GALPHIMIA GLAUCA 

Family Malpighiaceae

Galphimia glauca, a native of eastern Mexico and southern Guatemala, is a small tropical tough shrub with light green foliage that produces a constant display of yellow flowers.  It is easy to grow and enjoys the full sun.
Up dated 16/9/2018

 

GARDENIA TAITENSIS 

Family Rubiaceae

Gardenia taitensis a native to Polynesia, was first discovered by Forster on Captain Cook’s first Pacific voyage (1768-1771), though, at the time, it was misidentified.  In 1824, Jules Dumont d’Urville collected the plant and gave it its first acceptable scientific name.

Gardenia taitensis, grows at the coast, it does not thrive to show off its real beauty.  It is best grown in a pot, with the good growing medium and, preferably sited in bright shade.  The plant flowers have a heavenly perfume.
Up dated 16/9/2018

GLADIOLUS 

 Family Iridaceae

Gladioli are native to South Africa and grow best on a sunny site, in sandy loam soil.   The ‘butterfly’ variety is best at the coast because of the wind.  The corms take about 75 days to flower.  Plant them in open ground, and they should come up year after year. They are susceptible to red spider mite. Updated 16/9/2018

  

GASTERIA BATESIANA 

Family Asphodelaceae

 Gasteria batesiana is native to the inland escarpment in the far north-east of South Africa.  It is a small species of Gasteria and has pointed leaves that are very rough.  It is a tough plant, that likes lots of light, though preferably shaded from the mid-day sun.  It is drought resistant and does best in pots that can be buried into the ground.  Updated 16/9/2018

GLORIOSA

Family Colchicaceae

Gloriosa a genus of 12 species, is native to tropical Africa and Asia and is the national flower of both Kenya and Zimbabwe.  Once established it can become invasive.

It has a tuberous root and goes dormant in the dry season.  It is a beautiful climber, that loves the coast and it can often be seen growing in the wild.  Once established it can become invasive.  All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals.

In Australia it is considered to be a rampant and dangerous invasive weed.  All parts of the plant are dangerously toxic to humans and animals.  Updated 16/9/2018

GOMPHRENA GLOBOSA

Family Amaranthaceae

Gomphrena globosa is a striking long flowering annual.  It is drought tolerant, not fussy about soil type and can withstand sea breezes. Gomphrena grows compactly and can be invasive as it reseeds easily, filling the garden with the small purple pom-pom flowers that last for months.  It is free from the usual garden insects.  Updated 16/9/2018

GRAPTOPHYLLUM PICTUM 

Family Acanthaceae

Graptophyllum pictum is endemic to India and is grown for the richly coloured foliage and attractive cerise-pink flowers. The plant is easy to grow and makes a tidy, compact bush, which is best grown in dappled shade. It has no special soil requirements, and can be grown in a pot or in open ground, but should not be allow the plant to dry out.  Regular pruning is necessary and the growing points pinched out, in order to get a bushy plant.
Updated 16/9/2018

GYNANDROPSIS SPECIOSA 

Family Cleomaceae

Gynandropsis speciosa is a tall showy plant, that flowers for a long period and is good for filling gaps and providing colour. The plant is sparingly branched and each branch carries a mass of flowers.  Individual flowers are short lived are quickly replaced.  It is easy to grow and drought tolerant.   The plentiful seeds can be collected and used and the leaves are edible.  Updated 16/9/2018