Good Morning. . .the sun is out in all of its glory again on Sanibel Island. We delighted in seeing eight sea turtle nests on our morning beach walk. The Gulf is crystal clear, calm and very inviting at 83 degrees. The Sea Oats are very tall this season. They are about two feet taller than usual.
Sanibel is in bloom! The blossoms are even more outstanding this spring than in previous years. Perhaps, it's due to the unusual 12" of rain we received in January which is normally "dry season" here in Southwest Florida. The four months since then have been very dry, with low humidity and gentle breezes.
Royal Poinciana
Royal Poinciana and Frangipani trees are always beautiful. This year, they are especially magnificent. They are blooming profusely all over the island. It is a sight to behold. The Royal Poinciana blossoms are a striking shade of reddish orange. They have a sturdy gray trunk similar to the shade of elephants with wide spreading branches. The medium green leaves have a delicate fine texture. The Royal Poinciana is a relative of the Tamarind and Mimosa trees. It can reach 40 feet in height. It requires space and looks its best when standing alone.
Royal Poinciana Seed Pod
Considered one of the world's most colorful trees, the Royal Poinciana prefers full sun and only requires fertilization once per year. It is propagated from seeds, but it can take a long time for a seed to germinate. The 2 foot long by 2 inches wide thick seed pods resemble razor straps. This tree does not have any pest problems of concern.
If you want an instant "show of color," buy a Royal Poinciana already in bloom. Plant it in an open space in full sun and give it lots of water until it becomes established. This tree is not native to Sanibel, but it flourishes in our semi-tropical climate.
Ciao for now!
Patti from Paradise