Leu Gardens in October

Leu Gardens is located  on the North side of Orlando. The Leu Gardens were started by Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu. In 1936 the couple purchased the House and 40 acres (160,000 m²) of land. The Leus traveled all over the world and brought back many exotic plants, including 240 varieties of Camellias for their gardens. In 1961 the house and the gardens were deeded to the city of Orlando.

The gardens’ extensive plant collection has a lot to offer in any season. Here is an impression of Leu Gardens in the month of October.

 

 

 

Senna didymobotrya, “Popcorn Senna” or “African Senna”. You guessed it, it is a native of Africa. It looks similar to the Candlestick Senna, except that the unopened flowers are dark; they turn yellow when the open up.

 

 

 

 

Bauhinia tomentosa, “Yellow Bell Tree”. A relative of the Orchid Tree, it has a much different and delicate looking flower. This species is found in South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tropical Africa, India and Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

Indigofera tinctoria, “True Indigo”, once the source of Indigo dye. A very unique flowering shrub with the flowers seeming to stand on the branches. This plant hails from India.

 

 

 

 

 

Aristolochia elegans, “Calico Pipevine”, “Elegant Dutchman’s Pipe”(I feel connected).
Upon approach it looks like a common arch covered with vines. But when looking closer one can discover the fascinating flowers. This vine is native in South and West S-America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A burst of color in this Orchid bush. Unfortunately no name displayed.

 

 

 

 

Megaskepasma erythrochlamys, “Brazilian Red-cloak”.  Amazing display of beauty. Venezuela and Brazil are some of the S-American countries where this plant can be found.

 

 

 

 

Mystery bush. No name. Who has an idea?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hibiscus schizopetalus, “Spider Hibiscus”, “Japanese lantern”, “Coral hibiscus”. Look at the refined structure of the blossom. This plant is native to tropical Eastern Africa in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tibouchina grandifolia, “Silverleafed Princess Flower”, “Glory Bush”. It is native of Brazil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clerodendrum paniculatum, a striking example of a “Pagoda Plant”. It is native in tropical
Asia and Papuasia.

 

 

 

For this year the Garden Club has adopted the theme of “Diversity”. The Propagation Guild will make an effort to come up with new and diverse plants this year. Fellow Propagators!! perhaps you can find inspiration in this presentation?

Article by Marínus G.
Photography Marínus G.