The Lovely and Functional Vomit Tree

Ginkgo trees are large, extremely hardy, adaptable, canopy trees. Ginkgo trees are literally millions of years old. Over time they have adapted to survive in even the worst urban conditions. Air pollution, compact soil, no problem. Because of this, ginkgo trees have frequently been used to landscape urban streets. They are attractive, disease-resistant, drought-tolerant trees with a long life-span.

On the medical front, ginkgo biloba supplements have been commercially available for many years. In general, these supplements, derived from ginkgo leaf extracts, are marketed as pharmaceutical memory enhancements. The effectiveness of ginkgo supplements is controversial and clinical studies are ongoing to determine their effectiveness. Ginkgo trees also have culinary value. Seed kernals of the female ginkgo tree are commonly served in China and Japan.

There’s just one problem. The seed coat of ginkgo tree fruit, which contains butyric acid, a chemical found in vomit, emits a rancid vomit-like odor if the fruit is left to rot. This tree has earned its nickname - the vomit tree. It is possible to manage the smell. Just clean and dispose of any fallen ginkgo fruit as soon as possible. Ginkgo fruit will not smell unless it is given the opportunity to rot. Aside from being smelly, the fruit of ginkgo trees is slippery and can present a slip and fall hazard to pedestrians.

If only female trees produce fruit why not not just plant male trees? Ginkgo trees are gender-specific plants. Only female trees produce stinky berries. Unless the tree is one of the all-male cultivars of ginkgo trees, the only accurate way to distinguish male and female species of the common gingko is to examine the fruit of the mature tree. Until maturity male and female plants are indistinguishable from one another. Ginkgo trees can take more than 20 years to reach maturity. But I did say there were all male cultivars. The following cultivars consist entirely of male plants: Autumn Gold, Lakeview, Princeton, Sentry and Fastigiata. Grafting portions of confirmed male with a seedling rootstock is a possible alternative for preventing future smell.

It’s probably obvious - I like ginkgo trees, just be careful when you go to purchase one, gender matters.

References:

Why Do Ginkgo Berries Stink?

University of Florida IFAS Extension: Ginkgo biloba, Maidenhair Tree

University of California Museum of Palentology: Introduction to the Ginkgoales

　

　

　

When is the Harvest Season for Walnut Trees?

For those of you lucky enough to have one of these trees, congratulations. Commercially these are one of the most valuable trees available if you consider the value of the wood and the nuts they produce. Harvest time for walnut trees is September through October. However, as a dooryard fruit, most walnut trees will not produce a crop every year. Outside of commercial production, alternate bearing years are common. This means the trees tend to over-produce one year and produce little to nothing the next. Also, remember these are large trees that take a while to mature. Wait at least 10 years after planting before expecting any nuts.

What to look for - During the spring small inconspicuous flowers will appear on the tree. From these flowers a green husk, which contains a developing nut, will emerge. These husks will get bigger throughout the summer until harvest time. During September or October the nuts will fall from the tree, breaking the husk with their fall. The husk can irritate and discolor skin, so make sure you wear gloves when you harvest the nuts!

References:

University of Missouri Center Center for Agroforestry: Growing Black Walnut for Nut Production; William Reid, Mark Coggeshall, H.E. Garrett, Jerry Van Sambeek; September 2009
Purdue University: Eastern Black Walnut: Potential for Commercial Nut Producing Cultivars; William Reid; August 1997

How Often Do Walnut Trees Get Nuts on Them?

Pecan Tree Irrigation Needs

Pecan trees are large, deciduous, nut-producing trees. The fact that these trees are native to the Mississippi should give you a clue about their water requirements. Although pecans establish deep roots, the majority of water for nut production comes from the top two feet of the soil, which is easily accessible. Pecan trees need a lot of water. Inadequate watering will stress them. Leaves will prematurely drop and poor quality nuts will result.

When and how much water -Watering needs peak annually in the fall during nut production. Mature pecans require consistent watering, in the range of 200 gallons a day per tree. During late summer to early fall, increase this amount to at least 300 gallons per day. In particular, the first two weeks of September are considered to be the critical watering period for pecans. It is not unusual for sprinklers to run around the clock on commercial pecans farms during this time.

References:

University of Florida IFAS Extension: The Pecan Tree; P.C. Andersen and T. E. Crocker; May 2004
University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences: Cultural Management of Commercial Pecan Orchards; Lenny Wells and Kerry A. Harrison; Jan. 21, 2010
How Much Water Does a Large Pecan Need for Survival?

What’s so great about oak trees?

