Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - August 23, 2010
From: Sarasota, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Identification, Transplants
Title: Plant identification from Sarasota, FL.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Hi I recently went to Discovery Cove in Orlando Florida and saw a purple flowering tree/shrub that had branches similar to okra shape or starfruit shape, the leaves were very grainy similar to alligator skin. Wondering if you could tell me what this is? I have looked on the internet and cant seem to find it. Thank you.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants has found that it is difficult, if not impossible, to identify a plant from a written description even if it's well done. Did you happen to take a picture of the plant? If so, go to the Plant Identification Page and followi the instructions for submitting a photo.
I did a Combination Search of the Native Plant Data Base , and the only purple flowering tree I found from Florida was Asimina triloba (pawpaw). Of course, the plant you saw may have been a non-naive. If this isn't your plant, we really need to see a picture.
More Transplants Questions
Dying branches on Texas Mountain Laurel from Kempner TX
September 14, 2012 - The branches on my Texas Mountain Laurel are very dry and brittle. The leaves are also starting to die. The tree has been in my yard for six years and prior to that it sat wrapped in burlap for ov...
view the full question and answer
Native species of tree for Rockwall TX
March 19, 2014 - Hello,
I am attempting to plant a native species of tree 20 miles east of Dallas, Texas (Rockwall, TX) in honor of my brother's marriage. He is a biologist and a huge supporter of native species....
view the full question and answer
Ash tree dying back to lower sprouts in Kempner TX
June 19, 2010 - My 2 year old ash tree leaves dropped, appears dead, branches dying. New growth near base of tree. Do I cut upper trunk or remove entire tree? My other ash is doing well.
view the full question and answer
Dead woody plants in wildlife garden in Austin
March 02, 2011 - I am an enthusiastic and pretty successful wildlife gardener, have studied my Wasowski "Bible", but I can't get any evergreens established in my yard! We live on blackland clay, which I amend with ...
view the full question and answer
Century plants spread through offshots from Rye TX
September 20, 2010 - How do century plants spread? Are the little ones the babies?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |