Amherstia nobilis - Mounts Botanical Garden

[Palmarum]

During this past Sunday afternoon at Mounts Botanical Garden, I was walking around the pathways looking for photo ops when I came across this surprise. Showy blooms hanging from the branches of a Amherstia nobilis. I was attending the Palm Beach Palm & Cycad Society spring sale so I was in the mood for palm photos, but this was too impressive to ignore. I didn't know this tree was here, and only noticed 'cause it was in bloom. I would have thought it was a Saraca or a Brownea.

I was under the impression this tree was very difficult to grow in S. Florida. I have heard depressing stories from those who have tried. Is there more to this highly sought after tree than people know about? I figure the mild winter might be a factor in the blooming, but I was more surprised just to see it alive and this size. I know now to try it myself, and to tell others to do the same. Has anyone had similar success with this tropical flowering tree?

- There were about four blooms on the tree. This one was closest to the ground and the easiest to approach. It was still in the process of opening the individual flowers.

- Most impressive. The individual flower was about 5 inches (12cm) long.

- The base and lower third of the tree.

- Most of the tree, as it appeared from the walk way. The tree was about 14 ft. (4.3m) tall.

Ryan

[strandoo]

This is the amherstia growing at Government House in Darwin, it is by the front fence for all to see when it is flowering.

[Mandrew968]

We have one in the garden at the Beach. She is tucked away and blushes that pink new leaf often, but not yet a flower...

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

We have had one in the Deerfield Beach Arboretum about 10 years now.  It is a reliable late winter/ early spring bloomer.  I had tried air layers a few times but each succumbed to cold weather.  A seedling with a strong root system proved to be a success for us.  It is now about 18' tall and 15' wide I estimate.

 

This is an old photo but the tree looks very similar now, just bigger.  That is an 8' wall in the back for scale.

[Mandrew968]

Nice. Slow growing I gather...