Tropical, Unusual, Plants, Shrubs, Trees and Vines

Z2001 Sago Palm ( Cycas revoluta )
One of the most primitive living seed plants, they are also very unusual and popular ornamentals. A rugged trunk, topped with whorled feathery leaves has lead to the common name "Sago Palm", however it is actually related to conifer and Ginko trees - all cone bearing plants which trace their origins back to the ancient flora of the early Mesozoic era. Often called "living fossils", Cycads have changed very little in the last 200 million years.
Regardless of age or size, Cycas revoluta is one of the easiest plants to grow, indoors or out, by beginner or expert. This subtropical adapts to a wide range of temperatures from 15 to 110 degrees F (-11 to 42 degrees C), accepts full sun or bright interior light, thrives with attention, and tolerates neglect. In addition, Cycads are extremely long-lived. A 220 year old specimen of Encephalartos, a relative of Cycas revoluta, is on display at the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew England; the restoration of the famous Palm House required it to be temporarily transplanted to a holding area for more than a year; the move was successful and is an example of the durability of these ancient "living fossils".
This is an excellent opportunity to raise these expensive plants yourself for less than a buck a plant.
These are fresh seeds that will germinate in a few months. If kept in the refrigerator, these seeds will remain viable for over a year.
Excellent container plant or outside garden plant for warm climates.
  10 large seeds per pack. Price per pack: $7.95
  50 large seeds per pack. Price per pack: $31.95

Seed Packet #2753
Bamboo Orchid Arundia bambusifolia
Commonly called the bamboo orchid because of it's thin, tall stem with bamboo like leaves, it is a warm to hot growing, monopodial, terrestrail orchid and blooms through out the year on a terminal, 3-4" long, simple or branched, scapose, bracteate inflorescence that carries 2 to 6, fragrant, Cattleya-like flowers, one at a time, that are short-lasting yet successive so the bloom time is extended. This is the first time we have ever offered these seeds.
Price per pack: $3.95
  .15cc pack ( hundreds of tiny seeds ).

Seed Packet #1A137
Physic Nut Tree Jatropha curcas
Physic nut is a drought resistant shrub that grows up to 15' tall with spreading branches.
The black thin shelled seeds are toxic; they contain the toxalbumin curcin and this make them fatally toxic. Caution is advised when using physic nut! However, they also contain a high percentage of oil used for candles, soap and bio-diesel production. The fruit contains 3 large black, oily seeds.
Physic nut has insecticidal - and fungicidal properties. It has yellow-green flowers and large (pale) green leaves. It is a drought resistant shrub with a smooth gray bark. Barbados nut has latex that contains an alkaloid (jatrophine) which shows anticancerous properties.
In Suriname's traditional medicine, the leaves of this plant are used against stomachache, diagnosed in children: boiled leaves for conditions of the gums and throat; tea of the leaves for stoppage of urine, constipation, backache and inflammation of ovaries. We do not recommend the use of this plant for medicinal purposes, it can be very toxic.
Hardiness: USDA zone 9 - 11. Culture: full sun, well drained soils but grows on almost any soil. Does not need much water; is resistant to drought and can withstand short, light frost.
  5 seeds per pack: $5.95

FA49 Andes Sweet Pea Lathyrus subandinus
Gorgeous. From the cold snow covered regions of the Andes comes this bushy climber to 3' with large blue and white flowers. Extremly popular and easily grown.
  5-8 seeds per pack: $3.95

RHM086 Gourd Tree Crescentia alata
Very appealing ornamental tree to 20' with spreading, arching branches that produces a gourd fruit similar to the Calabash tree. Flowering is nocturnal and occurs on the branches and trunk throughout mst of the year. Abundant 2" leaflets are winged.
  5-8 seeds per pack: $3.95

3240 Chilean Cranberry Ugni molinae
Botanically its in the Myrtaceae ( Myrtle ) family and is not related to the cranberry ( which the small red berries resemble ). The delicious 3/4" fruits have a wild strawbery taste. Although this fruit is relatively unknown to most of the civilized world it is expected to make a commercial impact in the future. It had been introduced to England in 1844 and became a favorite fruit of Queen Victoria. The processed fruits are beginning to enter the world markets. It is a handsome shrubby tree to 7' laden with small oval leaves, glossy and spicy scented when crushed. It develops small profuse pink tinged blossoms which have the fragrance of strawberries. Hardy to zone 8, once established it is drought resistant and can tolerate some frost. Makes an excellant ornamental tree and may be pruned to desired height. Requires bright light and well draining acid soil.
  10 seeds per pack: $3.95

RHM088 Silk Floss Tree Chorisia speciosus
This South American tree has a brilliant display of pink, lily-like flowers. It blooms best during the month of October, adding a touch of color at a time when most blooms are fading.
Spectacular 5-6 inch purple flowers. Native to Brazil and Argentina. Hardy in Zone 9b
Mainly evergreen but will go deciduous briefly when they flower. Oval shaped medium sized tree growing to 30 to 60 ft tall and 20 to 40 ft wide. Fast rate of growth when young then slows down. Beautiful flowering tree in fall with showy pink to rosy colored blossoms. Trunk is stout, green in color and usually is armed with thick, heavy spines.
Leaves are palmately compound with long petiole. Five leaflets per leaf. Fruit is a large pod appearing in spring. Pod opens and emits cotton like material. Used as a background tree, for naturalizing, accent, and specimen. Prefers a well drained soil and likes summer water. Is considered to be half hardy. Trunk is usually enlarged at base. Cotton is used as stuffing material like pillows. Tree may go deciduous in autumn or when temp goes below 27 degrees F.
  5 seeds per pack. $3.95

