyclocarpum
Outside in the tropics, this tree will grow to 100 ft. tall with a broad spreading crown to 70 ft. or more. Can be pruned to size for heated greenhouses. Beautiful huge fernlike leaves give the tree it's name.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.50

D9815 Balsa Wood Ochroma pyramidale
A tropical tree to 90' with large white flowers up to 6" in size. Attractive foliage. This tree produces one of the lightest and strongest woods available. Much grown for it's commercial value in the tropics.
  Package of 8 seeds $2.75

D9817 Tree Fern Schizolobium parahyba
A fast growing tropical tree from Brazil that can be pruned to size for warm greenhouses. 3 ft. long fernlike leaves makes this a distinctive plant.
  Package of 3 seeds $3.50

Z1810 Edible Ornamental Banana Musa sapientum
An unusual type of ornamental banana that produces large, edible bananas, but the fruit is full of large black seeds and is not raised commercially for this reason. Can be raised in large tubs inside or zone 9 and higher outside. Inside, it rarely grows over 6 ft. tall, but can reach 10 ft. or more outside.
Price per pack: $4.95
  5 seeds

Z2450 Darjeeling Banana Musa sikkimensis (= M. hookeri)
Wow! A rare and little known large banana species, new to cultivation, that sports a massive pseudo-trunk to 4,5m (14ft) tall and 45cm (18in.) in diameter., tinged with red, and purple new leaves and leaf-midribs. A percentage of plants even exhibits beautifully dark red mottled leaves. The Darjeeling Banana is very hardy to cold (i.e. in the sense of Musa basjoo) coming, as it does, from mountain forests up to 2000m (6000ft) in the Himalayas of NE-India. First trials outdoors in the US, Britain, Germany and Switzerland have shown an excellent resistance to cold and frost. Like all bananas, it is extremely fast growing, given rich soil and an abundance of water. The fruits have a sweetish pulp but are hard and contain a few large seeds. An absolute novelty that shows great promise as an ornamental for the temperate as well as the cooler tropical garden. We think this plant that has more potential than any other cold tolerant Musa in cultivation at the moment.
  5 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $5.95

Z2116 Yunnan Banana Musa sp. "Yunnan"
These seeds originally came in as the rare Ensete wilsonii, the Snow Banana, however, seed shape and size suggest that the seeds are not Ensete but Musa sp. Our collector insists that the seeds were collected at very high altitude in Chinas Yunnan province, where Ensete wilsonii usually grows up to 2700m (9000ft). Even with its identity not cleared yet we think this could be a very interesting cold hardy species that would probably thrive under the same conditions as the legendary Musa basjoo and M. sikkimensis.
  5 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $5.95

Z2093 Cold Hardy Chinese Dwarf Banana Musella lasiocarpa
Musella lasiocarpa is an exciting banana relative that comes from high altitudes (to frosty 2800m / 9200ft!) in the Yunnan province in China. The maximum height of the plant is only about 1.5m / 5ft, half of which is a very stout, conical trunk, topped by a crown of handsome, slightly glaucous, broad leaves. From early age, the rhizome produces many suckers. The "flower", which is big and bright yellow, appears in its second year, and grows upright at the top of the trunk. As the inflorescence grows in size, tiny 'bananas' begin to appear under each bract which curls back to reveal the fruits. Unfortunately inedible, the 2" long bananas each contain dozens of small, shiny jet black seeds. The seed requires cool stratification (abt. 5°C) but then germinates easily, and subsequent seedling growth is as you might expect, very fast. Musella appreciates heavy watering and feeding and a place in full sun. It will flourish in all climates from cool tropical down to temperate, where it will be found to be root hardy, enduring even cold winters with its underground rhizome, just like the well known "Hardy Banana", Musa basjoo. It also makes a perfect conservatory plant which will be a true conversation piece that certainly will not outgrow its location.
  5 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $5.95
  Bulk Pack of 25 seeds. $17.95

