Barringtonia asiatica has many medicinal uses and its wood is used to construct boats and huts

Barringtonia asiatica (Poison Fish Tree, Fish-killer Tree, Beach Barringtonia, Sea Poison Tree, Box Fruit, Putat Gajah/Laut in Malay) Backaches and sore joints can be treated using its bark, leaves and fruits. Rheumatism can be treated using the fresh leaves while their juices are used to treat diarrhoea. Intestinal worms can also be expelled by ingesting the […]

Cornus florida is the state tree of Virginia and state flower of North Carolina

Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood, White Dogwood Tree) It is the state tree of Virginia and state flower of North Carolina. Flowering Dogwood has lovely flowers in spring, attractive foliage  in summer and fall as well as colourful fruits in fall. Native Americans used it as a treatment for malaria.

Psychotria elata is commonly known as Hot Lips Plant for the shape of its bright red bracts that resemble two luscious lips

Psychotria elata (Hooker’s Lips, Hot Lips Plants, Hot Lips, Mick Jagger’s Lips) The plant has become internet-famous because of its flowers or rather the shape of the red bracts (modified leaves) before the flowers mature. From these bracts tiny white, stare-shaped flowers emerge. It is commonly known as Hooker’s Lips or the Hot Lips Plant […]

Passiflora singaporeana produces very attractive flowers that are yellow and tubular

Adenia macrophylla var. singaporeana (Large-leafed Adenia, Singapore Adenia) Large-leafed Adenia or Singapore Adenia is a beautiful vine with simple, ornamental and shiny red fruits. A monoecious plant that produces very attractive flowers that are yellow and tubular.

Tigridia pavonia is very popular as an ornamental plant among lovers of interesting flowers

Tigridia pavonia (Mexican Shell flower, Tiger Flower, Jockey’s Cap Lily, Peacock Flower, Tiger Iris/Flower) It is very popular as an ornamental plant among lovers of interesting flowers. Its large flared-flowers are vividly coloured and come in two-tone combinations pairing white, pink, red, orchid yellow or orange with contrasting spots.