Wintergreen scientifically known as Gaultheria fragrantissima is actually a low growing species native to sandy coastal regions and woodlands of eastern North America from Georgia to New Found land. It is a member of the heath, or Ericaceae, family and bears foliage round the year. Apart from wintergreen it is also known as Aromatic wintergreen, box berry, Canada tea, checkerberry, deer berry, ground berry, mountain tea, partridge berry, spice berry, teaberry, wax cluster, eastern teaberry and checkerberry. Though the term “wintergreen” applies to any plant that remains green throughout the year, the “Wintergreen plant” is a title that refers to…
Author: Sylvia
Sesamum indicum commonly known as Beniseed, Benniseed, Benneseed, Sesame, Til, Gingelly, Goma, Gergelim, Ajonjolí, Gimgelim, Simsim, Wangila, Ufuta, Sesam, Zhi ma, Hu ma, Chamkkae, Benne, Beni, Benne seed, Sesame seed, Sim sim, Abongra, Zhi ma, Hu ma, Sesamzaad, Goma, Sesamo, Shiro goma and Sesam, is an erect and annual plant native to Africa and India. When the plant reaches at maturity the stems and leaves turns to red from green and yellow. Though the flowers are self-pollinated, insects do the crosspollination which is common. Each plant delivers about 15 to 20 fruits that consist of 70 to 100 seeds. Due…
Ferula assafoetida, popularly known as asafoetida, is dried latex (gum oleoresin) exuded from the rhizome or tap root of several species of Ferula. Asafoetida gets its name from the Latin word foetid, which means stinking. It is a perennial herb and is also known as devil’s dung, giant fennel, stinking gum, or hing. True to these names, asafetida has a strong pungent smell, but adds a delicate flavor to dishes when cooked with other spices. All parts of the plant have the distinctive fetid smell. It is native to central Asia, eastern Iran to Afghanistan. The plant grows to…
Salak scientifically called Salacca zalacca is a fruit native to south Sumatra and southwest Java as well as other parts of the world and belongs to the Arecaceae family. It is cultivated in other regions as a food crop, and reportedly naturalized in Bali, Lombok, Timor, Malaysia, Maluku and Sulawesi. The fruits grow in clusters at the base of the palm, and are also known as snake fruit due to the reddish-brown scaly skin but the inside is sweeter than honey, sour like a pineapple and incredibly juicy. Its flesh is slightly acidic, giving your tongue a citrus like tingle.…
Flowering tree Crateva religiosa, is called the sacred garlic pear and temple plant, and many other names include Balai Lamok, abiyuch, barna, varuna, bidasi, Garlic pear tree, Caper tree, Three-leaf caper, and Obtuse Leaf Crateva. The name Crataeva is given in the honor of Crataevus, a Greek botanist, who was living in the time of Hippocrates and the name religiosa indicates its growth near the places of worship. It is a member of the capers family. The tree is occasionally called the spider tree because the showy flowers bear long, spidery stamens. It is native to Japan, Australia, much of…
White pears are a medium-sized fruit, known scientifically as Pyrus bretschneideri. Apart from white pear it is also known as Chinese White Pear, Crisp Chinese Pear, Duck Pear, White Pear, Ya Pear, Ya Li Pear. White pear is an interspecific hybrid species of pear native to northern and northwestern China, where it is widely grown for its edible fruit. They are most often eaten raw or canned, and can also be dried or processed into juice or alcoholic beverages like cider and perry. Various recipes include white pears as one of their main ingredients. This includes salads, cakes and sweets.…
Juicy, acidic, yet flavorful, lemon is one of the most widely used citrus fruits worldwide. Scientifically known as Citrus Limon, lemons are considered to have originated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Assam (India) and northern Burma to China from where they spread all across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and as far as Americas. Botanically, this citrus fruit belongs to the family of Rutaceae, in the genus, Citrus which also includes orange, pomelo, tangerine, bergamots, citrons and grapefruit. Apart from lemon, it is also known as Canton Lemon, Chinese Lemon, and Lemon. Lime, a close relative, is comparatively smaller…
Aronia melanocarpa, commonly called Chokeberry, Aronia Berry, Black chokeberry, Apfelbeer, Svartaronia, Kahle Apfelbeere is native to Eastern North America. These are the perennial flowering plants with black, purple or red glossy berries from the family Rosaceae. The plant thrives best in well drained soils. Plant Chokeberry plant is a woody shrub growing to 4-8 feet tall. The glossy leaves are alternate, elliptic-obovate, dark green; 1-3 inches long and ¾-2 inches wide. The flower occurs from July to August. The hermaphrodite flowers are showy, white which have five petals. The fruits are about 1/3-1/2 inch in diameter of pea sized. Each…
