Monday

Tropical Sea Grape

The Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera), native to the sandy seashores of tropical America, usually forms a low shrub or small tree. The stiff, roundish leaves may measure 8 by 7 inches (20 by 17.5 cm) and have prominent veins. 
The attractive appearance of the leaves on the flexuous branches and the resistance of the plant to damage by salt make it valuable as an ornamental for ocean-side homes. 


Small white flowers are produced on slender, hanging racemes 4 to 10 inches long (10 to 25 cm). As many as 40 or 50 fruits may be found on a single cluster, giving the appearance of a bunch of grapes.

The velvety fruits are round to pear-shaped, about 3/4 of an inch long (2 cm), and range from dark purple, to purple, to occasionally off white. The edible pulp surrounds a globular seed with a short sharp point on the top. The pulp is sweetish-acid in flavor and is eaten out of hand or is used to make an excellent jelly.


The sea grape can be readily propagated by seeds and by cuttings of ripe wood. Excellent Houseplant and Bonsai material.


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Gourmet Melon Pear Pepino Dulce

If you can grow tomatoes, you can grow pepinos. The Pepino, also called the Melon Pear,is a rare and delicious fruit you're not likely to find in markets.

It's neither a melon nor a pear, but is related to tomatoes and eggplant. Pepino is a leafy, small bush or shrub with beautiful purple and white flowers, easy to grow in any zone free of frost. Perfect for patio containers and hanging baskets. 

 Pepino or Poire-melon is a species of evergreen shrub native to South America and grown for its sweet edible fruit. Put them in a salad or eat them for dessert.

The fruit is common in markets in Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru and Chile, but less often overseas because it is quite sensitive to handling and does not travel well.

The fruit has been introduced into up-scale markets in Japan, Europe and North America and it is slowly becoming less obscure outside of South America. Moreover, in the United States the fruit is known to have been grown in San Diego before 1889 and in Santa Barbara by 1897.

Ideal for growing in the greenhouse or a sheltered sunny spot outdoors in a container, as the plants need warmth to flower and fruit successfully.

Seeds available here

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Orange Jewelweed Spooted Impatiens

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is a hardy annual wildflower that grows in moist or wet area, often by lakes or streams. 

The tubular flowers are orange or yellow-orange speckled with red, the leaves are deep green. 

The long seed pods that appear after flowering will explode when touched, scattering the seeds. Plant in full sun to full shade in moist or wet humus rich soil. 

It will not grow well in dry soil. Seeds may be planted in spring or fall. Grows quickly. Self sows. Grows to a height of 1-5ft and will spread to 18 - 24 inches.
 

Jewelweed is often used in aiding the discomfort of poison ivy and insect bites. The juice present in the stems and leaves will alleviate the itching and rash of poison ivy in some people. 
Fresh leaves and stems may be crushed and applied to the area. The leaves and stems can also be simmered in a small amount of water and frozen for use at a later time.

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