Manilkara zapota is native to Mexico and Central America but grows quite well in South Florida. The white latex sap of this tree was once a source for chiclets chewing gum. Today the tree is grown for the sweet brown fruits and also as a shade tree. Richard Lyons Nursery currently has ripe fruit on…
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Ziziphus jujuba is a fruit tree in the Rhamnaceae or Buckthorn Family, that grows very well in S. Florida. Its origin is southern Asia and has been cultivated in China for 4000 years where there are 400 known varieties. It can attain a height of 20′ and 12′ wide with shiny green foliage and bears a small oval fruit in…
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Eugenia reinwardtiana is native to Australia and like most species in the genus Eugenia produces edible fruit. It grows very well in South Florida as a shrub of maybe 3-6′ tall. it has tiny white flowers followed by small orange-red fruits when ripe. The fruits have a single seed and a very sweet soft flesh.…
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Myrciaria cauliflora like all trees in the Myrtle Family (Myrtaceae), its bark peels revealing a smooth mottled trunk. This is very attractive, and with small leaves that emerge papery red before hardening off to light green, this tree is ideal for tropical bonsai. However, most people grow this Brazilian native for its sweet grape like…
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Longan fruit is currently in season and available at Richard Lyons Nursery. Longan (Dimocarpus longan) is in the same family, Sapindaceae, as its better known relative, the Lychee Tree. Unlike the Lychee Tree, Longan is a more reliable fruit bearing tree as it does not require the cool night temperatures in winter as the Lychee…
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