FA32 Bengal Ginger Zingiber Rubens
Native to Eastern Himalayas, the seed capsules are often used as a spice. Leafy stems grow up to 6ft tall. Summer flowering. Flowers from base of rhizome with the inflorescence almost embedded on the growing substrate. A short peduncle carries the inflorescence with tightly packed bright red bracts. Single flowers emerge from within the bracts. Flowers have a showy lip. Flowering period is over a period of about three weeks to a month with individual flowers appearing from the bracts successively. Individual flowers last in bloom for around 4 to 5 days. Winter dormant. Rhizomes remain underground through winter. Stems die down in autumn.
Hard for zones: 8-11 Height: 4' Light: AM Sun PM Shade
  5-7 seeds per pack. $3.95

Seed Packet # Z2101
Black Pepper Vine (Piper Nigrum)
A vigorous tropical vine with glossy green leaves grown for commercial production of pepper. Can be grown on trellises or used as a basket plant. A low germinating seed, we ship 10 seeds to a pack.
Price per pack: $4.50
 

Seed Packet #2057
Deer Grass Muhlenbergia rigens
An evergreen, mounding grass, whose leaves may turn a delightful brown/tan color in winter, growing to 4 feet tall and hardy to 10 degrees.
The genus is named for Henry Muhlenberg (1753-1815), a Lutheran minister and botanist from Pennsylvania. Deergrass is a significant basketry material to central and southern California Native Americans who utilize the flower stalks in the foundations of coiled baskets. Frequently thousands of flower stalks are needed for completion of each basket. Culms are gathered in late spring while still green, or summer or early fall when golden brown depending upon the tribe, individual family preference, and elevation of the deergrass site. A wonderful ornamental grass selection for most gardens.
Price per pack of 20 seeds: $3.95  

Seed Packet # 2743
Seed Name: New Zealand Flax ( Phormium tenax)
Native to New Zealand, Phormium tenax grows large tufts of broad, sword-shaped, stiffly ascending leaves. It does best in temperate climates and is a perfect companion for palms, bamboos and tree ferns. It is extremely tolerant of wind and can take coastal exposure as well as severe freezes.
Price per pack of 15 seeds: $2.95  

Seed Packet # 2745
Seed Name: Variegated New Zealand Flax ( Phormium tenax variegatum)
The Variegated New Zealand Flax has cream-colored and green striped leaves. Native to New Zealand, Phormium tenax grows large tufts of broad, sword-shaped, stiffly ascending leaves. It does best in temperate climates and is a perfect companion for palms, bamboos and tree ferns. It is extremely tolerant of wind and can take coastal exposure as well as severe freezes.
Price per pack of 15 seeds: $2.95  

RHM071 Ocotillo Plant ( Fouquieria splendans )
Rare. From the Mexican desert. An upright xerophytic shrub with thin stems reaching 25'. The trunk is covered with needles and small oval leaflets. Brilliant red flowers occur in racemes at the tips of the branches.
Price per pack of 5-10 seeds: $2.95  

RHM072 Gaultheria Phillyreifolia
Rare. From the Mexican desert. An upright xerophytic shrub with thin stems reaching 25'. The trunk is covered with needles and small oval leaflets. Brilliant red flowers occur in racemes at the tips of the branches.
Price per pack of 5-10 seeds: $2.95  

RHM073 Gmelina Asiatica
From Sri Lanka, this tropical, fast growing spiny shrub has an upright habit and is known for producing bright yellow bell shaped pendulous flowers that are in racemes 2" long. It can grow to 7' and may require seasonal pruning. Ideal for Zone 10. The roots and leaves have been used in India from remote times. Note: If you are not familiar with the seed you will be surprised by their appearance. They are pear shaped and look like they have been cut in half and then hollowed out. When viewing the hollow cavity the distinct impression is that this seed cannot possibly grow. There is a small fleshy embryo within the wall of the seed coat. Plant the seeds as you would any other seed, instructions are on seed packets.
Price per pack of 5-8 seeds: $2.95  

Seed Packet # Z1508
Seed Name: Family Jewels Plant ( Asclepias physocarpa )
A wonderful tender shrub from South Africa with small white flowers tinged with pink which are followed by large inflated seed pods. The soft spined seed pods lend the name "Family Jewels Plant", we'll just let it go at that.
Also known as Balloon Cotton Plant and Swan Plant. A delightful garden plant with beautiful foliage for zones 7-10, but can be grown as annual as far north as zone 5. Can reach 5-6 feet tall and spread 2 feet wide.
This is one of our best selling seeds, better hurry before supplies on these run out!
  10 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $4.95

Seed Packet #Z1530
Ritha ( Soap Nut Tree ) Sapindus detergens/Sapindus mukorossi
Ritha, or soap nut tree is a beautiful, tropical, large-leaved deciduous tree of the Asian continent. It can be grown in warm to tropical climates, small trees can be grown inside in large tubs. Better known as soap-nut tree in inter-continental trade, it is an important trees of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent. Scientific name of the species being Sapindus mukorossi, it belongs to the main plant order Sapindaceae and family Sapindeae. The species is indigenous to India and China and widely cultivated in upper reaches of the Indo-Gangetic plains, Shivaliks and sub-Himalayan tracts at altitudes varying from 200m to 1500m above mean sea level. The species flourishes well in deep clayey loam soil and does best in areas experiencing nearly 150 to 200 cm of annual rainfall.