Cocos nucifera commonly known as coconut belongs to the large Palmaceae family of palm trees and is native to coastal areas of Southeast Asia. It is commonly believed that the name “coconut” was given by Portuguese sailors in the 16th century because the three holes on the coconut looked like a human face. “Coco” means “laughing face,” or “grimace.” The English word “nut” was only added later on. The coconut is not a nut at all, but a stone fruit. Coco palm grows well under tropical climates. The palm requires moist, sandy, well-drained soil and flourishes well all along the…
Guava scientifically known as Psidium guajava is one of the nutritious tropical fruit rich in high-profile nutrients. Botanically, this wonderful fruit belongs within the family of Myrtaceae, in the genus: Psidium. Exact origin of guava is unknown. Researchers believe that it originates from Central America and Mexico. If pineapple is known as the “king” of fruits, guava is considered the queen. Apart from guava it is also known as Apple Guava, Guava, Pear Guava, Round Guava and Tropical Guava. With its unique flavor, taste, and health-promoting qualities, the fruit easily fits into the category of new functional foods, often labeled…
Bell pepper, also known as sweet pepper, is one of the most commonly used chili peppers in the Capsicum annuum family and is native to Mexico and northern Latin America. These are scientifically known as Capsicum annuum and belong to the category of nightshade (solanaceae) family of plants comprising of cayenne pepper, chili pepper, potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. Bell peppers are fruit pods on the capsicum plant grown for their subtle hotness yet sweet, delicate peppery flavor they extend to the recipes. Botanically, it is a small perennial shrub in the nightshade or Solanaceae family, in the genus, capsicum. Apart from bell…
Grapefruit is the fruit of the citrus species Citrus × paradise in the family Rutaceae. Grapefruit is a hybrid of pummelo (Citrus maxima) and orange (Citrus sinensis). Common names of Grapefruit: Common Grapefruit, Pomelo, Grapefruit, Paradisapfel, yuan you, Toronja, pink grapefruit and grapefruit peel. It is the fruit of citrus tree which is well known for its sweet to sour fruit. In the late 19th century, this fruit was widely known and was cultivated as an ornamental plant. United States was considered as the primary producer of Grapefruit with fruit farm in Texas, Florida, California and Arizona. In 18th century,…
Cucumis melo also known as Honeydew melons are a member of the curbitaceae family and are a relative of cucumbers and squash. It is considered to have originated in Africa. Honeydew melon is present in Egyptian hieroglyphics dating as far back as 2,400 B.C.E., and was a prized as a food. Later cultivated by the Romans, honeydew was introduced to Europe during the rise of the Roman Empire. They did not gain popularity, however, until becoming a trend in the French royal court during the 15th century. Columbus carried honeydew melon seeds with him to America, as did Spanish…
Durian fruit scientifically called as Durio zibethinus is also known as king of fruits. It is an exotic fruit which is native to Southeast Asia. Besides Malaysia it is also found growing in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Southern Philippines, Vietnam, New Guinea, India, and other Asian countries. Today, Thailand exports more Durian than any other country. Durian has been savored in Southeastern Asia since prehistoric times, however, they have been known to the Western part of the globe for only the past 600 years. Durian is a part of the Bombacaceae family in the genus, Durio, a large family of plant…
Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage) is a perennial plant that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. The flowers are usually ruby red, hermaphrodite and 2.5-5 cm long. It grows upto 1-1.5 m in height. The leaves are opposite, simple, pale green, elliptic, grey-green and 5-10 cm long. The stems are pubescent and squarish. The seeds are small, football shaped and dark colored. This plant prefers mild climate with fertile, moist and well-drained soil. Pineapple sage is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It reside Madrean and Mesoamerican pine oak forest between 6,000 and 9,000 ft. (1,800 and 2,700 m). Other common names…
