We continue our survey of interesting edible tropical plants that can be grown in southern Florida. Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus): Though commonly known as West Indian Lemon Grass, this popular herb is native to maritime Southeast Asia. It grows in dense clumps capable of reaching 6 ft. high and about 4 ft. wide. Its blue-green…
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Cabbage Tree (Moringa stenopetala) To say that Moringa stenopetala is a multi-purpose tree is to underestimate its importance. This species is not only a source of food, income and shade, but also a constituent of traditional medicinal products and—through its seeds—a means to purify water. As an ornamental plant, it features fragrant flowers in shades…
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We continue our survey of interesting edible tropical plants that can be grown in southern Florida. Katuk Sweetleaf (Sauropus androgynus) Surely something named Sauropus androgynus has to be a newly-discovered dinosaur species, but, in fact, it is a very tasty edible shrub. In southern and southeastern Asia it is among the most popular of leafy…
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This week we continue our survey of interesting tropical fruit species that can be grown in southern Florida. Nopal Cactus (Opuntia cochenillifera) You might ask why Opuntia is included in this series. While it may be hard to envision this genus as a conventional tree, and while its fruit really functions as a vegetable, and…
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This week we resume our survey of interesting fruit trees that can be grown in southern Florida. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) Chinese in origin, the persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is a wonderful fruit which unfortunately has had a reputation for doing poorly in southern Florida. Most of us think of persimmon as a California crop. After all,…
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