Malabar Tamarind, Garcinia gummi-gutta

Garcinia gummi-gutta (commonly known as Malabar tamarind, brindleberry, or sometimes Kudampuli) is a small tropical fruit-bearing tree in the family Clusiaceae, native to India and Southeast Asia.

Botanical Overview

Scientific name: Garcinia gummi-gutta

Family: Clusiaceae

Common names: Malabar tamarind, brindleberry, kudampuli, goraka

Type: Evergreen tree

Height: Typically 5–20 meters tall

Leaves: Dark green, glossy, elliptic to oblong, 5–15 cm long

Flowers: Small, reddish, unisexual or bisexual

Fruit: A small pumpkin-shaped berry, yellow to greenish when ripe, about the size of a small orange

Uses

Culinary:

The dried rind is widely used as a sour flavoring in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine, similar to tamarind.

In Kerala, it is called kudampuli and added to fish curries for a tangy flavor.
Traditional Medicine:

Used in Ayurveda for digestion and as a traditional remedy for intestinal complaints.

Modern Popularity:

The rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which has been marketed in weight-loss supplements. However, scientific evidence for its effectiveness is inconclusive, and safety concerns exist with some extracts.

Growing Conditions

Climate: Tropical and subtropical regions

Soil: Well-draining, rich soil

Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun

Propagation: Commonly by seeds

Common Pawpaw, Asimina triloba

The common pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a small deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It belongs to the custard apple family (Annonaceae)—making it a relative of tropical fruits like cherimoya and soursop, though it is unusual for being the only temperate member of that family.

Key Features

Size: Typically 12–25 feet tall, often forming thickets by root suckering.

Leaves: Large, simple, and drooping, up to 12 inches long; turn yellow in fall.

Flowers: Maroon to reddish-purple, about 1–2 inches wide, blooming in spring before the leaves fully expand.

Fruit: A greenish-yellow berry (2–6 inches long) that ripens to soft yellow-brown. The flesh is creamy and sweet, with a flavor often compared to banana, mango, or custard. Each fruit contains several large brown seeds.

Bark: Smooth when young, becoming slightly fissured with age.

Habitat & Range

Grows in rich, moist, well-drained soils, often found in floodplains, bottomlands, and along streams.

Native from the Great Lakes and Midwest down to the Gulf Coastal Plain, and from the Atlantic east to eastern Kansas and Texas.

Ecological & Cultural Notes

Pollination: Flowers are pollinated by beetles and flies, not bees. Hand-pollination is often used in cultivation for better fruit set.

Wildlife: Fruits are eaten by raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and birds.

Human Use: Fruits are edible and were traditionally eaten by Indigenous peoples. Today they’re sometimes used in desserts, ice creams, and brewing.

Symbolism: Pawpaw is the state fruit of Ohio and has a cultural presence in Appalachian folk songs (“Way Down Yonder in the Pawpaw Patch”).

Paracress, Acmella oleracea

Paracress (Acmella oleracea) is a fast-growing, frost-tender herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae), known for its unusual “electric” tingling sensation when eaten.

🌱 Overview

Common names: Paracress, toothache plant, electric daisy, buzz buttons, Szechuan buttons

Native range: Likely South America (especially Brazil and Peru), now grown worldwide in warm climates

Plant type: Annual or short-lived perennial herb

Height: Usually 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall

Growth habit: Low-spreading with bright green leaves and small, button-like yellow flowers

🌼 Appearance

Leaves: Soft, bright green, oval with slightly toothed edges

Flowers: Distinctive yellow conical “buttons,” sometimes with reddish tips; not showy in the traditional sense, but unique

Roots: Fibrous, shallow system

🧪 Key Feature — Tingling Sensation

The flowers and leaves contain spilanthol, a compound that produces:

Tingling and numbing on the tongue

Increased salivation

Mild peppery flavor- This effect makes it popular both for culinary novelty and traditional medicinal uses.

🍴 Culinary Uses

Fresh leaves in salads (sparingly for flavor impact)

Flowers as a garnish or in cocktails for a sensory twist

Infused in oils or vinegars

Used in trendy “electric” cuisine for the mouth-tingling experience

💊 Traditional Uses

Toothache relief: Numbing effect helps dull pain

Digestive stimulant: Increases saliva and appetite

Anti-inflammatory: Used in folk medicine for minor swelling and mouth sores

🌿 Growing Tips

Climate: Warm, frost-free

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Rich, well-draining with regular moisture

Propagation: Direct sow or start indoors; germinates in 1–2 weeks

Harvest: Leaves anytime; flowers when fully open for strongest tingling effect

Moringa, Moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera — often called drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or miracle tree — is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to the Indian subcontinent but now cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions.

🌱 Description

Height: Usually 10–12 m (33–40 ft) tall when mature.

Leaves: Pinnate, bright green, and highly nutritious.

Flowers: Fragrant, small, creamy-white, borne in loose clusters; bloom year-round in warm climates.

