Category Archives: Plants

Phalaenopsis orchid

phalaenopsis (chianxen queen x diamond beauty)

phalaenopsis (chianxen queen x diamond beauty) detailThere are many varieties of phalaenopsis orchids on show at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. This one is Phalaenopsis (ChianXen Queen x Diamond Beauty).

There are so many orchid hybrids, with subtle variations, that it can be difficult to identify them. However, at the garden, I’ve found that if I root around at the base of the plant I often find a name tag sticking out of the dirt, and when it comes to identification I’ll take all the help I can get.

For more information about Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, go to htbg.com.

Gecko on costus curvibracteatus

Gecko on Costus curvibracteatus

Gecko on Costus curvibracteatus flowerCostus curvibracteatus is also known as orange tulip ginger and hails from Costa Rica and Panama. In these photos, the overlapping red parts are the bracts and the longer orange tubular forms, emerging from between the bracts, are the flowers. However the bracts can also be orange, and the flowers a similar length as the bracts.

The plant was being explored by a gold dust day gecko, which was likely searching for something sweet or possibly seeking water trapped in the bracts.

This one was at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. For more information about Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, go to htbg.com.

Osmoxylon lineare

Osmoxylon Lineare

Osmoxylon Lineare plantOsmoxylon lineare is also commonly known as miagos bush. It hails from the Philippines and grows to about six feet high. This plant is interesting for its spiky foliage and because the distinctive creamy-white flowers and dark fruits can be seen on the same plant at the same time.

I saw this one at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. I visit there a few times a year, but this was the first time I’d seen this plant blooming, which is why I like going at different times. There’s always something new to see.

For more information about Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, go to htbg.com.

Guzmania ‘Limones’

Guzmania 'Limones'

Guzmania ‘Limones’ is a colorful bromeliad with an interesting form. It’s native to Central and South America. Guzmanias only flower once and then die, but the bloom lasts a long time, and before they die, they usually produce pups.

This one was at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. For more information about Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, go to htbg.com.

Guzmania 'Limones' flower