Shallon, Gaultheria shallon

Gaultheria shallon commonly called salal, shallon, or gaultheria)

🌱 Overview

Gaultheria shallon is an evergreen shrub in the heath family (Ericaceae), native to the west coast of North America, from Alaska down to California. It thrives in coastal forests, understories, and moist woodland habitats.

🌿 Plant Description

Growth habit: Dense, spreading shrub, often forming thickets; usually 0.2–2 m (8 in–6 ft) tall but can climb higher if supported.

Leaves: Thick, leathery, shiny, evergreen, oval-shaped with serrated edges. They are dark green and can persist for years.

Flowers: Small, urn-shaped, pink-to-white flowers in clusters, blooming in late spring to early summer.

Fruits: Dark blue to nearly black berries (technically capsules covered by a fleshy calyx), about 1 cm wide, ripening in late summer to fall.

🍇 Uses

Edible:

Berries are edible, mildly sweet but mealy, often used by Indigenous peoples fresh, dried, or mixed with other foods.

Leaves were used for lining berry baskets and for wrapping food (like a natural preservative).
Medicinal:

Traditional uses include leaf infusions for stomach disorders, sore throats, and as a mild

analgesic.
Other:

Widely used in the floral industry for its long-lasting, glossy evergreen foliage.

🌎 Ecological Role

Provides food for wildlife, including bears, birds, and small mammals.

Spreads via rhizomes, stabilizing soil and forming ground cover in forest understories.

Thrives in acidic soils, often under conifers.

🌱 Cultivation & Care

Light: Prefers partial to full shade, though it tolerates sun in cooler climates.

Soil: Acidic, well-drained, humus-rich soils.

Water: Moderate moisture; drought tolerant once established.

Propagation: By seeds (slow) or more commonly by division/rhizomes.

Landscape use: Excellent as an ornamental ground cover, especially in shaded gardens or naturalized woodland plantings.

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.

True indigo, Indigofera tinctoria

Indigofera tinctoria — commonly known as true indigo — is a tropical leguminous shrub historically famous for producing natural indigo dye.

🌿 Overview

Family: Fabaceae (pea family)

Native range: Likely tropical Asia, but cultivated in India, Africa, and other warm regions for thousands of years.

Growth habit: Perennial shrub, 1–2 m (3–6 ft) tall, with woody stems at the base and soft new growth at the tips.

Leaves: Pinnate with 4–7 pairs of oblong leaflets; green to grey-green.

Flowers: Small, pink to violet, in short clusters.

Fruit: Narrow cylindrical pods containing several seeds.

🧵 Historical & Cultural Importance

Primary use: Source of natural indigo dye, which was the main blue textile dye for centuries before synthetic indigo appeared in the late 19th century.

Ancient cultivation: Documented in India more than 4,000 years ago; traded via the Silk Road and maritime routes.

Economic impact: The "Indigo trade" influenced colonial agriculture in India, Africa, and the Americas.

🎨 Dye Production

Dye source: Leaves contain indican, a glycoside that, when fermented and oxidized, produces deep blue indigo pigment.
Traditional method:

Harvest leaves.

Soak and ferment in water.

Aerate to oxidize the liquid to blue pigment.

Collect, dry, and press the pigment into cakes.

🌱 Cultivation Notes

Climate: Tropical to warm subtropical; frost-sensitive.

Soil: Prefers well-drained loam, tolerates poor soils due to nitrogen-fixing roots.

Sun: Full sun for optimal growth.

Propagation: Seeds (pre-soak for better germination) or cuttings.

Maintenance: Prune after harvest to encourage bushy growth.

⚠️ Other Uses & Caution

Medicinal (traditional): Used in Ayurveda for ailments like fever, liver disorders, and infections (research ongoing).

Caution: Some Indigofera species contain toxic compounds for grazing animals—avoid feeding to livestock without confirmation of safety.

Black Nightshade, Solanum nigrum

Solanum nigrum, commonly known as Black Nightshade, is a species of flowering plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is found worldwide, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In many African regions, it's cultivated and consumed as a traditional leafy vegetable and medicinal plant.

🌿 Quick Facts about Solanum nigrum

Feature Description

Common Names Black nightshade, managu (Kenya), mnavu (Tanzania), nsugu (Uganda)

Plant Type Annual or short-lived perennial herb

Height 30–120 cm (1–4 feet)

Leaves Ovate, soft, dark green, mildly bitter

Flowers Small, white, star-shaped

Fruits Green turning black when ripe, berry-like

Origin Native to Eurasia but now widespread globally

🍽️ Uses

Culinary (Mainly in Africa & Asia)

Leaves are edible once cooked (boiled or sautéed).

Often cooked with tomatoes, onions, or groundnuts.

Young shoots and tender leaves are preferred.
Medicinal (Traditional)

Used to treat stomachaches, fevers, and skin ailments.

In some regions, used to manage high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammation.