Pangium edule also known as Rowal fruit is a tall tree in the Flacourtiaceae family and is native to Malesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. Apart from Rowal fruit it is also known as pangi, pakem, sis, riamel, kepayang football fruit and Sis Nut. In Indonesia, it is used to make a number of distinctive dishes. Apart from that it is also called Pucung in Indonesia, Rumrum in Papua New Guinea, Rawahn Falaka in Solomon Islands and Peyang in Malaysia. Plant Rowal fruit is actually a medium to large; much branched, evergreen perennial tree sized 18–40 m tall. The tree prefers little…
Millet with scientific name Panicum miliaceum, a member of the family Poaceae, is a grass species grown in warm climates globally. Panicum miliaceum is an annual plant which has shallow, fibrous and flat root. The hermaphrodite flower blooms in late summer or early fall. Proso millet is used to make soups, salads and breads. They are added to the vegetable stews or meat. This millet also treats sores, abscesses and skin eruptions. Proso millet is native to Asia. Other names for the species include Proso millet, broomtail millet, common millet, red millet, hog millet, white millet, broomcorn millet, wild millet,…
Lychee (taxonomic name: Litchi chinensis) is a medium sized tree in the family Sapindaceae. The name refers to the edible fruit which is produced by this tree. Lychee is native to Southern China. It is closely related to several other edible tropical fruits such as longan, mamoncillo and rambutan. Litchi chinensis is also commonly called Chinese Cherry, Lichee, Leechee, Litchi, Mountain Lychee, Lychee and Water Lychee. It is known as Litchi in Italian; Litschibaum in German; Litsi in Greek and Reishi in Japanese languages. Lychee is also called Chinese strawberry because it is originated from China and also looks like…
Hibiscus sabdariffa, or Roselle, is a shrub belonging to the Malvaceae family. In Iran, it is typically known as sour tea. In English-speaking countries it is called Red Sorrel. Originally from Africa and now widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions of the world particularly in India and Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated in Africa, Asia, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific as a home garden crop. Apart from that it is a major crop of export in Sudan especially in western part where it occupies second place area wise after Pearl millet. It is actually a tropical annual…
Noni Fruit (Morinda citrifolia) colloquially known simply as Awl Tree, Brimstone Tree, Beach Mulberry, Canary Wood, East Indian Mulberry, Cheese Fruit, Grand Morinda, Forbidden Fruit and Hog Apple. It is a glabrous shrub/small tree believed to be native to the Southeast Asia and Tropical Northern Australia. Noni fruit belongs to the Rubiaceae family and genus Morinda L. The tree grows from 3-10 m tall. The fruit of Noni has distinctive taste and pungent flavor. Each fruit possess black and albuminous seeds. The fruit is green when young that turns to yellowish green when ripened. The plant is suitable to warm,…
Clausena lansium is a plant species in the family Rutaceae, native to Southern China: Fujian, Guangxi, Guangdong, South Guizhou, Sichuan, Hainan, South East Yunnan and North or Central Vietnam. The fruit was introduced to Southeast Asia such as Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. It is rarely cultivated in India, Australia, Sri Lanka, United States and Central America. Common names in English include Fool’s Curry Leaf, Wampi, Wampee, huang pi and Chinese clausena. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree which is cultivated as an ornamental plant and for its edible fruits. The fruits are pale yellow…
Custard apple tree, or Annona squamosa, is a deciduous fruit tree in the Annona family and is native to the West Indies and was brought to Central America and southern Mexico. It grows regularly in the Bahamas and southern Florida. It was also introduced into tropical Africa in the 17th century. It has many names, depending on the region; it is referred to in the United States as the sugar tree. The fruit is popular for its sweet and slightly tangy, creamy textured flesh. It is also known as bullock’s heart in the English speaking countries. Apart from that Custard…
