I am a landscape designer specializing in central Florida Gulf coast barrier island natives not familiar with this 30 ft x 30ft tropical tree. My client won't replace it, so I would like to know what we are keeping. I pass by it often and tropical blooms never caught my eye, so ...
Good job saltcedar! That is definitely it. Googling further I find that it is deciduous. The Starrs show it in March in Maui with no leaves and just the brown pods. Have you seen it in your area in the Winter? I would be interested in knowing the approximate schedule of the leafdrop. My clients want to use it as the centerpiece and main source of shade for the outdoor tables of a coffee shop or restaurant. Since our main tourist season is January to March, I wonder if they will have any leaves at all then.
Can't say if it's deciduous there and when. I haven't lived in Florida for over 25 years. Doesn't grow here, though that may have changed as warm as it's become. I can't imagine anyone wanting/allowing it to remain as invasive as it is there.