The bole (main trunk) of ritha is straight and cylindrical, nearly 4 to 5 m in height. The canopy comprising side branches and foliage constitutes an umbrella-like hemispherical top measuring 4 to 6 m in diameter. The tree can reach an overall height of 20 to 25 m and a girth of about 3 to 5 m at breast height in nearly 60 to 80 years of its existence. Ritha is thus an excellent avenue tree and it is grown even in tea gardens at places.

The bark of ritha is shinning grey and fairly smooth when the plant is young. It is dark grey when the plant approaches maturity. Ritha leaves are alternate and peripenate compound. The rachis is nearly 30 to 50 cm long and bears 5 to 10 pairs of leaflefts. An individual leaflet is about 7 to 15 cm long and 2 to 5 cm wide. It is acuminate and lanciolate in shape. The size of leaflets towards the tip of the rachis is smaller.

Ritha flowers during May - June. The flowers are small and greenish white, polygamous and mostly bisexual in terminal thyrses or compound cymose panicles. These are sub-sessile; numerous in number and at times occur in lose panicles at the end of branches.

The fruit of ritha appear in July-August and ripen by November-December. These are solitary globose i.e. round nuts of 2 to 2.5 cm diameter, fleshy and saponaceous. The seed is enclosed in a black, smooth and hard globose endocarp. The fruit is collected during winter months for seed and or sale in the market as soapnut.

The dried ritha fruit is most valuable part of the plant. Its fleshy portion contains saponin, which is a good substitute for washing soap and is as such used in preparation of quality shampoos, detergents, etc. In fact the skin of the fruit is highly valued by the rural folks as a natural produced shampoo for washing their hair. They also use these for washing woollen clothes. That perhaps is the reason that some scientists have given the species the alternate as Sapindus detergens also.

Ritha foliage is useful as fodder for cattle, especially during grass famines. The fruit is of considerable importance for its medicinal value as well. As per ayurveda, Unani and Tibetan systems of medication, it is useful in treating a number of human maladies like bad cold, facial pimples, irregularity in salivation, chlorisis, epilepsy, constipitation, nausea, etc. It is also used as expectorant and enthelmintic in small doses. It is now gathered that the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, has recently developed a contraceptive cream out of ritha fruit. The same is being marketed under the trade name “Consap”.

The ritha wood is light yellow in colour. It is close-grained, quite compact, rather hard, weighing nearly 28 to 30 kg per cubic foot. Although there is little documentary evidence to suggest conversion of ritha tree into timber, this otherwise is very useful shady and fruit giving tree. The wood is utilised for modest rural building construction, oil and sugar presses, agricultural implements, etc. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.

  5 seeds. Price per pack: $5.95

Seed Packet #2003 African Iris
Dietes vegta
Very popular warm climate iris. White flowering with some blue tinge and yellow on outer petals. Dark green sword type leaves arranged fan-like from creeping root stalk. Grow indoors in sunny locationNote: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.

  10 seeds per pack: $3.95

Seed Packet #2004 African Fern Pine
Podocarpus gracilior
A graceful, sub-tropical tree from Kenya. Numerous thin, leathery leaflets on willowy branches. Can be grown indoors in sunny location and can be pruned to desirable size. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.

  5 seeds per pack: $3.95

Seed Packet #2016Z
Seed Name: Mesquite Prosopis juliflora
Prosopis juliflora or honey mesquite is an Arizona native tree. It is valued for wood and often used for cooking. It displays yellow blossoms and bean pods that are valuable to wildlife. This is an excellent desert species for low-maintenance desert windbreaks and re-vegetation. Growth rate is faster when supplemental water is used. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Cannot ship to HI, FL, PR, CA
Price per pack: $2.95
  10 seeds

Seed Packet #Z1516
Sapota ( Chewing Gum Tree ) Achras sapota, Manikara Sapota
A tropical tree growing to 80' with attractive glossy leaves; fruits-edible, sweet. Can be grown inside in tubs when young. Produces chicle - the latex base used for chewing gum and is used extensively for it's sweet flavoring.
Fruits are consumed fresh, and used in ice cream and sherbets. The tree is used as shade for coffee. The seeds contain a white semi-solid oil called sapuyucol or zapoyola, which was formerly used to fix paintings on gourds and other handicrafts; it is still used as a sedative in ear and eye ailments, and as a skin tonic and hair revitalizer. The oil has potential in the soap industry, and for pharmaceutical pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. The seed residue is used as a poultice on skin afflictions. In Mexico the seeds are milled and used in a number of confectionaries and with cacao to prepare a bitter chocolate.
  10 seeds. Price per pack: $5.95

Seed Packet #Z1512
Rainforest Laurel Cordia alliodora
Also known as Bocote, the Rainforest Laurel is a tropical hardwood that grows from Mexico to Argentina. It is also known as capá prieto. The species frequently serves as shade for coffee trees and farm animals. The wood is easy to work and the dark colored heartwood is a favorite of woodworkers for fine carpentry.
Sought for its great beauty and ease of working, bocote is in great demand for boat decking, fine cabinetry, fine furniture, decorative and figured veneer, moldings, inlay work, joinery, and turnery. Bocote is sometimes used as a substitute for mahogany, teak, or walnut.
It also makes a fine tub plant and conversation piece when young and can be grown inside in cool climates. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.

