Tomatillo, Physalis philadelphica

The tomatillo, also known as husk tomato or Mexican green tomato, is a small, round fruit with a papery husk. It is native to Mexico and has a unique tart and slightly sweet flavor.

Here are some key facts about tomatillos:

Appearance: Small, round, green or purple fruit enclosed in a papery husk.
Flavor: Tart and slightly sweet.
Origin: Mexico.
Culinary Uses: Commonly used in salsas, can also be roasted, grilled, or added to stews and soups.
Nutritional Value: Good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

Tomatillos are a versatile ingredient with a rich history and are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.

Other Names:

Tomatillos are also known as husk tomatoes, Mexican green tomatoes, or miltomatos. In Mexico, they are sometimes called tomates verdes.

Overall, tomatillos are a versatile and nutritious fruit with a rich history and cultural significance. They are a delicious and healthy addition to any diet.

Pattypan squash, Cucurbita pepo

Pattypan squash, also known as patty pan or scallop squash, is a variety of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) known for its unique shape and vibrant colors.

Physical Characteristics:

Shape: Pattypan squash is round and shallow with scalloped edges, resembling a flying saucer or a scallop shell.

Size: They typically range from 2 to 5 inches in diameter.

Color: Pattypan squash comes in various colors, including white, yellow, orange, green, and even multicolored varieties.

Texture: Young pattypan squash has tender skin and flesh, while mature ones develop tougher skin but still retain a soft interior.

Nutritional Value:

Pattypan squash is a low-calorie vegetable, providing around 20-30 calories per cup.

It is a good source of vitamins A and C, both of which are important for immune function and skin health.

It also contains magnesium, which is essential for bone health and energy production.

Pattypan squash is low in fat and cholesterol-free.

Culinary Uses:

Cooking Methods: Pattypan squash can be cooked in various ways, including sautéing, grilling, roasting, baking, and steaming.

Flavor: It has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor similar to zucchini but with a firmer texture.

Versatility: Pattypan squash can be used in various dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, and side dishes. It can also be stuffed or used as a decorative edible bowl.

Growing and Harvesting:

Season: Pattypan squash is a warm-season crop, typically grown during the summer months.

Harvesting: It is best harvested when young and tender, usually when the fruits are 2-4 inches in diameter.

Interesting Facts:

The name "pattypan" is believed to have originated from "a pan for baking a patty."

In French, it is called "pâtisson," derived from a Provençal word for a cake made in a scalloped mold.

Pattypan squash is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

By incorporating pattypan squash into your diet, you can enjoy its unique flavor, vibrant colors, and nutritional benefits. Its versatility makes it a welcome addition to a wide range of culinary creations.

Hoya carnosa

Hoya carnosa, also known as the porcelainflower or wax plant, is a popular houseplant native to Eastern Asia and Australia. It is beloved for its waxy foliage, fragrant flowers, and easy care.

Plant Characteristics:

Leaves:Thick, waxy, and typically dark green. Some varieties have variegated or curled leaves.

Flowers:Star-shaped, clustered blooms in various colors, including white, pink, and red. They often have a sweet fragrance.

Growth Habit:A vining plant that can climb or trail. It can be trained to grow on a trellis or allowed to cascade from a hanging basket.

Care Tips:

Light: Bright, indirect light. Some direct morning sun is tolerated.

Water: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Misting or using a pebble tray can help increase humidity levels.

Temperature: Ideal temperature range is 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect from cold drafts.

Soil: Well-draining potting mix. A mix designed for succulents or cacti is suitable.

Fertilizer: Feed with a organic liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.

Additional Information:

Hoyas are epiphytes in their natural habitat, meaning they grow on other plants but are not parasitic.

They can be slow to bloom, sometimes taking a few years to mature enough to produce flowers.

Hoya carnosa is relatively pest and disease resistant.

It is toxic to pets if ingested.

With proper care, Hoya carnosa can thrive indoors and reward you with its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers for many years.

Peruvian groundcherry, Physalis peruviana

Peruvian groundcherry (Physalis peruviana), also known as Cape gooseberry or goldenberry, is a plant species in the nightshade family (Solanaceae).

Here's a comprehensive look at this unique fruit:

Origin and Distribution:

Native to the Andean region of South America, specifically Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.

Now cultivated in various parts of the world, including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and China.

Botanical Description:

Herbaceous perennial in the tropics, often grown as an annual in temperate climates.

Grows as a diffusely branched shrub, reaching 1-1.6 meters in height. Velvety, heart-shaped leaves.

Bell-shaped, drooping, yellow flowers with purple-brown spots inside.
Fruit enclosed in a papery husk, turning from green to golden-yellow when ripe.

Fruit Characteristics:

Small, round berries about the size of a cherry tomato.

Sweet and tangy flavor, often compared to a mix of pineapple and mango.

High in vitamins A, C, and some B vitamins.

Contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Culinary Uses:

Eaten fresh as a snack or dessert.

Used in jams, jellies, pies, and other desserts.

Added to salads and savory dishes for a burst of flavor.

Dried and candied as a sweet treat.

