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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The U.S. is a nation of pet owners, and most of us feel a duty to protect those pets from various threats. Among the risks are toxins found in certain plants. Richard Lyons’ Nursery has addressed this subject before—just 18 months ago—but considers it important enough to merit repeating. Here is an expanded version of…
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Over the past few years, Richard Lyons’ Nursery has reported from time to time on disease problems in avocado and citrus that have imperiled the future of both fruits as commercial crops in Florida. It is time for another update. Avocados have been hit hard by laurel wilt, a disease spread by Xyleborus glabratus, the…
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