  5 seeds. Price per pack: $3.95

Seed Packet #Z1511
Cardamom Spice Plant Elettaria cardamomum
Cardamom is a rather typical looking ginger plant except that it is huge, standing as much as 12' tall. Thick, fleshy rhizomes give rise to erect shoots that bear two rows of linear-lance-shaped leaves each about 2' long. The leaves are smooth and dark green above, silky and paler beneath. They taper to an acute point. The fruits are thin-walled, smooth-skinned, oblong, greenish capsules about 3/4" long. Each contains 15-20 aromatic reddish brown seeds. It is a tropical plant and needs zone 10 or higher to grow outside, but can be sucessfully grown in hothouses.
It is called the Queen of Spices and considered one of the most exotic and highly prized spices. Indian cardamom has a history as old as human civilization. Cardamom oil is a precious ingredient in food preparations, perfumery, health foods medicines and beverages. India, a traditional exporter of cardamom to the Middle East countries where it goes mostly into the preparation of 'Gahwa' - a strong cardamom - coffee concoction without which no day is complete or no hospitality hearty for an Arab. Indian cardamom enjoys a premium preference in the Middle East, by Japanese and Russians who relish it for its distinct enriching properties. This Queen of Spices is from the High Ranges of Kerala. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.

  5 seeds. Price per pack: $3.95

Seed Packet #Z1509
Naranjilla Juice Plant Solanum quitoense
The Naranjilla is a tomato relative native to the northern part of South America and it's cultivated usually at high elevations, between three and seven thousand feet. The plant can grow to heights of six to ten feet with very large spiny leaves, often measuring 18 inches long, and five to eight inches wide or bigger. The dark green leaves have purple veins on the upper surface and whitish or purplish on the lower surface.
It can be grown in tubs on patios and in greenhouses, where the size of the plant is controled by the size of the container it is grown in.
All parts of the plant are very pubescent and contain many thorns. The globular shaped fruit usually measure an inch and a half to two and a half inches diameter at maturity. They are bright orange and covered with short brittle hairs, which can be easily removed by rubbing. When cut open, the fruit resembles a tomato with green, acid pulp and many small seeds. A delicious and refreshing green colored juice is prepared from the fruits and the fruits can be made into drinks, or used in preserves and pies.
Production of the naranjilla is pretty much year round, although more fruits are produced during the summer months because of better growing conditions. Most plants begin to bear at six to twelve months of age and continued production can be expected for three to four years, before the plants begin to decline.
  5 seeds. Price per pack: $3.95

Seed Packet #Z1610
Giant Golden Grandilla Passion Fruit Passiflora edulis flavacarpa
A must for tropical fruit growers! This vigorous, fast growing tropical vine will produce loads of sweet fragrance flowers, followed by large, golden passiflora fruits with a delicious sweet/tart taste.
This is the preferred variety of Passion Fruit that produces more and larger fruit than Passiflora edulis.
Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
  15 seeds. Price per pack: $5.95
  Bulk pack 100 seeds $17.95

Seed Packet #Z1615
Kolomikta Kiwi Actinidia kolomikta
This seed packet should produce a mix of male/female plants. A Deciduous, Ornamental Vine that takes full sun to partial shade. Hardy for zones 3-8, grows 15 to 25 feet on a fence or trellis. Grown mostly for its beautiful foliage, the male vine matures with leaves having green, creamy white and rosy red markings on them. Can be prune to size as desired. The female bears fruit that is small, very sweet, and has up to 16 times as much vitamin C per unit weight as oranges.
Price per pack: $5.95
  15cc pack, 50 plus seeds.

Seed Packet #Z1640
Porana Vine ( Snow in the Jungle, Christmas Vine, Snow Creeper Vine, Wedding Vine ) Porana sp.
Thought to be from the morning-glory family (Convolvulaceae), this vine is native to the subtropical region around India and Malaysia. Can grow up to 60 feet tall, with large, velvety green leaves.
In the fall and winter, porana flowers are a mass of tiny white, lightly fragrant flowers. This may be where the snow creeper name came from. To some people the mass of flowers resembles smoke. If you look closely at the flowers you can see that they look like individual morning glories. They make wonderful decorations for weddings and for the holidays.
The large leaves, which you will see on the vine most of the year, are arranged opposite to each other and can be shaped like a heart or an oval. Price per pack: $4.95
  10 seeds per pack.

Seed Packet #Z1700
Tea Tree Plant Melaleuca alternifolia
For thousands of years the native Aborigines of Australia have used the leaves of the Tea Tree to cure various ailments. Early in this century, doctors and scientists began to realize that the natural oil contained in the leaves has amazing healing properties. Over the last 75 years, considerable research has been done, and Tea Tree oil is finally being recognized as an extremely effective curative for a wide range of common medical conditions. Today Tea Tree oil is also a valuable ingredient in many and varied household products from skin care to oral care to cleaning products. The oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the shrub. Native to Australia, all the oil is produced there.

