©Ken Greby. An unusual color form at Quail BG .

This website is intended to help the gardener, hobbyist, trade, horticulturist and botanist work together in plain English as in my book: "Tropical Flowering Plants, A Guide to Identification and Cultivation". Print publications are limited by the high cost of printing color photos. On the web there are few restrictions and the information can be updated as needed. The beauty of the web is that it is interactive so everyone is invited to contribute plant images and info that intrigue them. We want this site to be as reliable as possible so please have an understanding the site is edited for current names and accuracy. No one can do this alone so I rely on many experts to consult in various fields as well as the sharp eyes of experienced members.

Gardens and plant societies and their members are invited to submit articles and post their up-coming events. Tropical and subtropical shrubs, trees and vines as well as palms, orchids, aroids, gingers and heliconias are welcome. Heck. we welcome discussion on all that appeals to tropiphiles including scenic views of gardens, cultivation and landscaping.

I am also Editor of the JUNGLE FORUM at our companion site www.tropicsphere.com (webmaster Greg Asbagh) and encourage members to visit that site as well. You will find a wealth of contributions and images from TS members since 2004.

The essence of an interactive site is that members contribute to the discussion or gallery. If the topics diverge from what interests you then just introduce alternative discussions. That encourages others with similar interests to join in.

RULES: To be a member, all that is required is sticking to plant topics and common courtesy. We have no problem with lively, but civil, discussion. If you disagree remember even the experts can be in error sometimes! (Trust me!) And it's a big help if people LMK if (make that WHEN!) I make errors as I can't possibly know all there is to know about what gets posted here and then some! If at times I should sound curt or overbearing :<(  I probably stayed up all night "doing research" or, more likely, have sore feet from dancing salsa!)  :-) I beg forgiveness in advance.

Feel free to give your opinion but know we weigh all opinions and look for trustworthy sources. Beware! even garden name tags are not always accurate or current! The plants offered at Big Box stores often are dressed up to make sales ("Sexy Pink" is a heliconia that can't be grown outside in SFL winters but sells by the bucket-load - why are we so gullible? :-)) and maintained by people who take no responsibility for correct plant IDs and probably have no clue if what they offer will thrive in your area. So beware. But occasionally you just MIGHT pick up something cool and cheap if you have trained your eyes OR POST A PIC HERE FOR DISCUSSION FIRST!). All nurseries are NOT created equal. We all have horror stories about vendors with snazzy webpages but disappointing cultural and sales tactics so we appreciate learning about awesome nurseries you find knowledgeable and trustworthy.

We try not to perpetuate errors in the manner of websites where a majority of guesses determines an ID. That is not the scientific way. If you are looking for an accurate ID, clear, close-up images that reveal essential details such as flower and leaf arrangement on the stem as well as the over-all habit/form are helpful for presenting to authorities. For me it is a time-consuming process and the better your input the easier it is. When adding to the photo gallery please take a few moments to include any info you can such as location, descriptions, etc. in the text boxes at the end of your upload. Best not to process more pix than you can complete immediately.

My comments are meant to enlighten all who go here. I am not always able to determine who is a graduate botanist and who an enthusiastic new gardener. If you are a specialist in a particular field please let us know whenever you post. I will be happy to help anyone with rules of naming plants (nomenclature). It's easy. Capitalization and punctuation reveal important bits of information (see forum for discussion). Spelling counts when doing an on-line search. Even common names are often helpful. NO question is too dumb and I will do my best to help.

We encourage lively but civil debate with the caveat that some on the web take offense at challenges to their opinion. Our Aussie friend and frequent resource, Mike Ferrero, likes to point out that a lively debate should not be construed as "fighting". "We in our 'Afro-Austro' culture call such things "sparring". The general rule of thumb is we take no offense at being challenged on any matter. It's the act of engaging in a debate that makes it worthwhile participating. Often the outcome is not important!"

NEVER infringe on the copyright of others.  You MUST have permission and give credit. An occasional link to a reputable site is permissible. (CAUTION, the web is loaded with dubiously named and/or incorrect photos. Check "Notes" for an on-line list of reliable botanical databases.) I have a strong preference for original photos. You were there, after all, and can vouch for the location and habitat, cultivated or natural.

I reserve the right to republish any image submitted to this site on the home page or in illustration of an article anywhere else on this site. I like to publish your most interesting and awesome images in our headliner box above!

Any issues other than plant discussion should be sent to Chris or me PRIVATELY.

Nobody is perfect or unapproachable here.  If you want to see threads going in a direction that interests YOU, all you have to do is start a new topic so you don't feel left out. LET"S HAVE FUN doing what we love to do.