I am not the right person to ask for accurate tree ID, but that looks like a wild orchid that uses the tree as a host.

I think there is a plant ID group here on gardenweb somewhere.

In the first photo are there weird “sausages” hanging from the tree? There’s a tree called a sausage tree with dark red flowers.

Thanks, MaddieLee. I’ve posted in 2 other forums, Florida Gardening and Trees, in addition to Conversations.

Robo, I’ve sent a text asking about the sausages.

Certainly looks like Sausage Tree, Kigelia africana, to me.

I think y’all have identified tree #2. Here is a picture of Kigelia Pinnata a/k/a Kigelia Africana blooms.

I’ve also read that the sausages are poisonous when raw. I don’t know if this tree is at the in-law’s beach house or if it were taken while they were on a walk. If it is at the house, I’ll warn DD to be vigilant with the kiddoes.

2/2 - I won the internet today!

YAY, Robo for the win! btw, I blew up the first picture of the tree on my iPad. You can almost see a sausage.

The sausages are two to three feet long from what I recall. They are woody skinned and

extremely heavy. I don’t think a kid is going to start nibbling on one any more than they’re likely to chew on a log. But one could get brained by a falling fruit.

yes, that caught my eye!

Wow - a sausage tree. If only it were so.

@skibby (zone 4 Vermont), wouldn’t that be grand?

@floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK, thanks for describing the “sausages.” It somewhat puts my mind to rest.

Definately a sausage tree. I have two in my front yard .... people stop all the time to look at it and take pictures.

I would not think anybody would eat them.... they are the size of a potato but VERY VERY fiberous... I have seen people trying to cut them open and it is very HARD.... You might have more problems with people wanting to play tarzan and jane trying to swing on the vines which WILL BREAK..... they will NOT hold weight....

Interesting facts:

the tree blooms at night.

The blooms stink

The blooms fall after opening at night by noon

The blooms make great compost and brings in lots of earthworms

The blooms are pollinated by bats.

Interesting about the fruit size in your yard Sharon. Maybe it depends on the location. I’ve seen them much larger than a potato.

floral it could be the location but my guess is the variety.... for example their are tons of lychee trees.... different size trees and different size and color lychees....

That’s because Lychee has been cultivated for a long time for its fruit. Hence there are many different cultivars, just like apples. Afaik sausage trees, not being fruit bearing or garden ornamentals, have not given rise to any cultivars. There’s only one species. In fact the genus Kigalia consists of only one species.

I have one, but still waiting for it to fruit. Not even so much as a cocktail frankfurter yet :(