Tea tree was named by Captain Cook's crew, who brewed the small, dark leaves and drank it as a tea substitute. Its astounding healing properties were used by the Aborigines. During World War II medics recognized its powerful germicidal and antiseptic effects. The essential oil has as spicy, hot nutmeg-like, medicinal smell and is a powerful, non-irritating antiseptic that kills bacteria, fungi and virus 12 times as effectively as carbolic. In aromatherapy, it is used for cuts, burns, acne, stings, blisters, herpes and nappy rash. It is very effective in treating yeast and fungal infections.

Hardy to USDA Zone 8, it is a large shrub growing 18 feet tall when mature. Needs full sun, but will tolerate partial shade, and can handle moderate to wet soils. Native to New South Wales, Queensland. It has Citrus scented foliage, does well in poorly drained soils, suitable for hedges, low maintenance. Cannot ship to PR
Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $5.95
  1/32 Teaspoon pack, several hundred tiny seeds.

Seed Packet #Z1620
Varigated Sky Flower Duranta ellisii var.
A delightful version of the popular sky flower duranta in a variegated foliage form. Beautiful lavender blue flowers on small perennial evergreen shrubs for deep south lawns or for warm greenhouses.
Price per pack: $4.95   10 seeds per pack.

Seed Packet #Z2706
Firecracker Plant Crossandra infundibiliformis
These are tropical, evergreen, shrubby plants from India and Malaya. They have oval, deep green leaves, about 2 inches long and compact spikes of lilac, red or yellow, funnel-shaped flowers with prominent bracts said to resemble a firecracker going off. A small shrubby plant suitable for patios and large containers.
Price per pack: $3.95   20 seeds per pack.

Seed Packet#Z1955
Sacred Water Lily Nelumbo nucifera
This giant tropical lily produces pads up to 3 ft. in diameter and large, fragrant pink flowers. The seed and rhizome are edible. Can be grown in cooler climates if covered/protected from freezing. The hard seed coat must be filed or nicked, then soaked in warm water for about 15 days until the seed begins to sprout. The sprouting seed then must be anchored to the bottom of the pool. As a novelty, the sprouting seed can be left in a glass of common tap water, and it will begin to grow roots and pads.
  5 seeds $4.50

Seed Packet #Z1970
Dhak Tree ( Flame of Forest ) Butea frondosa
A small to medium size tree native to India with a most unusual twisted and gnarled trunk. Has fibrous light brown bark. The flowers from this tree are breathtaking flaming orange to vermillon red with black calyces, each shaped like a parrot's beak. The flowers form a gorgeous canopy on the upper portion of the tree, giving the appearance of flame from a distance. The large green leaves are used as plates in India, the bark is used for tanning and the gum from the tree is used as a stimulant. Root fibers are made into rope and the flowers yeild a dye.
Also makes an attractive houseplant when young. Zone 10 outside, but it will tolerate a little frost.
  Pack of 5 seeds $5.95

Seed Packet #Z1960
Sausage Tree Kigelia pinnata
A wonderful houseplant specimen that can be grown in tubs. Excellent foliage plant with large, compound, pinnate, rough, dark green leaves. Evergreen and fast growing. Outside in zone 10 or higher, it will grow to 30 ft. or more and produce large gourd shaped fruits full of seeds, thus the name.
  Pack of 10 seeds $5.95

Seed Packet#Z1935
Mescal Bean Tree Sophora secundiflora
An evergreen tree growing to 35 ft. with fragrant violet flowers. A popular ornamental plant that produces bright red beans used in necklace making. The seeds are poisonous if ingested and were often used in making a hallucinogenic liquor used by Native Indians in a ritual called the Red Bean Dance.
  Pack of 10 seeds $5.95

Seed Packet #Z1985
Rudraksha Bead Tree Elaeocarpus grandis
Also called the "blue marble tree." It is a tall tree that is cultivated in tropical regions of the world, including the Hawaiian Islands. The drupe contains a woody, intricately sculptured endocarp that surrounds several small seeds. The endocarps are often strung into attractive necklaces and leis.
They are also strung into prayer bead necklaces. According to Peter Francis (1984), the species most commonly used in India for prayer beads is E. ganitrus, also listed in some references as E. sphaericus. The endocarps are known as "Rudraksha beads," and were worn by Shiva worshippers at least since the 11th century.
Rudraksha are the sacred beads among Hindus. According to the Siva Purana, one of the Vedic texts, "Even in hundreds of years it is impossible to describe adequately the benefit by wearing a Rudraska. Those who wish for salvation as well as worldly happiness need to wear rudraksha. Of this there can be no doubt."
  Pack of 5 seeds $9.95

Seed Packet #Z2600
Tea Plant Camellia sinensis
This is the tea produced commercially around the world. The tender, young leaves are used in the process of tea production. Can be grown in tubs inside, or in cool greenhouses, outdoors in warm climates. Prefers moist, well drained, humus rich, slightly acidic ( 5.5-6.5 )soil. We recommend maintaining a 2-3 inch deep mulch of shredded bark or leaves around base of plant.
Hardy to zone 7. To make green tea, pick only the top 3 leaves from new growing tips, spread and dry in the shade for 6-8 hours, then in an open pot, heat ( simmer ) the leaves, stirring frequently for about an hour.
For black tea, you must ferment the leaves.

