The foliage prematurely turns brown in fall from injury by lacebugs
and mites; however, no other serious insect or disease pest is noted
in Florida. Sycamore will withstand smoke and dust, but shows leaf
scorch when used near extensive paving. Best landscape uses are as
a street tree for wide residential streets, shade in large areas, accent
tree in woodland and naturalistic plantings and highway plantings.


 Plumeria spp. Apocynaceae. Frangipani or Temple Tree. South-
ern area. Deciduous. Tropical America.
 Frangipanis are short, spreading, stocky trees up to 35 feet in
height with thick branches, milky sap and very fragrant flowers.
 The nosegay frangipani, Plumeria rubra, has elliptic to oblong
leaves up to 16 inches long and 4 inches wide, and pink, red or purple
flowers (Fig. 46).
 White frangipani, Plumeria alba, has white flowers and very
narrow leaves up to 10 inches long and 1/2-inch wide.
 Frangipanis flower several months in the year, beginning in the
summer, which makes them desirable as a small flowering tree. This
tree is sensitive to cold and should be planted in a site protected
from strong or cold winds. Frangipani does best in a sunny location
and well-drained soil, and will not thrive in a poorly-drained soil or
over a hardpan. In landscape plantings this tree is recommended for
use as a specimen tree, for use in border plantings for its tropical
effect and for coastal plantings since it is salt tolerant. Trees may
sometimes be attacked by scales and caterpillars, but use is not
restricted by these pests.


 Podocarpus spp. Podocarpaceae. Yew or Podocarpus. Southern,
Central and Northern areas. Evergreen. China, Africa and Japan.
 Trees in this group are well adapted to Florida planting. They
are salt tolerant and thrive in shady locations.
 Fern podocarpus, Podocarpus elongata, from Africa, is a bushy
tree growing to 70 feet in height with dense, simple, light green
foliage and drooping branches. Leaves are linear-lanceolate, up to 3
inches long, thin and pointed without a conspicuous midrib.
 Yew podocarpus, Podocarpus macrophylla, a native of China, is
represented predominately by the variety maki and is found through-
out the state. This species is shrubby and not usually planted as a
tree; however, it ultimately attains a height of 50 feet. Leaves are
willow-like, lanceolate and up to 4 inches long. Fruits are small, borne
on a large fleshy receptacle that is a deep purple color.
 Nagi, Podocarpus nagi, of Japanese origin, is one of the most
beautiful trees of the genus and attains a height of 60 feet. Wood
has a fetid odor and nearly egg-shaped fruits are a deep purple color.