⚠️ Toxicity

Leaves are slightly toxic (alkaloids) but safe when cooked

Unripe fruits are toxic and not recommended to eat

Ripe fruits sometimes eaten in small quantities (check local practices),Varies by variety

Contains solanine and related alkaloids.

Cooking significantly reduces toxicity.

Bitter taste often indicates higher alkaloid content.

🌾 How to Grow

Climate: Warm, frost-free

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Propagation: By seed (easy to germinate)

Maintenance: Regular watering, full sun to partial shade

Harvest: 30–60 days after planting; young leaves are best

🧪 Nutritional Value (per 100g cooked leaves)

Calories ~40 kcal

Protein ~4 g

Vitamin A High

Iron Moderate-High

Calcium Moderate

Fiber Good source

Watermelon Peperomia, Peperomia argyreia

Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) is a charming, compact houseplant known for its striking foliage. The leaves resemble the pattern of a watermelon rind — dark green with silvery stripes — hence the name.

🌿 Quick Overview

Common Name: Watermelon Peperomia

Botanical Name: Peperomia argyreia

Family: Piperaceae

Native Range: South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela)

Type: Tropical perennial, grown as a houseplant

🪴 Care Guide

✅ Light

Prefers bright, indirect light

Avoid direct sunlight — it can scorch the leaves

Can tolerate lower light, but growth may slow and colors may fade

💧 Water

Let the top inch of soil dry before watering

Water thoroughly, but do not let it sit in soggy soil

Overwatering is the most common issue

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

Ideal range: 65–80°F (18–27°C)

Keep away from cold drafts or heaters

Enjoys moderate to high humidity, but tolerates average indoor levels

🌱 Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix (e.g., peat-based mix with perlite or orchid bark)

Avoid dense or moisture-retentive soils

🌸 Fertilizer

Feed monthly during the growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. An organic fertilizer would be great also.

🧽 Maintenance

Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust

Pinch back leggy growth to maintain bushy shape

Repot every 2–3 years, or when rootbound

🚫 Common Problems

Problem Cause:

Yellow leaves--Overwatering

Leaf drop--Sudden temp changes or poor light

Wilting--Underwatering or root rot

Faded stripes--Low light

🐾 Is It Pet-Safe?

Yes! Watermelon Peperomia is non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA approved).

Chinese Aconite, Aconitum carmichaelii

ATTENTION: READ SAFETY INFO CAREFULLY FOR THIS PLANT!

Aconitum carmichaelii! 🌿 This plant is quite the beauty, but also a bit of a drama queen in the garden — stunning, but very toxic, so definitely one to admire with caution!
Here’s a quick snapshot:

🌸 Common Names:

Monkshood

Chinese Aconite

Carmichael’s Monkshood

🧬 Family:

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)

🌿 Appearance:

Tall (often 3–4 feet)

Deep green, deeply lobed leaves

Gorgeous spires of deep purplish-blue, helmet-shaped flowers — hence the name "monkshood"

Blooms in late summer to early fall

🌞 Growing Conditions:

Light: Prefers partial shade but can handle full sun if kept moist

Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with consistent moisture

Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 3–8

☠️ Toxicity Alert:

All parts are very poisonous, especially the roots and tubers

Avoid skin contact with sap, and never ingest

Wear gloves when handling it — seriously, it’s not a plant to mess around with

🌱 Garden Uses:

Great for back-of-border plantings due to its height

Pairs beautifully with fall bloomers like asters or anemones

Great call asking about safety — with Aconitum carmichaelii, that’s super important. 💀

🚨 Why It’s Dangerous:

All parts of the plant contain alkaloids (like aconitine), which are highly toxic even in small amounts. This includes:

Leaves

Stems

Flowers

Roots (the most toxic part)

It can cause serious symptoms if touched or ingested:

Skin contact: Tingling, numbness, and irritation

Ingestion: Nausea, vomiting, heart irregularities, and can be fatal

Pets & kids: Very dangerous — they don’t need to ingest much to get really sick

🧤 Safety Tips:

Wear gloves and long sleeves when planting or pruning it

Wash your hands (and tools!) thoroughly afterward

Don’t plant it where small kids or pets play or explore

Label it clearly if you're planting in a shared or community garden

Never compost or burn its trimmings — toss them in the garbage

Albany banksia, Banksia verticillata

Albany banksia refers to Banksia verticillate, a prostrate shrub native to Western Australia. Here's an overview of this unique species:

🌿 Albany banksia (verticillate) Overview

Family: Proteaceae

Genus: Banksia

Common Name: Albany banksia

Habitat: Endemic to southwestern Australia, especially granite outcrops and sandy or lateritic soils.

🌱 Key Characteristics

Growth Form: Low-growing, spreading shrub (prostrate); it typically hugs the ground.

Height/Spread: Usually under 0.5 m tall but spreads 1–2 m wide.

Leaves: Large, silver-grey, oblong leaves with a long petiole (leaf stalk), which gives the species its name (petiolaris).
Flowers:

Bright yellow cylindrical flower spikes.