  5 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $3.95

Seed Packet #Z2601
Common Flowering Camellia Camellia japonica
A beautiful flowering camellia with white, pink and sometimes red flowers. A beautiful evergreen plant. Can be grown in tubs inside, or in cool greenhouses, outdoors in warm climates. Prefers moist, well drained, humus rich, slightly acidic ( 5.5-6.5 )soil. We recommend maintaining a 2-3 inch deep mulch of shredded bark or leaves around base of plant.
  5 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $3.95

Seed Packet #Z2455
Pandanus furcatus - Himalaya Screw Pine
A nicely shaped, moderate to large sized Pandanus from the hills of Northeastern India. This species usually produces a fairly tall, solitary trunk with a crown of spiraling, large, robust, green leaves. It only branches sparingly and therefore keeps its neat, palmlike appearance. The trunk is supported by numerous large stilt roots. This species ascends high up into the foothills of the Himalayas, to an amazing 1500m (5000ft), making it probably the worlds most cold hardy Screw Pine, able to withstand cold winters and the occasional frost. We think this is a very exciting plant.
  5 seeds per pack. Price per pack: $5.95

Z1980 Wild Tamarind Leucaena leucocephala
The Wild Tamarind Shrub Produces shiny brown seeds for jewelry, generally used for seed necklaces in the tropics. The wild tamarind (Leucaena leucocephala) is a common shrub along roadsides throughout tropical regions of the new world. It is a prolific seed producer--with 12,000 seeds to a pound. The shiny brown seeds are softened in boiling water and strung on fishing line to make attractive necklaces and belts with intricate designs.
The leaves and flattened seed pods make a high protein fodder for livestock, but horses, donkeys and hogs lose hair if they consume the plant. The seeds and foliage of Leucaena contain large amounts of the amino acid mimosine, which causes inhibition of hair growth and loss of hair in laboratory mice. Wild tamarind (Leucaena leucocephala) is also a common introduced shrub along roadsides in the Hawaiian islands.
  Pack of 20 seeds $9.95

Seed Packet # Z2416
Bottle Tree Brachychiton acerifolius
Attractive bottle tree plant with swollen base and leaves arranged in snowflake pattern. 10 seeds per pack.
  Price per pack: $4.50

Seed Packet # Z2315
Seed Name: Dwarf Catura Coffee (Coffee arabica
This is the gourmet cafe coffee variety. Grows only 24-30" tall and a mature plant is loaded with beans. Can be grown inside as a houseplant, needs tropical warmth outside.
$4.50
  25 seeds per pack.

Seed Packet # Z2103
Seed Name: Catimor 5175 Coffee (Coffee aribica )
This is the gourmet cafe coffee variety. Grows to about 4 ft. tall and a mature plant can produce up to a pound of beans. Can be grown inside as a houseplant, needs tropical warmth outside. Price per pack: $4.50
  25 seeds

Seed Packet # Z2104
Seed Name: Costa Rica 95 Coffee (Coffee Arabica)
This is the gourmet cafe coffee variety. Grows to about 4-5 ft. tall and a mature plant can produce up to a pound of beans. Can be grown inside as a houseplant, needs tropical warmth outside.
Price per pack: $4.50
  25 seeds

Seed Packet #2014Z
Seed Name: Sao Paulo PhilodendronPhilodendron lundii
A close relative of the Philodendron Selloum plant, this one has slightly larger, lacier leaves than the P. Selloum and handles both the cold and heat better. An excellent houseplant specimen, and for gardens outdoors. Seeds are from Brazilian stock. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $3.95
  20-25 seeds

Seed Packet #2015Z
Seed Name: Fragrant GranadillaPassiflora alata
Also known as wild passion fruit, wingstem passionflower. A robust climber with sparsely branched, 4-winged stems and light green leaves. In Spring, it bears claret purple and white to bright carmine red, bowl shaped, fragrant flowers 5 inches wide, followed by ovoid to pear shaped yellow fruit. Grows to 20 ft. if trellised or trained. Minimum 40 degree temperature. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $3.95
  10 seeds

Seed Packet #2016Z
Seed Name: Golden Honey Mesquite Prosopis glandulosa
Prosopis glandulosa or honey mesquite is an Arizona native tree. It is valued for wood and often used for cooking. It displays yellow blossoms and bean pods that are valuable to wildlife. This is an excellent desert species for low-maintenance desert windbreaks and re-vegetation. Growth rate is faster when supplemental water is used. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $3.95
  20 seeds

Seed Packet #1A079
Seed Name: Tea Oil Camellia Camellia oleifera
Camellia oleifera is a large shrub to 20 feet tall with glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant, 2-inch-wide flowers in fall. Very cold hardy ( zones 6-8 ) fall blooming Camellia. Seed is used for oil in China. Parent of many cold hardy Camellia hybrids. A beautiful landscape plant with dark green foliage.
Price per pack: $3.95
  5 seeds

Seed Packet #1A081
Seed Name: Golden Dewdrop Duranta Repens
Duranta repens (also known as golden dewdrop for its small yellow berries) is one of the finest flowering shrubs for Gulf Coast gardens. Ideal for a sunny location, Duranta launches into vigorous growth as spring temperatures reach the 80s, producing arching clusters of small purple flowers in waves from June well into November. D. repens is evergreen in a mild winter, but even if killed to the ground can be expected to revive in spring well into zone 8. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $3.95
  10 seeds

