TABERNAEMONTANA

Family Apocynaceae

Tabernaemontana is possibly native to India, it is a fast growing shrub/small tree that can be pruned it to achieve the size or shape required.  It is among the most useful plants for coastal gardens.  It is fairly drought tolerant, not fussy about soil, doesn’t require extra feeding and is seldom attacked by any garden pests.  It prefers to grow in a cool shady area, does well in full sun, needs some water. Updated 10/9/18

 

Tabernaemontana divaricata

Tabernaemontana divaricata is a better plant, as it flowers 365 days of the year.

   

Tabernaemontana divaricata double

Tabernaemontana divaricata double flowers are double and resemble a small gardenia flower.  It also has a faint scent.  Unlike its sister Tabernaemontana divaricate, it only flowers from time to time.

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TAGETES

Family Asteraceae

Tagetes is native to North and South America; has have become naturalised around the world; some places considered an invasive weed. It was first described as a genus by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.

They grow well at the coast and add a touch of brightness in dull corners. During the hot dry season they are best grown in pots or tubs, during the rains and cooler periods sow the seeds directly into the soil. The seeds germinate easily and in no time there is a wonderful display. Watch out for Spider Mite and Leaf Miner. Updated 10/9/2018

Tagetes erecta:            African marigolds which tend to be tall.
Tagetes patula:             French tend to be dwarf
Tagetes tenuifolia:        Daisy flowering marigolds
Tagetese minuta:          is the source of “tagetes oil”.

TECOMANTHE DENDROPHILA 

Family Bignoniaceae

Tecomanthe dendrophila is native to Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and the Solomon Islands; but in parts of New Zealand it is now threatened.  This is a strong woody climber that needs a good support to ramble over.  It flowers on old wood so pruning should be kept to a minimum.  It is not troubled by any garden pests.
Updated 10/9/2018

  

THUMBERGIA 

Family Acanthaceae

Thunbergia is native to tropical regions of Africa, including Madagascar.  The name was given to honours Carl Peter Thunberg.  Thunbergia species are vigorous annual or perennial vines and shrubs.  Updated 10/9/2018

Thunbergia alata

Thunbergia alata, better known as Black-eyed Susan.  It is native to East Africa and is now naturalised in many parts of the world.  It is easy to grow, needing something to clamber up.

Thunbergia erecta

Thunbergia is native to western Africa, it is a vigorous plant that can be grown as a shrub or trained to climb.  Give it plenty of room and sun.

Thumbergia grandiflora

Thunbergia grandiflora is native to China, India, and Nepal and is an evergreen climber, with blue or white flowers.  It grows at the coast, but not very well.  The species has become a serious problem in Australia.

Thumbergia kirkii

Thumbergia kirkii is indigenous to Kenya and a friendly plant to have in the garden.  It is fairly drought tolerant, grows well in full sun but prefers light shade.  If left un- pruned it will grow quite large.  I grew this plant for the foliage so, when it came into flower, that was a plus.  It is easy propagated by cuttings.

      

TIGRIDIA PAVONIA 

 Family Iridaceae

Tigridia pavonia is a bulbous plant that is native to Mexico and grows well at the coast. The bulbs are best planted in containers with rich loamy compost and good drainage.  Whilst growing they should be fed and given plenty of sun. Once the plants have flowered let them die back in their own time, they will flower when the rains return. The flowers are exotic with vibrant colours, they last a day, more follow.  The image with three flowers were the plants to flower in this garden in 2007.  Updated 10/9/2018

  

TITHONIA DIVERSIFOLI

Family Asteraceae

Tithonia diversifoli, a native of Mexico and Central America, has now invaded most tropical countries.  The plant is a weed that grows quickly and can become an affordable alternative to expensive synthetic fertilizers.   It has been shown to increase plant yields by adding the levels of nutrients; nitrogen (N) phosphorus (p) and potassium (K) to the soil.  It makes an attractive plant in the garden but takes up a lot of room and is untidy.  The pruning’s are useful for the compost heap. Up dated 10/9/2018

TITHONIA ROTUNDIFOLIA

Family Asteraceae

Trithonia rotundifolia, native to the warmer parts of North America, is naturalized in Kenya and can be found growing  around Tsavo National Park (Kenya).  It doesn’t do very well at the coast and is troubled by Spider Mite and Mealybug. Up dated 10/9/2018

TRADESCANTIA

Family Commelinaceae

Tradescantia was named after Charles I st. senior gardener, John Tradescant, who introduced the plant to England from Virginia (USA). These plants are invaluable in the garden as they put up with poor soil, tolerate dry conditions, and are excellent ground cover.  Updated 10/9/2018

Tradescantia pallida

Tradescantia pallida has intense purple leaves and requires full sun for the best colouring. It is not very drought tolerant.  Keep well pinch otherwise it becomes straggly.

 

Tradescantia spathacea

Tradescantia spathacea it is quite beautiful when well grown as a specimen plant, with it’s purple underside leaves.  The leaves break easily so place the plants out of the way of passing traffic!  It can also be used to fill spaces in full sun or in the shade.

Because they multiply so fast, they are an excellent addition to the compost heap.

Tradescantia spathacea ‘Dwarf’

Tradescantia spathacea ‘Dwarf’ grows anywhere and does not become tall.  It is a ‘sterile’ plant, that does not flower, but  multiplies faster than Tradescantia spathace.  It should be thinned out when it gets over crowded.

 

TRIMEZIA STEYERMARKII

Family Iridaceae

Trimezia steyermarkii is native to southern Mexico. The plant has light green strap leaves, with insignificant yellow flowers that only last a day, more follow.  It is a hardy plant that grows in poor soil, with no water and still survives.  It does best in full sun. Updated 10/9/2018

TRISTELLATEIA AUSTRALASIAE

Family Malpighiaceae

Tristellateia australasiae, is a strong grower that can be used as a screen, or a hedge.  It is able manage the saline conditions and  is not fussy about soil and is drought tolerant. It requires full sun to flower well.  Updated 10/9/2018

       

TULBAGHIA VIOLACEA

Family Amaryllidaceae

Tulbaghia violacea is native to South Africa.  It was named after Ryk Tullbagh (1699 – 1771), who was the Governor of the Dutch Cape Colony (1751- 1771). Tulbaghia violacea is a fast growing bulbous plant with a strong aroma of garlic.  It likes to grow in full sun; and blooms over a long period.  Updated 10/9/2018

TURNERA ULMIFOLIA 

 Family Passifloraceae

Turnera ulmifolia is a small shrub that grows in the garden.  It is a  weed and is grow only where it is wanted. It is the most invasive of all our ‘weedy friends’, growing through the ‘galana’ paths, and in other places where nothing else could survive.  The small, yellow, aromatic flowers only last for the morning.   Updated 10/9/2018