I just added the OFE orchid sale, scheduled for December 8 to 10, just in time for the holidays. They have a second on scheduled for Dec 16-17. I just got notice of RF Orchid holiday sale, December 8-10, from their Facebook page, starting at 9:00 am.

Generally, I tried to post only plants growing in my yard. The Goetzea was planted in the traffic circle in front of my yard around September, 2023. The Goetzea elegans was bought at Fairchild Botanical Gardens, from their website. I left the name tag on the plant for now, just in case people are interested in this tree.

It is a shrubby, evergreen tree with very attractive yellow flowers and small orange fruits. I am not sure how long it will take to produce flowers. The fruits are inedible and may be poisonous.

Goetzea elegans is native to Puerto Rico. I selected this tree because it will grow well in our limestone soil without extra watering. It is growing in partial shade and I’ve staked it, so a high wind doesn’t blow it down.

The common name comes from “mata” meaning to kill, and “buey” meaning ox. But this tree does not kill oxes. The name comes from a venomous pit viper which can be lethal to animals and humans. So, in Costa Rica, they are raising these snakes, extracting their venom and then creating antibodies which can be used as first aid to bite victims.

I have yet to discover the relationship between this very attractive tree and its terrible namesake. Perhaps matabuey snakes hang out and eat the fruit of matabuey trees?

Happy gardening,

Dave