How to Identify Subtropical Trees

Avocado trees are subtropical. They are easily identified by their green fruit, which turns brown upon harvest.

Subtropical trees range from avocado to tangerine to tamarind, along with varieties not considered fruit trees. These trees can only withstand certain temperature ranges. Some need temperate-warm conditions, while others need to be planted in the warmest regions because they can only survive very brief cold spells. They are typically planted north or south of tropical zones. This includes Florida and California. Subtropical trees have rich colors, thanks to their fruit.

Things You'll Need

• Camera

Instructions

1. Look closely at the subtropical tree's leaves. The Cattley guava has small leaves with a leather-like texture. They stay green year-round and have a glossy appearance. They average 2 to 5 inches long. Abyssinian banana trees, in contrast, have huge leaves that resemble those of a palm. They are greenish-red in color and can grow very long--up to 20 feet.

2. Notice the colorful blooms. Loquat produces creamy-white flowers. Crape myrtle boasts long-lasting blooms that range from red and orange to purple, white, orange, pink and yellow. Crape myrtle flowers grow from the top of stems. Brugmansia trees have very distinctive flowers that hang upside down. They are shaped like trumpets and come in shades of pink, white, yellow, red and orange. The flowers can be very large--up to 20 inches long. They smell like lemons.

3. Examine the fruit. This goes a long way in identifying a subtropical tree. Fig trees, for instance, have pear-shaped fruit that varies in color and size. Avocado trees have egg-shaped fruit that turns from green to brown when ripe. A strawberry guava tree has small, reddish-colored berries, while tangerine trees have waxy fruits with a deep orange color. Cattley guava fruit has a smooth skin and is shaped like a berry. It is yellow or red in color.

4. Feel the bark. The texture will vary depending on the subtropical tree type. For instance, crape myrtle bark is smooth and brown but changes to light brown when it peels off annually. The Abyssinian banana tree has rough-texture bark that is red.

5. Photograph the subtropical trees you want to identify. Take a few wide shots to show the shape of the tree as well as its growing habitat. Zoom in on distinctive features such as leaves, bark and fruit.

6. Show the photographs to an expert for identification. The details you noted regarding the tree's leaves, fruit and bark may also help the expert. Your local cooperative extension, university or planting center may be able to direct you to a person who can identify subtropical trees. You may also have luck posting your photos and descriptions in an online plant forum.

References

• Purdue University: Cattley Guava
• Desert-Tropicals: Subtropical Fruit Choice Wide--From Avocado to Tamarind
• Santarosa Gardens: "Abyssinian Banana Tree"
• Magnolia Culture: Trumpet Brugmansia