The Exotic Foliage of Casa Panorámica Page Four

Mexican Oil Palm

Family: Aracaeae

Alternate Names: Rain Tree, Magestic Palm, Corozo Palm

With the capability to reach 90', this leafy tree is naturally quite dramatic. The flowers of this particular palm species form cream coloured clusters set among the leaves which precede the yellow-brown fruit. This fruit hangs down on drooping stalks. The Mexican Oil Palm is considered quite useful as the leaves can be used for thatch, the trunk for construction, the seeds for oil and the sap for wine. Here the Oil Palm provides shade and the pleasant rustle of its leaves is soothing when relaxing by the pool.

Nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica)

Family: Cactaceae

Alternate Names: Prickly Pear Cactus

This cactus is easy to recognize as it is found on the Mexican national flag. The Nopal has a long history of medicinal uses and it is also found in many traditional dishes; quite a tasty treat.  In addition to its practicality, this cactus has lovely buds of orange, pink, red or yellow.

Orange Tree (Citrus Sinensis)

Family: Rutaceae

This small flowering tree has evergreen leaves and grows to heights of about 30'. It produces the citrus fruit with the same name that is well known and loved throughout the world. Here at Casa Panorámica we daily enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice as a delicious addition to breakfast.

Orchids

Family: Orchidaceae

Grown specifically for their beauty, Orchids have a long flowering season and come in most colours. Our pool deck is scattered with this interesting and beautiful plant.

Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi)

Family: Cactaceae

Growing up to 23' this cactus is the second tallest of those growing in Mexico. Its ribbed branches tend to cluster, and the night-blooming flowers are lavender-white and found near the apexes.

Oyster Plant (Rhoeo discolour)

Family: Commelinaceae

Alternate Names: Boat Lily, Liver Leaf

This plant, native to Mexico, flowers all year long. The small, white blooms can be seen nested at the base of the upper leaves and are surrounded by light purple bracts. The undersides of the leaves are purple as well. These you'll see lining the front entrance stairway up to Casa Panorámica.

Papaya (Carica papaya)

Family: Caricaceae

This tropical tree bears the fruit of the same name. Its flowers are quite fragrant and bloom on many-flowered stalks just underneath the leaves. The fruit itself is similar to melons, appearing yellow-greenish on the outside. Inside the flesh is sweet orange-pink colour with many small dark seeds. These trees are a reliable food source as they can bear fruit for up to 20 years.

Pink Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus)

Family: Polygonaceae

Alternate Names: Corallita, Chain of Love, Mexican Creeper

The vine is particularly nice to have around the house as it attracts butterflies and has an extended blooming season. On the long branching flower stalks you'll find lacy masses of tiny heart-shaped flowers. In the wild this vine is typically pink, however, in cultivation there are white, purple and coral varieties.

Plumeria (Plumeria obtusa)

Family: Apocynaceae

Alternate Names: Temple Flower, Tree of Life

The flowers of this gorgeous plant, like the hibiscus, can be seen in Hawaiian leis. The five petal clusters of the Plumeria provide us with its well known fragrance. The flowers themselves range from white and yellow to shades of pink or red, and may continue opening year round.  Here at Casa Panorámica we have the white variety.