Raspberries, also called European Raspberry, Nectar Raspberry, European Red Raspberry, Raspberry, Red Raspberry and Raspberry Bush, are an edible fruit which is produced by the many species in the Rubus genus in the Rose family Rosaceae. They are the perennial flowering plants with red colored berries. The fruits are sold as Raspberries and are native to Europe and Northern Asia, Russia and Central Asia. The common varieties of Raspberries are: Boyne, Reveille, Newburgh, Kilarney and Latham. The plant has reddish to brown, terete, sparsely tomentose and prickled branchlets. Each flower possesses five white and glabrous petals. The leaves are ovate…
Quince scientifically known as Cydonia oblonga is actually the sole member of the genus Cydonia in the family Rosaceae which also contains apples and pears, among other fruits. It is a perennial shrub or small tree and is native to western Asia. Quinces are very adaptable, low maintenance and cold hardy trees and rarely require fertilizer. These trees prefer heavy, wet soils. Regular deep watering during the hot summer months is helpful to fruit production. Since quince is in the rose family they are susceptible to some diseases. However, good care of your tree can help prevent problems. Apple-shaped Quince,…
An intriguing and highly appealing member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, the naranjilla, Solanum quitoense Lam. (syn. S. angulatum Lam.) is bright-orange fruit native to Andean countries of Columbia and Ecuador. Lulo is the accepted name in Colombia but in Panama and Ecuador this delicious, tangy fruit is called naranjilla. Lulo, Naranjilla, Quito-Orange, obando, cocona, or nuqui are few of the common names of naranjilla fruit. It looks like an orange on the outside and a tomato on the inside, the flavor is often described as more like pineapple, kiwi, lime, or rhubarb. Since it belongs to the nightshade family,…
Breadfruit is one of rare fruits which are consumed as a vegetable than as a fruit. Breadfruit is grown all through the tropics and this fruit belongs to the family of “Moraceae” and Genus of “Artocarpus”. It is closely related to the other tropical fruits like jackfruit, breadnut, figs, and mulberries. Texture and smell of breadfruit when cooked, is suggestive of bread, hence the fruit’s common name. The scientific or Latin name of breadfruit is derived from Greek (artos = bread, karpos = fruit), and altilis means ‘fat’. Breadfruit is native to a vast area extending from the Indo-Malayan…
The Loquat, botanically known as Eriobotrya japonica, is also commonly known as the Japanese plum. Loquats are a member of the Rosaceae family, also known as the rose family, along with apples, strawberries and pears and in Eriobotrya genus. Loquat is known to be indigenous to China. However, it has been grown in Japan and India since ancient times and is also found in Indochina, the Mediterranean region, and to some extent, the New World subtropics. Being a member of Rosaceae family of fruits, loquats have similar taste and flavor as that of apples; tart, and sweet with pleasant…
Nance fruit is a slow growing tree native to the Tropical America. It is primarily cultivated in Peru, Southern Mexico, Pacific side of Central America, Guadeloupe, Barbados, Brazil, St. Martin, Cuba, Haiti, Trinidad, Curacao, Isle of Pines, Puerto Rico, Dominica and The Dominican Republic. It belongs to the acerola family of Malpighiaceae. It is suitable to the tropical and subtropical climates. The tree bears yellow to dull orange or red flowers during spring to fall and fruits on August and September. The white and juicy flesh of yellow fruit has pungent and distinct flavor. Cao cimun, Golden-spoon, Craboo, Maurissi, Maricao…
Ficus carica is an Asian species of flowering plants in the mulberry family, known as the common fig (or just the fig). It is the source of the fruit also called the fig, and is an important crop in those areas where it is cultivated commercially. Native to the Middle East and western Asia, it has been sought out and cultivated since ancient times, and is now extensively grown throughout the world, both for its fruit and as an ornamental plant. The species has become naturalized in scattered locations in Asia and North America. Fig, Common Fig, Cultivated Fig, Edible…
Also called the sea berry, sand thorn, and sallow thorn, sea buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides) is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and Asia. It is a rare species of fruit in the family Elaeagnaceae and Hippophae genus. It is a unique and appreciated multipurpose species presently being cultivated in various parts of the world, including Canada. According to Greek legend, war torn horses were set free to die a natural death. Soldiers were surprised when the horses returned from sea buckthorn forests full of health and strength with radiant, shiny fur. For this reason they named it Hippophae Rhamnoides, “tree…