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Pachira Aquatica
(Fortune tree)
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Family
: Malvaceae
Origin : Tropical America
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This flower reminds me of a shaving brush that I used to see in the
Indian barber shops when I was a child. Shaving in those days was a more
ritualistic affair then compared with shaving nowadays where the deed is
performed in minutes using an electric shaver. I have seen this particular
tree in the Botanic Gardens flower a few times and each time that I saw the
flowers, I counted myself lucky. In searching for the common name, I came
across a bonsai version of this tree and then realised
that actually this bonsai in my garden. Wow!
Place: Singapore
Botanic Garden
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Passiflora laurifolia
(Water Lemon,
Passion fruit)
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Family: Passifloraceae
Origin: South America
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Two books I referred to gave two different names to this flower. One
was passiflora edulis
and the other was passiflora laurifolia.
Some years back, I came across this climber in Kentridge
park and since then I have not seen this plant again anywhere. The plant in
Kentridge has disappeared along with the park
upgrading plans and I am glad to have witnessed this particular bloom.
Coming back to the name, I used my favourite
search engine http://www.vivisimo.com
and keyed in both names. The sites and information that were thrown up were
simply amazing. From what I have seen of the photos and information, I have
concluded that the photo on the left is that of the laurifolia
and not the edulis.
Place: Kentridge Park
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Peltophorum pterocarpum
(Yellow flame, Copperpod)
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Family: Leguminoceae
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[click on photo
for larger version]
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The flowers of this tree are way above ground level and are very
attractive when they flower because the tree blooms generously. It is also
not easy to catch them when they look their best as it all depends on the
stage of the blooming, the weather and when you happen to come across them.
This photo shows that I have been lucky in all three aspects mentioned.
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Plumeria Rubra cultivar
(Frangipani)
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Family:Apocynaceae
Origin: New world tropics
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These small frangipani trees line one side of the driveway to my office
carpark and whenever they flower in such
profusion as they are doing now, they are truly a joy to behold.
More photos>>>
Different varieties>>>
Place: My office grounds
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Pereskia Bleo
(Wax Rose)
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Family: Cactaceae
Origin: Central America
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This is a spiny shrub and is the only cactus that has leaves. I was told
by friends that the leaves could be eaten fresh as it is believed to
possess medicinal values like keeping cancer at bay. I was given a cutting
not long ago and although it has taken root in the soil and is growing, the
growth is rather slow. I cannot wait for it to grow into a luxuriant shrub
with plenty of flowers to light up my garden.
Place: Pulau
Langkawi, Malaysia
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