Bloom mostly in spring and early summer.

Attractive to birds and pollinators.

Fruits: Woody cones with follicles containing seeds; typical of Banksia species.

🌍 Habitat and Ecology

Soil Preference: Well-drained sandy or gravelly soils.

Sunlight: Full sun; does best in open, exposed locations.

Fire Adaptation: Regenerates by seed after fire; does not form a lignotuber (unlike some banksias).

🌺 Gardening & Use

Ornamental Use: Ground cover in native gardens or for erosion control on slopes.

Maintenance: Drought-tolerant once established; minimal watering needed.

Attracts: Birds, bees, and other native pollinators.

Cat's ear, Hypochaeris radicata

Hypochaeris radicata, commonly known as cat's ear, flatweed, or false dandelion, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe but now widespread in many parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Here's an overview:

🌿 General Description

Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)

Common Names: Cat's ear, flatweed, false dandelion

Growth Habit: Low-growing rosette; dandelion-like in appearance

Height: Flower stalks up to 60 cm (2 ft) tall

Leaves: Hairy, toothed or lobed, and form a basal rosette

Flowers: Bright yellow, daisy-like, solitary on leafless stalks

Root: Deep, thick taproot

🌼 Flowering & Reproduction

Bloom Time: Late spring through fall

Pollination: Attracts bees and other pollinators

Seeds: Wind-dispersed with parachute-like structures, similar to dandelions

🌎 Habitat & Distribution

Found in lawns, roadsides, pastures, and disturbed sites

Tolerates poor soils and drought conditions

Considered invasive or weedy in some regions

🌱 Ecological & Practical Notes

Sometimes eaten by foragers: leaves and roots are edible, similar to dandelion

Can be confused with true dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), but has branched flower stalks and hairier leaves

Known to accumulate calcium and potassium in soils

Livestock Warning: May contribute to "stringhalt" (a neurological disorder) in horses when heavily grazed

Here’s a side-by-side comparison between Hypochaeris radicata (cat's ear) and Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion):

Plant: Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris radicata)
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: Cat’s ear, flatweed, false dandelion
Leaves: Hairy, lobed or toothed, often with bristles
Growth Form: Basal rosette, low-growing
Flower Stalks: Multiple branched stalks per plant
Flower: Yellow, similar to dandelion, smaller
Number of Flowers: Often multiple flowers per stalk
Root Type: Deep taproot
Seed Head: Puffy with parachute seeds (like dandelion)
Edibility: Edible leaves and roots
Toxicity to Livestock: May cause stringhalt in horses

Plant: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: Dandelion
Leaves: Smooth or slightly hairy, deeply lobed
Growth Form: Basal rosette, low-growing
Flower Stalks: Single unbranched stalk per flower
Flowers: Yellow, larger, unbranched flower
Number of Flowers: One flower per stalk
Root Type: Deep taproot
Seed Head: Puffy with parachute seeds
Edibility: Edible leaves, flowers, and roots
Toxicity to Livestock: Generally safe

🔍 Key Differences:

Leaves: Cat's ear leaves are hairy and may feel rough to the touch; dandelion leaves are smoother.

Flower Stems: Cat’s ear has branching stalks, each with several flowers. Dandelions have a single flower per stem.

Surface Texture: Cat's ear is sometimes called “cat’s ear” because of the fuzzy leaf texture.

Pili nuts, Canarium ovatum

Pili nuts are the edible seeds of the pili tree (Canarium ovatum), a tropical tree native to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia. Here's an overview of this unique and nutritious nut:

🌰 Basic Facts

Scientific name: Canarium ovatum

Family: Burseraceae (frankincense family)

Native range: Philippines (especially Bicol Region), also grown in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Malaysia

Tree height: 10–20 meters (33–66 feet)

Nut size: 2–3 inches long, hard shell with a pointed end

🥜 Edible Nut

Raw kernel: Soft, chewy, and bland

Roasted kernel: Rich, buttery, and similar to macadamia nuts or pine nuts

Shell: Very hard and woody; requires specialized cracking tools

To read please click on image to get larger and better information.

🧪 Nutritional Highlights (per 100g)

High fat content: ~70% (mostly monounsaturated fats)

Protein: ~11g

Low carbs: ~4g

Rich in: Magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin E, thiamin

Keto-friendly and paleo-friendly

🍽️ Culinary Uses

Eaten roasted or raw (after blanching)
Added to:

Granola

Smoothies

Baked goods

Vegan cheeses

Turned into pili nut butter

Traditional Filipino sweets like mazapan de pili

🌳 Growing the Pili Tree

Climate: Tropical; frost-intolerant

Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral

Propagation: Seeds or grafting

Fruiting time: 5–6 years after planting

Harvest season: May to October

📦 Interesting Facts

Pili nuts oxidize quickly, so they're often vacuum-packed or frozen for freshness.

The tree is also valued for resin, timber, and ornamental planting.

The outer pulp (normally discarded) is edible and can be cooked or pickled.