The Flower Man

Last week, as a special treat, Joe took me to buy plants for our patio.  I love plants and actually recognized some of what is commonly grown here as it is similar to south Texas.  We went to The Flower Man.  His business is along a major road and the land was given to him by the government.  The land can only be used as a plant nursery, no buildings can go on it.  He was very knowledgeable and helpful.  He told me that most plants have a medicinal purpose.  And as he ate the leaf of a hibiscus plant explained that it could be used to help with male infertility.  He said the leaves could be used to make a tea but then he started talking about Palm Wine to go with it.  Now I have not tried Palm Wine but it is apparently the Nigerian version of moonshine.  So perhaps little of the liquid courage to go with the hibiscus tea?  

Joe asked if we could take his photograph.  He was very nice and let us, posing by the plant of his choosing.  He asked us to bring back and copy of the photo for him.  So when we go back to purchase more plants, as I'm sure we will, we will take the photo to him.

After wandering around looking at the plants we purchased a hibiscus, bougainvillea, and a couple of others I am trying to identify...if only I had my plant books.  He told me how to plant the bougainvillea, as the roots are very sensitive to a change in environment.  Now I just need to find the pots and some extra soil in which to plant them.

This bougainvillea "tree" was amazing...