A walk in the Park

[Silas_Sancona]

A nice Sunday morning  for a stroll around Civic Center Park in Scottsdale to check up on some less common trees. Among some of them, the area around the park hoists several large Ficus specimens, as well as several other unusual trees.

Two of the most discussed in times past are an African Tulip Tree, and some Royal Poinciana. This is one of the few places anywhere in AZ I have seen nice sized Ipe ( Handroanthus impetiginosus) and the only spot I have seen any species of Koelreteria in the valley. There are also some nice sized Tipuana and a decent Caesalpinia platylobia here. Lots of Bauhinia, both X blakeiana and purperata and/ or variegata planted as well. Spotted a Floss silk ( Chorisia /Cebia speciosa) on the north side of the park ( facing Indian Scool Rd.) that I'll check on in the fall.

While I apparently missed the show on the Spathodea ( African Tulip tree)  there was plenty of eye candy for the day. 

 

Scottsdale's monster Ficus benghalensis. Several others around the park as well. For a zone 10 tree, there are many  nice specimens scattered around the valley.

 

Ficus petiolaris, or palmeri ( some insist theyre the same species) Biggest one I have seen in the valley. 

[Silas_Sancona]

... unknown Ficus sp.

 

Rare Albizia sinaloensis. These specimens were easily 40+' tall. Cleaner than your average silk tree, and lots of nice shade. Should be planted more around town.

 

 

[Silas_Sancona]

Not sure on the species, possibly Quercus muehlenbergii. Nice, tropical-looking Oak regardless

 

..and the prize of the day, one of the few Phoenix area Royal Poinciana. While it won't win any prize for size, I kind of like the smaller stature. Lots of flowers on this one also. There is another, similar sized specimen on the north side of the park. No flowers on it though. There are also other trees scattered around town. The closest, around the corner from the house, still has another year or so before it flowers. The two " bushes on either side of this tree are Guaiacum coulteri.. why they decided to put them there, and trim them like this, I'll never know .

From afar..

 

Closer...  Should've brought the camera, phone just doesn't cut it.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 3, 2017 by Silas_Sancona
Picture order

[Xerarch]

Wow! Awesome finds for the Phoenix area, how did I miss this spot when I lived out there?

[Silas_Sancona]

.^^ apologize for the out of order picts above. ( oak was supposed to be first) tried to edit, anyway

.much better

A nice reflection of one long, hot summer. ( yellow flowers are Bulnesia arborea, off my tree at the house) enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend.

-Nathan