Ice Plant Dorotheanthus or Lampranthus or Carpobrotus edulis
This is a succulent annual or perennial from S. Africa which we saw growing in pure sand by many of the beaches we visited on the Greek islands of Corfu, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos late in the spring of 2007. The flowers come in brilliant colors and this is one tough plant to grow so happily on almost nothing in a climate where high temperatures can be well over 100° F., where rainfall is not so common and where winter brings freezing temperatures. I liked it so much I saved some seeds from the ice plants and some from other wild flowers in Greece and am hoping to have a "Greek Garden" at home in Montserrat soon.
From: South Africa
Planting and Growth: This is a peculiar plant liking full sun and no water.
Text Copyrighted © KO 2007/2008

IRISES

**Walking Iris Iris Neomarica Longifolia or Trimezia martinicensis
This is a delightful variety of iris that starts off flowering in a very minimal way and then works itself up into producing a lovely show. It has proved to be very hardy, handling droughts and acid rains along with falling ash from the Soufriere volcano here in Montserrat.
From: Central and South America
Planting and Care: The walking iris is able to grow well in full sun or shade and pretty much with or without water. It produces flowers on an ever extending branch that eventually falls over and takes root; hence the name walking iris.
Text Copyrighted ©KO 2008

**Inch Plant, Wandering Jew Tradescantia albiflora or Tradescantia fluminensis
With its tiny leaves and spreading nature, the inch plant might be a good option for a ground cover. Once you plant it though, plan to live with it forever. It is very difficult to get rid of.
Planting and Care: This plant is a true survivor. It will grow in full sun or full shade and will tolerate a wide range of moisture levels.
Text Copyrighted © KO 2008

**Indian Borage See The "T" Page THYME, Spanish Thyme

**Indian Mulberry See The "N" Page NONI

**Indian Tulip Tree See The "P" Page PORTIA TREE

Infusion Definition
An infusion is made when you pour boiling water over plant parts and drink it as a tea. When it is suggested that you make an infusion, do just that. Do not boil the plant materials as they may prove more damaging than helpful.
Text Copyrighted © KO 2008

Insects in our tropical garden See The "W" Page WILDLIFE

IXORA

**Ixora, Penta Uxorial martyrs Talisman and Binned or Uxorial cochineal
A member of the coffee family, this flowering bush blooms almost all year, though summer and fall are best. We now have only red and yellow varieties and I like the yellow ones best. I had the pink ones dug up as they never seemed to thrive.
Benefits: Ixora is said to have medicinal uses from the flowers and from the bark, though I don't know what they are. In Asia the roots are used to treat diarrhea and stomach problems.
From: The East Indies
Text & Photos Copyrighted © KO 2008

Ixora, White
Ixora are not my favorite plants. Until I saw the white flowering ixora in the photograph to the left I felt that only the yellow had any merit and even then not much. I had removed all of the pink ixora from our garden and many of the red as well. We still have a few red flowering ixora and one huge yellow flowering plant. In our nursery garden we now have a few cuttings of the white ixora which seems the best of all. The white flowering ixora is wonderfully scented and its delicate flowers seem more at one with its leaves.
To See More Ixora Click on any of these photos or HERE!