Seed Packet #2143
Fragrant Black Sage Salvia Mellifera
Black Sage is a native California beach sage that has highly aromatic pebbled leaves and flowers in late winter. Use in culinary and as a fragrant ornamental.
Black Sage is a three foot evergreen shrub with white to light blue flowers in March to July. This sage is native to sunny dry slopes in the coast ranges from San Jose to Baja. It likes sun, tolerates some shade.. Salvia mellifera is native on gravel-sand to adobe clay in full sun to part-shade. Its limitation seems to be rainfall. It needs about 15" of rainfall. It gets between 12-40" in its range, with the lower number being compensated for with fog drip. Important butterfly and hummingbird plant. Quail love the seed.
Price per pack: $2.95
  15 seeds

Seed Packet #2157
Orange Heliconia Heliconia lingulata orange
This cultivar of Heliconia lingulata can grow 5' to 17 ' high in full sun to of 40% shade. It originates from South America but is being cultivated in many tropical countries now. Erect inflorescence consisting of up to 27 bracts which are yellow to greenish yellow and have a distinct orange shading towards tip. An unusual Heliconia which also has different leaves reminiscent of Calathea. Blooming season: all year Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $2.95
  10 seeds

RHM079 Mayan Gold Heliconia champneiana
Its long upright bracts are orange to bright red. Develops large, upright banana-like leaves which have a maroon mid rib. Matures at 10'-12'. Grow in full sun or 40% shade. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $3.95
  5-8 seeds

Seed Packet #2158
Lobster Claw Heliconia Heliconia latispatha
Banana type leathery leaves to 6'. This short variety produces colorful upright "lobster - claw" bracts usually bright red with some yellow and green. Provide warmth and high humidity. Full sun up to 40% shade. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $2.95
  10 seeds

Seed Packet #2159
Orange Peacock Heliconia Heliconia latispatha distans
A small growing 2-5 feet helionia. This heliconia has bright flowers that are yelow-gold blending to red on the tips of the bracts. Flowers usually have 3-7 bracts, with yellow-green flowers peeking out. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $2.95
  10 seeds

RHM075 Rainbow Heliconia Heliconia spathocircinata
Produces upright bracts - yellow at the base, shading pink to red above. Grows to 8'. Full sun to 70% shade. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $3.95
  5-8 seeds

RHM080 Heliconia Griggsiana
Grows from 9' to 30' with banana-like leaves and pendulous Lobster-Claw type inflorescence. Bracts are red and pink with a purple keel. Takes full sun to 40% shade. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $3.95
  5-8 seeds

RHM081 Iriartea Gigantea Palm
A tall stilt-root palm. It develops numerous strong stilt type roots reaching more than 5' in length supporting a trunk that may ascend to 90'. This is an extremely uncommon palm from the tropics. The seeds are fast germinating. 6 Large marble size seeds to a packet.
  6 seeds per pack $3.95

RHM082 Nodding Pincushion Shrub Leucospermum cordifolium
Proteaceae family. One of the finest South African flowering shrubs. The flower heads are 4" across with individual tube shaped flowers curled like ribbons from which glossy "pins" emerge to cover this dome shaped "pin cushion". The flowering is variously pink/salmon/orange; leaves are 1/2" and 3" long. Mature hgt 5'. Requires full sun, deep, well- drained acid soil. Avoid high humidity and wet soil.
  5 seeds per pack: $3.95

Seed Packet #2160
Pink Shell Ginger Alpinia zerumbet
A ginger with showy flowers, originally from Indonesia, often reaching a height of 9 feet. This is a vigorous growing ginger; the flowers are pink with yellow and red throats. The stem is densily massed, the leaves are broad and green. Hardiness: USDA zone 7B - 11. Requires partial sun, rich moist soil, needs high humidity. Protect from frost in the cooler zones. Can also be kept in the greenhouse. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $2.95
  20-25 seeds

Seed Packet #2161
Yellow Butterfly Ginger Hedychium flavum
This robust species produces very fragrant, open long spikes of pastel yellow flowers with a beautiful heady aroma. Has attractive long green leaves with a slight fuzziness, it easily grows to a height of 5 - 6 feet over summer.
Robust plants with heavy canes and glossy, leathery leaves offer very fragrant yellow flowers at the tips of 5' plants in summer. Rhizomes thick. From India. Zones 8-11 Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $2.95
  10 seeds

Seed Packet #2162
Ginger LilyHedychium coronarium
Ginger lily is a tropical perennial. Green stalks grow from thick rhizome to a height of 2-4' feet. In autumn the stalks are topped with fragrant white flowers that resemble butterflies. The beautiful rich green foilage makes a great background for smaller plants.
Ginger lily is a tropical plant. It tolerates an occassional freeze, and frost will kill it to the ground - it comes back quickly however. It is a popular landscape plant throughout Florida and the Gulf Coast. It is also used in California, the Caribbean and tropical areas throughout the world.
Shade to partial shade. Likes rich soil with adequate moisture. Hardiness: USDA Zones 9-10. Ginger lily is a tropical plant. It tolerates an occassional freeze, and frost will kill it to the ground - it comes back quickly however.
Ginger lily makes a nice background plant. It thrives in shade, if kept moist and looks great planted in great clumps in woodsy areas. Easy to grow and easy to propagage. The fresh spicey scent of this plant in bloom is a real treat on warm evenings. Attracts butterflies.
Price per pack: $2.95
  10 seeds