Z2305 Abyssinian Banana Musa Ensete
A fast growing banana-like plant that is a bit more cool tolerant than most with huge paddle shaped bright green leaves up to 20 ft. long. Bright red midribs underneath. White flowers inside of long, bronze-red bracts.
Price per pack: $4.95
  10 seeds
  Bulk Pack of 50 seeds: $17.95

Z2306 Velvet Banana Musa velutina
Good container type of banana with dark green leaf blades to 3 ft. Produces erect spikes of white flowers, followed by softly hairy, pink fruit. Good for zone 9 and higher outside.
Price per pack: $4.95
  10 seeds
  Bulk Pack of 50 seeds: $17.95

Z2007 Balbisiana Banana Musa balbisiana
Obscure but exciting 'new' Banana from North-east India, the Musa balbisiana is perhaps one of the progenitors of the commercial banana. It grows at some altitude so may tolerate cool conditions and a little frost, but its main characteristic is its huge flower. As with others in the genus, rich soil is required for maximum growth together with plenty of fertilizer and an adequate supply of water. Given these and some summer warmth, it is almost dangerously fast growing!
  10 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $5.95

Z2115 Giant Nepal Banana Ensete glaucum
This exciting but little-known banana relative is also known as Musa nepalensis and Ensete giganteum, hinting at the plants giant size. It grows in China (Yunnan 800-1100m a.s.l.), Nepal, India, Burma, Thailand and possibly also in Tibet, Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. It has a thick, waxy and blue, solitary trunk, huge bluish leaves up to 10ft/3m long, and a huge nodding banana-producing inflorescence. It is extremely fast growing and so requires a good supply of fertilizer and water and is best planted in rich soil. In cold climates it would make an astonishing bedding plant during the Summer.
  5 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $5.95

Z1705 Ornamental Christmas Banana Musa sumatrana
A very striking dwarf banana that reaches a mature height of only 1,5 to 2m (5 to 7ft) with narrow leaves that are dark red below and striped with red and green above. Subtropical to tropical. Ideal houseplant.
  5 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $5.95

1A011 Abyssinian Banana Musa Ensete
A fast growing banana-like plant that is a bit more cool tolerant than most with huge paddle shaped bright green leaves up to 20 ft. long. Bright red midribs underneath. White flowers inside of long, bronze-red bracts. Price per pack: $4.95 10 seeds
  Package of 10 seeds $4.95

1A005 Screw Pine Pandanus utilis
A slow growing tree type plant with long leathery sword leaves sharply serrated at edges and arranged in a spiral manner. The tree will develop stilt roots. Requires warmth and bright light as an inside plant. We recommend soaking seeds in warm water/CAPE Seed Primer for 24 hours before sowing.
  Package of 2 seeds $2.00

1A010 Wild Almond Terminalia
A tropical shrub to small tree that should be raised in the greenhouse for its unique ornamental appearance. Its bright green leaves turn red to pink at different times of the year. It has a profusion of flowers which are followed by edible nuts.
  Package of 2 seeds $2.50

D2902 St. John's Tree Ceratonia
An evergreen tree that grows to 50 ft. Has stout, leathery foliage and can be grown in containers. Grows well in dry soils. The edible pods can be made into flour, which makes delicious candies, cakes, pastries and drinks.
  Package of 5 seeds $1.95

1A017 Rose Trumpet Tree Tabeuia rosea
A beautiful tropical tree with profuse flower clusters at branch tips in rose color usually with white throat. Palmate leaves with smooth, dark green leaflets.
  Package of 25 seeds $2.50

D2905 Jacaranda Tree Jacaranda mimosifolia
An easily grown tropical tree that can be grown in containers. Has mimosa type leaves and lavender blue flowers in clusters.
  Package of 25 seeds $2.50

1A006 Teakwood Tree Tectonia grandis
The famous hardwood tree native to Malaysia, the wood is heavier than water. A tall tropical tree with large, rough, leathery leaves and small mauve flowers.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.50

