OK, I didn't really go to the tropics today but I really wanted to. Since it was nice and sunny I settled for a visit to the conservatory at Olbrich Botanical Gardens http://www.olbrich.org/

See also my post in the Paph gallery from the trip and a separate thread on some of the Sarracenias I saw.

Inside the conservatory

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/ShadyCharacter/OlbrichConservatory12-17-053.jpg

This Dracunculus gigas was around ten feet high with a leaf petiole at least a good 6" thick. They're aroids, one of the coolest groups next to orchids.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/ShadyCharacter/Dracunculusgigas2.jpg

Here's a closeup of the petiole showing the texture and markings.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/ShadyCharacter/Dracunculusgigaspetiole.jpg

Our good friend Neem!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/ShadyCharacter/Neem.jpg

Juicy looking calamondin oranges

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/ShadyCharacter/Calamondinorange2.jpg

Repeat after me "Clerodendrum splendens"

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/ShadyCharacter/Clerodendrumsplendens2.jpg

An Anthyrium happy to see you!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/ShadyCharacter/Anthyrium.jpg

Our beloved source of chocolate, Theobroma cacao! Yay!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/ShadyCharacter/Theobromacacao2.jpg

Yes, very tropical looking environment with all those tropical plants and trees. Thanks for sharing!

An Anthyrium happy to see you!

:D you are too funny!

nice shots :clap:

Good stuff. Nice way to bring some tropical weather to your winter :D

Ahhh, I can feel the warmth!
Shady, your sense of humor always makes me giggle! :lol:

chocolates... yumm... those flowers are good enuff to eat!

Very nice

Nice shots!
Thanks for sharing.

Mang

Wow! You like Tropical!

Hey! Come to Thailand.
It's hot with many tropical plant and orchids. :D

Welcome to Thailand. :-dance:

Spectacular photos! :Party:

Thanks for the tour!

Hey! Come to Thailand.

If I could get the scratch together I'd be there in a heartbeat. :wink:

great pics especially now that winter is in full bloom here in Ohio