Rain Forest Gardener

Glad to see you return. Please feel free to add comments or questions. I am always an email away.

I think we have an identification on the Cactus photos. Much thanks.

These cacti were from cuttings. But whether it is cuttings or seeds it will take about 5 years to fruit.

It is a night blooming Cactus. I think it is a real neat Cactus.

Scientific Name: Cereus peruvianus. Common Names: Peruvian Apple, apple cactus. This Cactus gets its name from the one to two inch red fruit. This Cactus requires VERY GOOD DRAINAGE, warmth, sun and low humidity. Do not allow to sit in water. Likes full sun. The plant is easy to start from seeds or cuttings.In warm areas it can grow up to 20 feet.

I have some more photos to upload and organize of this Cactus. I will do that over the next few weeks.

From Begonia

Scientific Name: Begonia sericoneura. Common name: not known. The Begonia family is one of the largest group of cultivated plants and its popularity as an ornamental has resulted in extensive hybridization and many cultivars and hybrids.

The flowers are red, pink, yellow, or white.

From Begonia

The male and female are in separate plants.

This is a true species Begonia native to Belize and probably all of Central America. Very popular as an ornamental in tropical areas; it is a beautiful foliage plant and makes a great backdrop for any garden.

Easily grown from seeds. This is an exotic tropical plant that is widely grown for its beautiful flowers and foliage. Easy to grow from seeds and makes an excellent container plant that is easily cared for. In habitat in Belize it grows everywhere but it particularly likes limestone hills and creek sides and seems to grow in every crack and crevice. It has potential of becoming invasive in mild climates.

From Begonia

To germinate plant the seeds about a month before frost. Keep warm and moist, 80 degree fahrenheit soil temperature during the day, no less than 50 degrees at night.
Needs shade from the afternoon sun.
They prefer warm weather.

From Peach Palm

The Bactris gasipaes is truly an amazing Palm. It is native to the jungles of Central and South America. Some of the common names are: Peach Palm, pejibaye, pijuayo,pixbae and many others.

The peach Palm has importance as a food source. Has edible fruits but is also grown commercially for its delicious heart of palm.

The trunks may be smooth but are more often spiny. Some are extremely spiny and should be great as a security hedge or screen.

The fruit is red, yellow and orange.

From Peach Palm

From Peach Palm

The Palm can reach up to 20 meters and higher. It needs to be planted in Zone 11 or above.Does not temperatures under 40 degrees fahrenheit. Cold will kill it. The Peach Palm is not really a Palm for people living on the Mainland United States.

This is an example of an exceptionally tall Peach Palm.

From Peach Palm

Birds love the tasty fruit of the peach palm.

From Peach Palm

Germination requires high humidity and warm damp soil in a sunny area. If germination is being done inside a bright grow light might be necessary. Seeds have short shelf life, 3 mouths or so after being harvested. Provided they are stored correctly.

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