Tuesday, August 31, 2010


Sugar apple
   
Sugar apple is a small tropical tree, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, growing up to 20' tall.The leaves are thin, oblong while the flowers are greenish - yellow.The avoid or conical fruit, with a purple knobby skin, is very sweet and is eaten fresh or can be used for shakes.



 Red Bird of Paradise” or “Pride of Barbados
   
This sub-tropical shrub is used extensively in low-elevation zones for its extravagant, showy flowers and its incredible heat tolerance. Red Bird of Paradise is a rounded, open shrub with light green, feathery, compound leaves. The inch-wide flowers have slightly ruffled petals that are a deep orange color with varying amounts of yellow. Some forms of Caesalpinia pulcherrima have pure yellow flowers. Although this shrub loses most of its leaves in the winter, it recovers quickly.
  


Monday, August 30, 2010

CALAMONDIN MINIATURE ORANGE TREE


  
Small citrus fruit resembling a miniature tangerine. Fruits are very juicy, with a sweet but acidic flavor. Common in tropical zones, but lesser known elsewhere.
Description
Small tree, from 6-25ft in height. Leaves are smaller than most citrus. May take on a bushier appearing growth habit than some other citrus.

 
Hardiness
The calamondin is hardy to temperatures in the mid 20's. It can be successfully grown outside throughout California, Florida, and the gulf coast. It makes an excellent container plant in colder areas.
  
Growing Environment
Trees grow well in full-sun and enjoy regular irrigation, though less so during cold months. Grow in well-drained soil. While fertilizing in sometimes unnecessary, trees can be fertilized on the same schedule as other citrus.



Propagation 
Often by seed, (unlike some other citrus). Seeds are polyembryonic and may produce up to 3-5 seedlings each. Commercial growers propagate the calamondin by cuttings which bear fruit in just two years.

Uses 
Eaten raw, although the flavor is very acidic. Often used to flavor drinks, jellies, and a variety of foods.

Native Range 
Native to China. Has now spread throughout much of the South Pacific and the Americas.



STAR FRUIT TREE






It is golden yellow to pale green in color and typically 3-5 inches (13.7-15.2 cm) in length, with four to six outer ribs. Its flesh is the same color as the exterior of the fruit and contains small brown seeds.Becoming increasingly popular in Western markets, the star fruit is a pleasure both to the taste, and to the eye. Its mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor complements many commercial juice drinks, and the fruit is also often eaten out hand. When cut, slices of the fruit have a star shape, and often adorn salads and other dishes.