Cultivation:

Thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Requires regular watering, especially during hot weather.

Can be grown from seed or transplanted seedlings.

Harvest when the husks turn papery and the fruit is golden yellow.

Additional Facts:

Sometimes called "Inca berry" or "aguaymanto."

Used in traditional medicine for various ailments.

The husk is not edible and may be toxic if consumed.

A close relative of the tomatillo.

Overall, Peruvian groundcherry is a delicious and nutritious fruit with a rich history and diverse culinary uses. Its unique flavor and versatility make it a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world.

Italian arum, Arum italicum

Arum italicum, commonly known as Italian arum or Italian lords-and-ladies, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region.

Characteristics:

Foliage: Arrowhead-shaped, glossy dark green leaves with distinctive white veining appear in fall and remain through winter.

Flowers:In spring, the plant produces a unique inflorescence consisting of a spadix (a fleshy spike) surrounded by a spathe (a leafy bract). The spathe is usually pale green to creamy white.

Italian arum berries

Fruit:Following the flowers, the plant develops clusters of bright orange-red berries in late summer and autumn.

Growth Habit:

Thrives in partial to full shade.

Prefers moist, well-drained soils.

Spreads by underground rhizomes.

Typically grows 12-18 inches tall.

Cautions:

All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.

Can cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Considered invasive in some areas due to its ability to spread aggressively.

Additional Information:

Other Names: Cuckoo Pint, Italian Lily, Orange Candle Flower

Family: Araceae

Origin: Southern and Western Europe

Growing Zones: 5-9

Uses: Ornamental plant in gardens, naturalized areas, and woodland settings.

Italian arum leaves

Invasive Potential:

In some regions, Italian arum has escaped cultivation and become invasive, particularly in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It can outcompete native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems. If you are considering planting Italian arum, be sure to research its invasiveness in your area and take precautions to prevent its spread.

Torch-ginger, Etlingera elatior

Torch ginger, scientifically known as Etlingera elatior, is a spectacular flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. Renowned for its striking, vibrant blossoms that resemble flaming torches, this tropical gem adds a touch of exotic elegance to any garden or floral arrangement.

Description:

Appearance: Torch ginger plants are herbaceous perennials, meaning they die back in winter but regrow from their rhizomes in spring. They can reach heights of 6 to 15 feet, with lush, green foliage.

Flowers: The most captivating feature is the inflorescence, which emerges on a separate stalk from the leaves. It consists of tightly packed, waxy bracts that range in color from deep red to pink and even white in some cultivars. The actual flowers are small and yellow, hidden within the bracts.

Blooming: Torch ginger typically blooms seasonally, with peak flowering in the warmer months. Each bloom can last for several weeks, providing a long-lasting display of color.

Cultivation:

Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates (USDA Zones 10-12).

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Requires well-draining, fertile soil that is consistently moist.

Water: Regular watering is essential, especially during hot, dry periods.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Propagation: Can be propagated by division of rhizomes or by seeds.

Uses:

Ornamental: Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its breathtaking flowers.

Cut Flowers: Makes excellent long-lasting cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements.

Culinary: The flower buds are a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, known for their unique flavor and aroma. They are used in dishes like rojak and laksa, and as a garnish for soups.

Traditional Medicine: In some cultures, parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine for various ailments.

Interesting Facts:

Torch ginger is also known by various names, including ginger flower, red ginger lily, torch lily, wild ginger, and combrang.

It is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, which includes ginger, turmeric, and cardamom.

The plant attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Caution:

Torch ginger can be invasive in some areas, so it's important to plant it responsibly. If you have the right growing conditions, torch ginger is a rewarding plant that will reward you with stunning beauty and culinary delights.

False garlic, Nothoscordum bivalve

False garlic (Nothoscordum bivalve), also known as crowpoison, is a perennial herb native to North and South America. It is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes onions and garlic. Despite its name, false garlic is not closely related to true garlic and lacks the characteristic garlic odor.

Physical Characteristics:

Leaves:Long, narrow, and grass-like, growing from a basal rosette.

Flowers:Small, white, star-shaped flowers with six petals, clustered at the top of a leafless stalk. They bloom in spring and sometimes again in fall.

Bulb: Small, white, and rounded, resembling a true garlic bulb but lacking the strong odor.

Habitat:

False garlic thrives in a variety of habitats, including lawns, fields, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It prefers moist soils but can tolerate some drought.

Distribution:

False garlic is native to North and South America and has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including Europe and Australia.

Toxicity:

While false garlic is not considered highly toxic, it can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Some people may also experience skin irritation from contact with the plant.

Uses:

Culinary: False garlic is not typically used for culinary purposes due to its lack of flavor and potential for causing digestive upset.

Medicinal: Some traditional medicinal uses of false garlic have been reported, but there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.

Ornamental: False garlic is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers.

Misconceptions:

False garlic is often mistaken for wild garlic or wild onion due to its similar appearance. However, it can be distinguished by its lack of the characteristic garlic or onion odor.

Ecological Importance:

False garlic plays a role in the ecosystem by providing food and habitat for various insects and other wildlife. Its flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.