RHM077 Perfume Tree Fagrea berteriana
Shrubby tropical tree known for its extremely fragrant tube flowers which change in color from white to orange. Flowers often strung in leis. Very small seeds. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $3.95
  5-8 seeds

RHM078 Elephant Ear Fig Ficus auriculata
A beautiful fig tree with very large oval leaves to 15". The leaves are bright red when they are developing and exceptionally attractive - the decorative 2 1/2" fruits develop in clusters ( not edible ). This fast growing tree grows to 25' and develop a spreading canopy of 25' but can be kept pruned to a much smaller height. Makes a sensational indoor specimen. The seeds are extremely small and are broadcast on the surface of the soil to germinate. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds.
Price per pack: $3.95
  5-8 seeds

Seed Packet #2166
Elephant Apple Tree, Chulta Dillenia indica
Originally from Indonesia, this evergreen tropical tree is also growing in Suriname, up to 60 feet tall. Chulta is a spreading tree and has beautiful white fragrant flowers, toothed leaves and globose fruits with small brown seeds. The greenish-yellow fruit, which has a thick protective covering, is edible; unripe fruits are cooked to make pickle and chutney.The juicy pulp is aromatic but very acid.
Hardiness: USDA zone 9 B - 11. Culture: full sun / light shade, moist soil, pH 5.5 - 7.0. Elephant apple tree can be used as a ornamental tree, flowers are ornamental and very fragrant. Protect from frost or plant in frost free areas.
Price per pack: $3.50
  10 seeds $3.50

3242 Guar Plant Cyamopsis Tetragonalobus
The guar plant is an annual plant. The legume is an important source of nutrition to animals and humans, it regenerates soil nitrogen and the endosperm of guar seed is an important hydrocolloid widely used across a broad spectrum of industries.
The 'Guar' legume plant is extremely drought resistant and thrives in semiarid regions where most plants perish. It grows best in sandy soils and requires reasonably warm weather and a growing season of 14 to 16 weeks. It needs moderate intermittent rainfall with plenty of sunshine. Too much precipitation can cause the plant to become more 'leafy', thereby reducing the number of pods and/or the number of seeds per pod which affects the size and yield of seeds.
Young pods may be eaten as a vegetable. Often used as a drought resistant forage crop. It is extremely drought resistant and thrives in semiarid regions where most plants perish.
  10 seeds per pack $2.15

RHM030 Spiral Ginger Costus guaniensis
This ginger has a short spiraling stem to 4' with glossy oval leaves ascending, alternately, in a step ladder formation to its top. Its conical inflorescence has red bracts with red flowers and a white lip slightly ruffled.
  5 or

Seed Packet #2169
Snakeskin Lily Arisaema tortusosum
Green-rimmed white arum flowers from June to July, elegant leaves from extraordinary spotted pale green stems which develop and persist after the flowers and are almost as good, needs constant moisture and partial to light shade. A beautiful and striking plant for the cool greenhouse.
Price per pack: $3.50
  10 seeds $3.50

Seed Packet #1A091
Strychnine Tree Strychnos nux vomica
Seeds are poisonous!
A tree native to southeast Asia, having poisonous seeds that are the source of the medicinal alkaloids strychnine and brucine. Strychnos nux vomica is a moderate-sized tree native of the Coromandel Coast and Cochin China. The fruit is very like an orange in appearance and contains numerous seeds of flattened circular outline, about the size of a halfpenny, ash-grey in colour, covered with fine silky hairs. The seeds are intensely bitter, owing to the presence of Strychnia and Brucia which exist in the seeds together with certain peculiar acids; but the pulp is innocuous and is said to be eaten by birds. If nitric acid be added to the seeds a deep orange-yellow colour is produced. The wood of the tree is very bitter. It is used in India in cases of intermittent fever and snake-bites.
Price per pack: $3.50
  5 seeds $3.50

Seed Packet #2156
King Protea Protea cynaroides
Outstanding flowers are up to 12" across with dark pink bracts. Only 5' tall - the leaves are 5" leathery. Package of 5 Seeds.
  $3.95 per pack

Seed Packet #2154
Ray Flowered Protea Protea exima
Flowerhead 5" across rose to red color with spoon shape bracts. Compact shrub to 7' with dense oval leaves. May be grown in alkaline soil.
  $3.95 per pack

Seed Packet #2150
Sugarbush Protea Protea repens
Its nectar was used by S. African colonists as a sweetener. The flower bracts are cream with the upper portions pink with the width to 3" and 5" hgt. This laurel leaved favorite grows to 9'.
  $3.95 per pack

Seed Packet #2151
Oleander Leaved Protea Protea nerifolia
Beautiful flower bracts - narrow 5" tall x 3" wide - and very satiny with hues deep pink to salmon tipped in black fur. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees F., prefers acid but may be grown in lime-clay soil.
  $3.95 per pack

Seed Packet #2152
Giant Woolly Beard Protea Protea magnifica
Exquisite flower - 8" across with colors range soft pink, deep rose, strong red - the apex tinged black with small downy white flowers. May take to 4 years to flower.
  $3.95 per pack

Seed Packet #2153
Black Bearded Protea Protea lepidocarpodendron
Heavy black fur on the bract tips with bracts pale green, tan, and cream. The bracts are 5" tall, 2 1/2 " across. Height 5'.
  $3.95 per pack