Red Papaya
A fast-growing tropical fruit plant with a soft, usually unbranched trunk, large deeply lobed leaves, and sweet red to orange-red flesh. Red papaya describes flesh color rather than a single cultivar; growing it in Phoenix requires frost protection and careful summer watering. Special Features Edible red-fleshed fruit, bold tropical foliage, and rapid growth. A short-lived […]
California Pepper Tree
A large, graceful shade tree native to South America, with feathery, aromatic foliage, weeping branches, and clusters of pink-red, peppercorn-like fruit on female trees. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant once established; picturesque weeping canopy, aromatic leaves, ornamental fruit, and textured bark. Problems & Solutions Large surface roots can lift paving; plant well away from […]
Canary Island Palm
A stately palm native to the Canary Islands, with a massive trunk and a dense crown of long, arching, featherlike fronds. Special Features Bold tropical appearance; tolerates heat, some drought, and brief freezes. Female trees produce clusters of small orange-yellow dates when pollinated. Problems & Solutions Susceptible to Fusarium wilt; use disinfected pruning tools and […]
Papaya Hovey
A frost-tender tropical fruit plant with a slender trunk, large lobed leaves, and edible papayas. ‘Hovey’ cultivar details are not well documented; in Phoenix Zone 9b, grow in a warm, protected microclimate. Special Features Bold tropical foliage, rapid growth, and edible fruit. Fruit production depends on plant sex, pollination, and a sufficiently long frost-free growing […]
Umbrella Plant
A tropical shrub with glossy, umbrella-like clusters of leaflets. Also known as dwarf umbrella tree; best grown in Phoenix as a sheltered patio container plant or houseplant. Special Features Glossy tropical foliage; green and variegated cultivars available; tolerates pruning and adapts well to container culture. Problems & Solutions Not reliably hardy outdoors in Zone 9b; […]