Mombins

Mombins

Approximately 17 species comprise the genus Spondias. Although they are most commonly called mombins, names like hog plum, gully plum, Spanish plum and golden apple are also applied to these trees. However, mombins are only distantly related to true apples and plums, so many of these alternative names are misleading.

Sumacs

Sumacs

Sumacs are a varied group of shrubs and small trees. Yet despite this diversity, most sumacs share a set of similar traits, including pinnately compound leaves, fruit comprised of clustered drupes and small adult size – the largest members of the group reach about 30 feet in height. Many sumacs play important roles in natural ecosystems, while others are popular ornamentals.

Poisonwood Trees

Poisonwood Trees

Poisonwood trees (Metopium spp.) are small to medium sized trees, native to Florida, Mexico, Central America and several Caribbean islands. As their common name indicates, they contain harmful chemicals, which limits their commercial value.

Pistacchio

Pistachio and Terebinth Trees

About 16 trees native to parts of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas comprise the genus Pistacia. They vary widely in growth habit – some are small and shrub-like, while others mature into 50-foot-tall trees.

Harpephyllum_caffrum_2c

Wild Plum Trees

Despite their common name and habit of producing edible fruit, wild plum trees (Harpephyllum caffrum) are not closely related to the plums trees that produce the fruit that fills the shelves of your local grocer (those plums belong to the genus Prunus).

Mango

Mango Trees (Mangifera spp.)

The common mango tree is the most widely planted and well-known member of the genus Mangifera. Designated by botanists as Mangifera indica, the tree is most famous for its delicious fruit, which is enjoyed by people all over the world. Mango trees are also grown ornamentally in yards large enough to accommodate their impressive size.

Yucca

Yuccas

Yuccas (Yucca) are iconic perennials, found across a wide geographic area, stretching from Canada to South America. The fifty-odd species that comprise the genus inhabit a variety of different climate zones across this range, but most are native to arid habitats.

Cashew tree

Cashew Trees

Most famous for the delicious nuts they produce, cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale) are medium-sized evergreen trees, historically native to Brazil.

smoketrees

Smoketrees

Smoketrees (Cotinus spp.) derive their common name from their wispy, filamentous flowers, which appear like puffs of smoke when viewed from a distance. Because they are very easy to grow and add unique beauty to suburban landscapes, smoketrees are very popular ornamentals, often planted as borders or hedges.

Nolina Plants

Beargrasses (Nolina spp.)

While most beargrasses (Nolina spp.) look rather similar, two traits characterize every species in the group: tall, pale inflorescences and serrated, grass-like leaves.