1.
Golden Goddess (tabebuia chrysantha)
Few plants in the tropical world surpass this tree for beauty when in bloom
30 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
2.
Emerald Ebony (jacaranda mimosaefolia)
24 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
3.
Silk Cotton Tree a.k.a. Kapok (bombax malabaricum)
Among the largest trees in the American tropics, they bear beautiful red flowers that mature into husks containing a fiber similar to cotton or kapok. The tree can reach 30 to 40 meters tall and three meters wide. The fibers are often used as insulation, stuffing for life preservers and in pillows and mattresses.
23 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
4.
Cancer Tree, Tree of Life (camptotheca acuminata)
Many cancer fighting drugs have been produced from this tree, two of which (Topotecan for ovarian and small lung cancers and Irinotecan for colorectal cancer) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration
20 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
5.
Mahogany (swietenia macrophylla)
19 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
6.
Forest Blaze (spathodea campanulata)
A spectacularly showy tree with glorious foliage. Bright crimson 4" (10 cm) unique looking flowers with yellow frilled edges. Most fascinating. The light wood is used for making native drums in many South American countries
12 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
7.
Chime Tree (albizia guachapele)
6 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
8.
Mother of Cacao (gliricidia sepium)
Provides shade in cacao plantations for developing "chocolate trees". Mimosa type foliage and delicate pink and white butterfly-like flowers. In Latin American countries the leaves are sometimes ground up and combined with water to make a insect repellant
2 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
9.
Lipstick Tree (bixa orellana)
2 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
10.
Daffodil Tree (thevetia peruviana)
2 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
11.
Amber Tree (hymenaea courbaril)
2 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
12.
Forest Lilac (gliricidia sepium)
An ornamental tree often used to shade young cocoa plants in the tropics. Produces pretty pink flowers in cluster form. Natives of the area use the juice from the leaves as a natural cure for baldness
1 point - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
13.
Forest Flame (delonix regia)
By far one of the tropical world's most beautiful plants. It is acclaimed as the queen of the forest. Like a big umbrella, it bursts into dense clusters of large scarlet-red flowers with a most eye pleasing mellow yellow tinge
1 point - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
14.
Balsawood Tree (ochroma pyramidale)
This medium sized tree produces heart-shaped leaves and large white flowers, as well as an extremely light, soft wood that is used for rafts and model airplane frames
1 point - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
15.
Red Sandalwood Tree (adenanthera pavonina)
A medium to large size tree, this beautiful ornamental produces ornate red seeds that are used as beads. Although toxic when raw, the seeds are cooked and eaten in some countries. Red dye can be made from the tree and the wood is often used in cabinet making.
0 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
16.
Miracle Tree (leucaena leucocephala)
A very fast growing tree with mimosa type leaves. It is destined to fame because it flowers year round since seasonal day-light change does not bother it.
0 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
17.
Lemon Eucalyptus (eucalyptus citriodora)
This lemon scented evergreen tree produces a sweet manna-like substance that is scraped off the leaves and eaten. The leaves also yield a lemon-scented essential oil that is often used in perfumes, potpourri and for medicinal purposes such as for the relief of coughs, colds, sore throats and other infections
0 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
18.
Orchid Tree (bauhinia sp.)
-2 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
19.
Gold Rush Tree (cassia fistula)
-2 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
20.
Mother Tree (erythrina berteroana)
A small tree with striking foliage. Large flowers are deep red and very showy. In many parts of the tropics this evergreen is used to shade (mother) coffee, cocoa and vanilla plants.
-3 points - added 15 years ago by sdenise -
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