Fruit (Pods): Long, slender, ribbed pods — often up to 45 cm (18 in) — eaten as a vegetable (known as drumsticks in South Asian cooking).

Roots: Deep taproot, allowing drought resilience.

🍃 Uses

Nutritional: Leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, potassium, and protein.

Culinary: Leaves eaten fresh, cooked, or powdered; immature pods used in curries; seeds roasted or pressed for oil (ben oil).

Medicinal: Traditionally used for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial purposes.

Other: Seeds can purify water due to natural coagulants.

🌍 Growing Conditions

Climate: Prefers warm, frost-free environments.

Soil: Tolerates poor soils but thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soil.

Sun: Full sun exposure is essential.

Water: Drought tolerant once established but grows faster with regular watering.

Propagation: Easily grown from seeds or cuttings.

Golden alexander,Zizia aurea

Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is a bright, early-blooming perennial wildflower native to much of eastern and central North America.

Key features

Family: Apiaceae (carrot or parsley family)

Height: Typically 1–3 feet (30–90 cm)

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer (April–June in most areas)

Flowers: Clusters of small, bright yellow, 5-petaled flowers arranged in flat-topped umbels, resembling miniature wild parsnip blooms

Leaves: Alternate, divided into toothed leaflets; basal leaves are more rounded while stem leaves are narrower

Habitat: Moist prairies, open woods, meadows, and streambanks

Pollinators: Attracts native bees, flies, wasps, and butterflies; also serves as a host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly caterpillar

Growing tips

Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and loam

Maintenance: Low-care once established; self-seeds lightly

Uses: Excellent in native plant gardens, pollinator patches, and naturalized landscapes

Tea Olive, Osmanthus fragrans

Tea olive is just another common name for Osmanthus fragrans, the same plant also called sweet olive, sweet osmanthus, and fragrant olive.

Here’s a focused snapshot on the tea olive:

Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree (can be trained as a hedge or specimen).

Height/Spread: 10–20 ft tall, 6–10 ft wide in the landscape.

Leaves: Thick, leathery, dark green, opposite on the stem.

Flowers: Tiny but extremely fragrant, white to pale yellow (sometimes orange in certain varieties).

Bloom time: Late summer into fall, and in mild climates it may bloom in spring as well.

Fragrance: Strongly sweet and fruity, often compared to apricots, peaches, or jasmine.

Hardiness: USDA zones 7–10 (can handle brief cold snaps but not prolonged freezing).

Uses:

Ornamental hedges or specimen trees

Fragrant garden focal points near patios or entryways

Flowers used in traditional Chinese osmanthus tea and sweets

False goat's beard, Astilbe chinensis

Astilbe chinensis, commonly known as Chinese astilbe, is a clump-forming perennial prized for its feathery, plume-like flowers and attractive, fern-like foliage. It is a popular choice for shade gardens, woodland gardens, and other moist, shady areas.

Key Characteristics

Appearance: Chinese astilbe features mounds of graceful, deeply lobed, often bronze-tinted leaves. The tiny flowers are densely packed into upright or arching panicles (plumes) that rise above the foliage.

Bloom Time: It typically blooms in mid to late summer, often later than other Astilbe hybrids, which can help extend the flowering season in a garden.

Colors: Flowers typically come in shades of purplish-pink, pink, and sometimes white.

Size: The size can vary significantly depending on the cultivar. Some dwarf varieties grow to less than a foot tall, while others, like the Astilbe chinensis var. davidii, can reach up to 6 feet in height.

Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.

Growing Conditions and Care

Light: Astilbe chinensis prefers part shade to full shade. While it can tolerate more sun than other astilbe species, especially in cooler climates, it's best to protect it from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Soil: This plant thrives in moist, humusy, and organically rich soils. The soil should be well-drained but not allowed to dry out. A summer compost mulch is beneficial to help retain soil moisture.

Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial. Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry spells. The leaves will turn brown and crispy if the plant dries out.

Fertilizing: A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied in the spring when the soil is moist.
Maintenance:

Deadheading: Removing faded flower stalks will not promote new blooms, but it can improve the plant's appearance. Many gardeners choose to leave the dried seed heads for winter interest.

Division: To maintain vigor, divide the clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.
Pruning: Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.

Pests and Diseases

Pests: Astilbe chinensis is generally resistant to deer and rabbits. Potential pests include the Asiatic garden beetle and black vine weevil, which can damage roots and foliage.

Diseases: The plant is relatively trouble-free, but can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spots, particularly in humid conditions. Ensuring good air circulation and watering the base of the plant can help prevent these issues.

Uses in the Garden

Shade Gardens: It is a perfect addition to shade gardens, providing a splash of color where other plants may struggle.

Mass Plantings: Planting in groups creates a spectacular visual effect.

Borders: It works well in border fronts and cottage gardens.

Water Features: Its love for moisture makes it an excellent choice for planting near ponds or streams.

Containers: Compact cultivars can be grown in containers.

Cut Flowers: The plumes make for beautiful fresh-cut or dried flower arrangements.