Mangifera indica is the botanical name for the mango tree, but it is not needed with this tree as there is no confusion with its common name. Most everyone in South Florida looks forward to the mango season. There are so many varieties to choose from and it seems like everyone has their favorite. Some…
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Manilkara zapota is native to Mexico and Central America but grows quite well in South Florida. The white latex sap of this tree was once a source for chiclets chewing gum. Today the tree is grown for the sweet brown fruits and also as a shade tree. Richard Lyons Nursery currently has ripe fruit on…
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Ziziphus jujuba is a fruit tree in the Rhamnaceae or Buckthorn Family, that grows very well in S. Florida. Its origin is southern Asia and has been cultivated in China for 4000 years where there are 400 known varieties. It can attain a height of 20′ and 12′ wide with shiny green foliage and bears a small oval fruit in…
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Longan fruit is currently in season and available at Richard Lyons Nursery. Longan (Dimocarpus longan) is in the same family, Sapindaceae, as its better known relative, the Lychee Tree. Unlike the Lychee Tree, Longan is a more reliable fruit bearing tree as it does not require the cool night temperatures in winter as the Lychee…
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A look at Dragon Fruit or Pitahaya. The fruit is produced from a tropical vining epiphytic cactus, Hylocereus undatus, or more recently, Selenicereus. The cactus is grown for its fruit throughout the tropics. It originated in the America’s like all true cacti, but its exact origin is unknown. It is typically grown on a large…
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