CHARLES REYNOLDS: Cecropia tree boasts outstanding foliage

Numerous plants feature broad, deeply lobed leaves. But those of the cecropia tree (C. palmata, formerly peltata) are unmistakable. Each leaf is up to 18 inches across, has 7 to 11 lobes and is gray-green above and silvery-white below. Standing at the base of a mature, 30-to-40-foot cecropia and gazing upwards is — for me — thrilling. Indeed, standing anywhere in sight of a cecropia on a sunny, breezy day is exciting because its animated foliage puts on a silvery show.

One of 75 Cecropia species from Tropical America, C. palmata thrives in full sun on almost any well-drained site. This fast-growing, evergreen tree has an airy canopy that allows plenty of light to pass through for good understory plant growth. Cecropia — sometimes called snakewood tree and trumpet tree — is cold hardy throughout Central Florida, but it has hollow branches that may become a liability in storms. Propagate with seeds. Plants and seeds are available online.

POTATO RELATIVE GREAT LANDSCAPE PLANT

Since it belongs to the same genus — Solanum — as the potato, the potato tree (S. wrightii) is well named. A fast-growing shrub or small tree up to 20 feet tall, potato tree features large leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers that open deep purple before fading to white. Blossoms appear most of the year, especially during the warm season. Potato tree — native to Bolivia and Brazil — requires full sun and well-drained sites that have been organically enriched and mulched. Propagate with warm-season cuttings. Plants are available online.

FIERY COSTUS IDEAL PORCH PLANT

Due to its petite, 18-inch height and preference for moderate shade, fiery costus ginger works well as a container subject on a porch. Practically ever-blooming during mild weather, fiery costus (C. cuspidatus) generates pair after pair of 2-inch wide, golden blossoms. Adding color are this Brazilian plant’s red leaf undersides and stems. Because plants are sensitive to low temperatures, they do best on porches on east or south-facing porches. Specimens exposed to winter winds require protection on chilly nights. Propagate using bulbils that form in leaf axils. Plants are available online.

A TRUNK-FORMING COUSIN OF CENTURY PLANT

The similarity between Furcraeas and Agaves is no coincidence: Furcraeas are closely related to Agaves but are sufficiently different to add diversity to desertique plantings that could include Yuccas, Aloes and ponytail plants. Like century plant (Agave americana), the most common Furcraea (F. macdougalii) is a large species with spiny leaf edges. And — like century plant — this semi-succulent species flowers just once before dying. It is different, however, in that F. macdougalii is trunk-forming and can grow 20 feet tall on sunny, well-drained sites. And while both species are Mexican natives, F. macdougalii is more cold-sensitive. Indeed, during our worst freezes, many Furcraeas perished, making these plants most suitable for warmer areas in Central Florida. Small plants are available online.