At the far end of the parking lot, we see a mango tree, a scrawny avocado tree, a stately Tropical Ash, the sign marking the entrance to the Eco-Preserve, and a Yellow Poinciana. The Merlin app identified the birds you hear as a gray catbird, and a yellow-bellied sap sucker.

Resembles its cousin, the Royal Poinciana, except that it has yellow blooms instead of red ones • Two different trees have the common name Yellow Poinciana, but this one is Peltophorum pterocarplum

Its large canopy provides habitat for birds and insects • Grows fast in areas damaged by natural disasters • Grows well in volcanic soil

Produces a delicious pear-shaped fruit • Its method of pollination is a wonder – it changes from male to female in the course of a day by a process known as synchronized dichogamy

Has a delicious fruit • Has a deep tap root which helps it survive dry spells • Is a source of nectar to honeybees

Also called Southern Wax Myrtle • A source for bayberry candles • Used by Native Americans to combat fever

This one is located on the very south side of the Memorial Garden • Draws in pollinators and they scatter its seeds • Also known as the Pride of Barbados

Its berries can be used as a natural dye • Food source for birds and deer • Leaves can be used as a bug deterrent

Is a good choice for delineating boundaries • Called the Tourist Tree because its trunk can resemble peeling sunburn • Native to south Florida and the Caribbean

Referred to as Nature’s Jewelry • Is a Texas native but grows well and non-invasively here • Belongs to the pea family