Sterculiaceae

Edward F. Gilman

This document provides an overview of the tropical snowball (Dombeya spp.), a shrub native to tropical Africa. It highlights the plant’s characteristics, including its bright pink or red flowers, coarse-textured foliage, and fast growth rate. The shrub thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11 and can be planted year-round1. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in sunny landscapes and requires regular fertilization to maintain its vibrant green leaves. The document also notes the plant’s susceptibility to pests such as aphids and scales, and the potential for micronutrient deficiencies in high pH soils. Original publication date October 1999.

Jonathan H. Crane, Carlos F. Balerdi, Carlos F. Balerdi, andEugene A. Joyner

Cacao, or cocoa, is an ancient crop having been harvested and used by the indigenous people of Central and South America for thousands of years. Cocoa was introduced to Europe during the 16th century. In 1825–1828 technology to separate the cocoa butter from the dried beans was developed, which lead to the manufacture of solid chocolate. The invention of milk-chocolate by the Swiss in 1876 lead to the world-wide multi-billion-dollar chocolate processing industry.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Chinese Parasoltree has a very unusual appearance for a deciduous tree, having green stems and bark and extremely large, three to five-lobed bright green leaves. Most people either love it or hate it due to its striking habit and coarse texture. Each leaf is up to 12 inches across and casts as much shade as an actual parasol. Chinese Parasoltree has a dense, upright, oval canopy and reaches 35 to 50 feet in height, spreading 15 to 20 feet. In June or July, 10 to 20-inch-long, upright, loose, terminal panicles of yellow/green blooms appear and are followed by the production of peculiar pods which split open into four petal-like sections to reveal the small, round seeds.