Last week, while I was in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area, I visited Jesse Durko’s Nursery with some plant geek friends. Believe me, it is fun visiting a nursery with people who are as crazy about plants as you are! Thanks, Chris Baker, Lloyd Traven, Alex Traven, and Nancy Szerlag for a great time.
Toubichina grandifolia
While at the nursery I was drawn to this amazing plant, Toubichina grandifolia. Though I like the flowers, I was especially drawn to the foliage of the plant. This plant is what is described as hirsute or covered with “hair”. I wrote another post about hirsute plants here. In the case of this plant, I actually wouldn’t care if it didn’t bloom. That’s how gorgeous the foliage is. Below are pictures of the flowers. They are pretty, obviously, but look at the pictures of the foliage following.
Toubichina grandifolia with flowers
Flowers
Flowers
The fuzzy (hirsute) leaves
Why is it hairy (hirsute)?
There are reasons that plants are hairy. It can be a sunscreen for the plant, can keep it warm, and it also keeps most animals from munching on it, because who wants a mouthful of hair? Nobody.
Up close of the leaf
If I had taken an even closer picture of the leaf, wouldn’t you have thought I had taken a picture of a fuzzy animal? Aren’t plants wonderful, amazing things? I sure think so.
Have a great week!
Lisa, that trip to the nursery was crazy good. A fantastic ending to a great trip to Florida and the TPIE trade show. Lucky Us.
Nancy Szerlag
Definitely, Nancy! Thanks for making it possible and so glad we went together!
I have this plant and noticed yellowing of the leaves, yet can’t find the reason. She is beautiful indeed. Any ideas of the cause?
Hi Jesse,
I only saw this plant at a nursery and it was outside. I wouldn’t know how it does in the house. I would assume that they are yellow from either too much or not enough water, or not enough or too much light. I hope you have found an answer. I’m sorry I was unable to respond until now.
Lisa