As reference for all modelers who wish to make dios of subjects in the tropics espcially in the southeast asian region, I am sharing herewith some photos of typical tropical trees and plants found in the said regions. This will probably be applicable for areas like Vietnam, Philippines, Guam, Cambodia and even Burma.
1.) The Banana Tree
Actually it is not a member of the palm clan and not even a tree. It is an overgron shrub. It is green all year round and grows about anywhere except near salt water. It could grow to about 10 to 15 feet.
2.) The Tropical Wild Grass
This is a very weather resistant type of grass and grows about anywhere even near the beaches. It could grow to a height of about 10 ft.
3.) Flowering Grass
Not so abundant in all areas but usually grows alongside the wild grasses.
The pictures are in Ron’s Gallery. If you want to save a copy you may do so. I’ll be back for more. Questions are welcome.
wow lol 10 feet tall… (Whistles) wouldnt want to get lost in that. The banana tree looks like it would be a pain in the butt to do. thanks for the pics, and the info
Thanks Dwight,
Definately a valuable resource for reference. Had I not known you were in the Philipines I would almost think you were in East Central Florida or or SE Florida. (We have lots of banana trees here, some ornamental, some out of control and gone wild)
What are the deciduous trees in the back ground? They almost look like a species of Live Oak or Laurel Oak. Mahogony maybe?
Hi Dwight,
I live in Coffs Harbour,about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane ,and we’re the banana growing capital of Australia!
Apparently years ago they had to begin a banana growing industry here since all the imported ones from the Philipines used to arrive here bent.
Dunno how you’d go modelling one.My vegetation skills haven’t extended much past grass yet.
Jeff
Jeff: I tried doing a banana in my 3rd Dio. It is probably in the 2nd page of the diorama forum already. It is not perfect and was mistaken for a palm tree. LOL.
Dwight: With the rapid growth of the urban landscape there in Manila I think it would come as no surprise that the banana is nearing it’s extinction in the Metro.[]
More pics. This time of the most popular tropical tree…the coconut. It is very abundant especially near the beaches. It could reach a height of a eighty feet or more. Usually the diameter would be about 2 feet. The leaves will have lengths of about 10 feet. The strips of leaves usually are 3 feet long.
A full view of a full grown tree.
Here is a closer view of the crown.
A still closer view of the leaves.
A closer view of the trunk and root base. (Note the trunk has been painted so ignore the color.)
DT:
thanx 4 the post & a belated welcome back from ur trip !
(i did this once before, but got the boot offline just as i was posting…
i guess it didn’t go thru…[:(])
the last few pix r only red x’s 4 me, tho… no coconuts !
anyhow, good 2 see u postin’ !
frosty[:)]
Hey, dwight! Interesting idea you have here! You seem to have captured three of four of the banana trees… They also grow alone, don’t they? I recall there was a banana tree in the house next door to ours (when our subdivision was more or less empty), and since no one owned the lot, we “borrowed” some bananas and started a little garden… (mostly okra or ampalaya or something unsavory like that…) The banana tree we “had” grew by itself…
Sadly, our “illegal” garden is now the next door neighbor’s garage, and the banana tree has been replaced by his front door… Maybe Acacia should be your next addition (i hear they’re everywhere in asia). [:)]
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