Ok, so let’s test how this does with a lot of pics. Need to check quality and page upload time… We went to Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach, FL today. What a feast for the eyes! First up were the unique Dutchman’s Pipe plants… hosts to Swallowtail butterflies:
The Candle Tree (Parmentiera cereifera) was unusual… it produces waxy and creamy flowers out of the trunk and branches. The edible, pungent fruits look like candlesticks.
Another interesting plant… the Prickly Teaselmallow (Wercklea (Hibiscus) ferox):
And there were oodles of gorgeous flowers:
A Tropical Red Hydrangea (Dombeya ‘Calusa Red’)…
for those of you up north… that’s pollen, not snow, on the petals! lol!
The Giant Apostle’s Iris (Neomarica caerulea ’Regina’):
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) can be used fresh in salads or beverages, or can be boiled as a vegetable.
The floral heads are eaten as artichokes…
The Milk Bush (Iboza riparia) is a medicinal plant – said to relieve headaches when inhaled.
The leaves have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties)…
The Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is extremely toxic, but sometimes used medicinally: 
A variegated Pineapple (Annas bracteatus var. tricolor):
A pomegranate flower:
These are called Kangaroo Paws (Anigozanthos flavidus):
This is from the Verbena family ‘Callicarpa americana’ Beautyberry:
This is a Firecracker Orchid (Epidendrum x ibaguense) …
Click on it to enlarge… it kind of reminds me of Beaker on the Muppets! : )
Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed your little tour of our Creator’s handiwork!
-D.Ann
D.Ann's Crafting Whims 
gorgeous pics! how did I miss the candle tree? glad you had a good time!
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