I’ve lived in Florida 25 years. Despite all the lovely tropical plants we have here, oak trees remain one of my favorite trees. There are many reasons for this. Oak trees are all-around great landscape trees. Aesthetically, they tend to be large, wide-spreading trees with impressive canopies. Many are evergreen - which means no leaves to rake up.They are found in all parts of the state. Several types are Florida natives. And did I mention their ability to grow quickly, which produces incredibly valuable shade? In general, oaks are durable trees. They provide food and habitat to wildlife. And just like your standard Floridian, oak trees are able to flourish despite harsh aspects of our environment, including the heat islands, soil compaction, urban pollution, and even salt.

References:

University of Florida IFAS Extension: Common Oaks of Florida
Why Plant Oak Trees in Florida?

Banana Plant Propagation

Banana plants naturally propagate via an offshoot of the banana plant called a sucker. Suckers derive from underground rhizomes, so this method of reproduction is called rhizome propagation. It takes approximately nine months for a sucker to fully develop and produce a stalk of bananas, after which it dies. Banana plants produce a lot of suckers. The presence of too many suckers is not beneficial and can result in low-quality bananas and disease. Regardless of whether you are interested in propagation, banana plants must be actively pruned of suckers on a regular basis. Leave anywhere from three to five suckers at a time around the plant to replace the original plant.

Rhizome Propagation - Using a spade, dig a generous hole around a large sucker, including as much as the root structure as possible. Next, remove all large leaves from the top of the sucker. Then replant the sucker, in a hole approximately 3 feet wide by 2 feet deep with lots of moist, organic material. Space further if you are planting near the original banana plant to allow for future growth. For best results, separate and transplant suckers during warm summer months immediately preceeding rain.

Tissue Culture Propagation - Tissue culture propagation is an alternate form of propagation, which is used in some commercial banana farms. As the name suggests, new banana plants are grown from meristems using tissue cultures. This method successfully eliminates disease transmission and ensures healthy, uniform, nematode-free banana plants. Tissue culture propagation is considerably more time-consuming and expensive than rhizome propagation.

References:

Can I Propagate a Banana Plant Through a Leaf Cutting?
University of Florida IFAS Extension: Banana Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
California Rare Fruit Growers: Banana

Will a Coconut Palm Grow in the Desert?

Coconut palms are popular, tropical plants that are well-suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. Coconut palms, however, do not thrive in areas with low annual rainfall or extreme temperature fluctuations. Consequently, a coconut palm should not be planted in the desert.

Temperature Requirements - Coconut palms are not cold tolerant. They prefer year-round temperatures should average 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Temperatures under 32 F will almost certainly injure the palms. Prolonged cold periods or a series of sudden weather shifts may severely injure the palm. Deserts are characterized by sudden shifts in the weather. Large fluctuations frequently occur between day and night.

Rainfall Requirements - Everyone knows deserts do not receive much rain. The rain that does fall tends to occur exclusively in short bouts one or two times a year. Coconut palms require at least 40 inches of evenly distributed rainfall year-round for sustained growth. The amount and distribution pattern of rain in the desert is clearly not in line with the growing requirements of a coconut palm.

References:

Can Coconut Palm Trees Grow in Arizona?

University of Florida: The Coconut Palm in Florida

"Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates;" Bijan Dehgan; 1998.

Foxtail Fern Blooms

Foxtail ferns (Protasparagus densiflorus cv. 'Myersii') are fern-like members of the lily family. They are prized for their radiating light green cylindrical foliage that tapers at the end - pretty much like a fox tail. And, yes, foxtail ferns, do bloom. However, these blooms are neither impressive nor consistent. In fact, most plants do not bloom on an annual basis. Foxtail fern blooms consist of small white or light pink inconspicuous flowers. These blooms are small and short-lived. Foxtail ferns bloom only during summer months. Once the flowers fall off, they are replaced by attractive, large red berries, which are a small wildlife favorite.

References:

Do Foxtail Ferns Bloom?
Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Service: Asparagus Ferns
Floridata: Protasparagus densiflorus

Tips for Growing Coffee

So you want to grow some coffee. Here is some of the basic information you will need to know.

Soil - Coffee trees will tolerate a wide range soil pH, though lightly acidic soil is ideal. Soil must be well-drained and amended with organic materials. Coffee trees love rich and porous soil. Soil of volcanic origin (like in Hawaii) is preferred. Coffee trees are not salt tolerant.

Irrigation - Coffee trees have shallow roots. They will not tolerate standing water or drought. Water your coffee trees consistently throughout the year, but cut back during the coldest two months of the year to promote flowering.