D2907 Tropical Oak Casuarina equisetifolia
A conifer like tree that is used in Europe for windbreaks. A rather unusual tree that stands out from others.
  Package of 20 seeds $2.00

SO545 Gourd Tree Cujete
A tropical tree spreading to 30 ft. or more. Produces a large gourd fruit similar to the Calabash tree. Flowering is nocturnal and occurs on the branches and trunk throughout the year.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.50

SO350 Indian Banyan Tree Ficus benghalensis
Outside it is a huge tropical tree with heart shaped ovate leaves. As it gets older, it will develop silt roots which give it a very interesting appearance. This tree can easily be raised inside if kept properly pruned.
  Package of 8 seeds $2.50

NW44 Jojoba Tree Simmondsia chinensis
A unique sub-tropical shrub growing to 12 ft. with light green-gray oval foliage. Bears the seeds that produce the Jojoba oil that is much in demand. Good container plant.
  Package of 4 seeds $2.00

NW26 Heavenly Bamboo Nandina Domestica
A member of the barberry family that has a striking resemblance to bamboo. Has leathery, bluish green leaves that are blushed with purple, bronze and red when new. Has attractive long clusters of white flowers in spring and very ornamental red berries in winter. Likes full sun to partial shade. Cold hardy to 5 degrees outside. Makes a good container plant inside. Start some now for a jump on next year.
  Package of 10 seeds $1.50

NW10 Giant White Bird of Paradise Strelitzia nicolai
This is the famous giant plant reaching 12 ft. or more in height and bearing loads of brilliant white flowers. Can be container grown if desired.
  Package of 5 seeds $2.50

D2911 Golden Rain Tree Koelreuteria
A stunning tree with bright yellow flowers. Necklaces are made from the seeds and the flowers are thought to have medicinal properties in China.
  Package of 8 seeds $2.75

D2914 African Tulip Tree Spathodea
A large ornamental tree from the tropics with bright red, tubular flowers. The leaves are large, pinnate and opposite. The leaves are up to 20 inc. in length. Trees can be raised in conservatory or in large tubs inside. The brilliant flowers can be sighted from far away.
  Package of 20 seeds $1.95

D2917 Beefwood Casuarina stricta
A large lumber tree, its name is derived from its reddish wood color. It has very unusual foliage and is a fast grower. Does well in pots and represents a different style of house plant.
  Package of 25 seeds $1.95

D2921 Princess Tree Paulowinia
A stunning tree with purple trumpet shaped leaves. Good shade tree. To 40 ft.
  Package of 5 seeds $1.95

D2925 Pineapple Guava Feijoa
A beautiful evergreen shrub that is easy to grow. Has dark green leaves with silvery underneath. The flowers are very attractive. The fruit is yellow green and has a pleasant pear like taste.
  Package of 5 seeds $1.95

D2959 Cockscomb Coral Tree Erythrina
A shrub that is often grown in pots and brought inside during the coldest times of the year. Has brilliant green leaves and vivid red flowers resembling waxed sweet peas. Its tropical type foliage makes for a nice houseplant.
  Package of 4 seeds $1.95

D2977 Ginko Biloba
A unique tree with a leaf shape unlike any other. Its nuts are regarded as a delicacy in the Orient. In fall the leaves turn a golden yellow. A favorite bonsai specimen.
  Package of 3 seeds $1.95
For more info on the Ginko, please visit the Ginko Page

D2980 Flame of the Forest Delonix regia
It is called the tropics most glorious flowering tree. The flowers are vivid scarlet and borne copiously all over the shallow, domed crown.
  Package of 10 seeds $2.50

D9611 Derris Robusta
A tropical tree that can be container grown if giver lots of warmth and light. Has gray branches and paired 2 inch leaflets that are silky/hairy underneath. Flowers are white in dense clusters. Very different.
  Package of 5 seeds $3.00