Fertilization - Fertilize coffee trees with a dry mix of nitrogen, phosphate and magnesium during the warmest months of the year. Ideally, trees should be fertilized three to four times annually.

Culture - Coffee trees are tropical, understory plants that prefer light shade and high humidity. While coffee trees are associated with mountain-side growth, they can actually grow at any elevation.

References:
University of Florida: Coffee Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

"Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates;" Bijan Dehgan; 1998
What Soil Type Is Needed for a Coffee Tree?

What’s Wrong With My Bougainvillea?

Bougainvilleas are tropical-looking spreading plants that produce colorful blooms all seasons of the year. While bougainvilleas are not particularly prone to pests infestation or disease, they can become infected and die. Maintain your bougainvillea properly and address issues as they come about and your plant should be okay - but here are a few problems you might encounter along the way.

Culture - Bougainvilleas grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to11; however, a majority of the species are confined to only the warmest zones. They do not tolerate frost. Frost can cause portions of the plant, or the entire plant, to wither and turn black. Select a species well-adapted to your particular USDA hardiness zones. Prune away any frost damaged portions of your bougainvillea once the weather improves.

Bougainvilleas are heat and drought-tolerant. In fact, too much water will cause leaf drop and/or root rot. Place your bougainvillea in well-drained soil. Do not over-water or over-fertilize your bougainvilleas. This may result in a mineral imbalance. The first indication of a mineral imbalance is a decline in foliage and blooms.

Pests - As with just about any kind of plant, pests can inflict a lot of damage if not controlled. Given the opportunity, the following types of pests may prey upon your plant: caterpillars, aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, snails, slugs, mites, whiteflies and thripes. All pests leave slightly different indications of infestation - most will not kill your plant.

References:

Why Is My Bougainvillea Dying?

University of California: Bougainvillea --- Bougainvillea spp.
University of Florida Extension: Warm Climate Production Guidelines for Bougainvillea

The Best Soil for Gardenias

Gardenias are attractive plants with glossy, dark green foliage.  They are best known for their white flowers blooms, which give off a distinctive, pleasing scent.  They can be used in a variety of ways within the landscape - serving equally well as a specimen plant or a hedge.  Start your gardenias off right with high-quality soil.

Soil pH - Like many flowering plants, gardenias prefer acidic soil. Ideally, the soil should be in the pH range of 5 to 6.5.  If you’re not sure about the pH of the soil in your yard, get it tested.  If possible, place gardenias away from walkways, foundations or other forms of concrete, which tend to neutralize soil pH. 

Soil Amendments and Fertilizer- Consider adding sand, soil conditioners, peat moss and organic matter to your soil to improve aeration and drainage of your soil. Gardenias respond particularly well to soil amended with peat moss and compost.  Gardenias tend to bloom most prolifically during the spring.  Apply acid-loving granular fertilizer during warm weather months every two to four weeks to encourage flower production. 

References:

University of Florida IFAS Extension: Growing Gardenias in Florida

"Florida Landscape Plants"; John V. Watkins and Thomas J. Sheehan; 1986

Potting Soil for Gardenias

What is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is a warm season annual weed. It flourishes in direct sunlight on disturbed sites and agricultural areas. Smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum) is often found in residential and commercial areas mixed with turf. Like most weeds, it is opportunistic and it will take over your lawn - if you let it. Identification

Crabgrass is most visible during summer months. Crabgrass gets its name from the way stems grow and extend from the roots, like crab legs. Crabgrass grows in light green clumps close to the ground. Despite its distinctive growth pattern and color, it is commonly incorrectly identified.  For many, the name crabgrass is simply synonymous with the word weed.

Management: During cold weather, visible shoots will die - but not before the plant has produced seeds to ensure the long-term survival of the species.  In the spring, apply a pre-emergent herbicide formulated to fight crabgrass to your yard. Focus on areas of previous crabgrass infestation to discourage new seasonal growth.

In place of the crabgrass, install plugs or sod that is well-adapted to your area. Do not allow bare spots to remain or crabgrass will quickly re-invade.  Crabgrass thrives in sunny areas that receive shallow irrigation.  Irrigate your lawn less frequently but deeply to encourage the establishment of grass roots. Allow your grass to grow a little higher during the summer to shade out crabgrass seeds. In the long term, the best way to stop crabgrass is to replace it with properly maintained, healthy and vigorous grass.

References:
Is Crabgrass Bad?
American Lawns: Crabgrass
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company: Crabgrass