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Botanical names: Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus esculentus

Common names: Okra, Bamia, Gombo

Family: Malvaceae

Origin: Africa

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Abelmoschus esculentus, commonly known as okra, is a flowering plant that is native to Africa. It is a large, fast-growing shrub, growing 5-10 ft tall and producing beautiful white, off-white, and yellow-orange flowers. This plant runs on a shorter lifecycle than most other shrubs, taking only 120-165 days to mature.

Okra does best when grown in warm climates, where it can receive strong direct sunlight, and regular watering. It has adapted over time to thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. As it is a climacteric crop, it benefits greatly from warm, humid days and cool nights.

Regular water needs will depend on the local climate, but okra requires moderate regular watering, even during seasonal to periodical droughts. Soil with a high drainage level and well-aerated conditions will help the plant thrive and reach its full potential.

The plant produces striking large edible seeds within green, finger-like pods. Young, tender okra can be used in stir-fry or soups either blanched or pickled, and raw okra is often used in cold salads. When cooked, it is similar to asparagus. In terms of taste, some describe it to be similar to a combination of mushrooms and eggplant.

Okra is packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. It also contains a healthy amount of dietary fibers, which can help maintain healthy digestion. Health benefits of okra also includes its ability to strengthen the immune system, lower stress, and improve skin and hair health.

In terms of yield, the plant can produce up to few hundred pods per plant, depending on the variety and local climate conditions. Therefore, okra is a great choice whether you are looking to have some fresh fruits in your household.

Botanical names: Abelmoschus moschatus, Hibiscus abelmoschus

Common name: Musk Mallow

Family: Malvaceae

Origin: South East Asia

Valued as an ornamental plant, due to its colorful and attractive flowers. The leaves are alternate, rough, hairy, heart-shaped or 3-5 lobed with serrated margins. Flowers are Hibiscus-like.

Cultivated for aromatic oil from seeds. Young leaves, shoots, and unripe seedpods are cooked as a vegetable.

Botanical names: Acmella oleracea, Spilanthes oleracea

Common names: Toothache Plant, Paracress, Botox Plant, Jambu

Family: Asteraceae

Origin: Brazil

Toothache Plant is a medicinal herb that has been used for generations to manage the pain of toothaches. Both the leaves and the attractive golden flowers can be used as a natural anesthetic. Simply chew the leaves or flowers for a few seconds then you will experience a tingling and numbing sensation in your mouth. An infusion or tincture made from the Toothache Plant is said to promote gum and throat health due to its strong antibacterial properties. For culinary purposes, small amounts of shredded fresh leaves are said to add a unique flavor to salads. Cooked leaves lose their strong flavor and may be used as leafy greens. Both fresh and cooked leaves are used in dishes such as stews in northern Brazil. They are combined with chilis and garlic to add flavor and vitamins to other foods. The use of jambu extract as a food flavor is described as having an odor of citrus, herbal, tropical or musty odor, and its taste can be pungent, cooling, tingling, numbing, or effervescent.

Acmella Oleracea extract is considered a natural alternative to Botox. Applied topically, Acmella Oleracea reportedly reduces muscle tension, reducing facial wrinkles caused by tense or contracted facial muscles. It is considered a natural muscle relaxant and has been traditionally used as an herbal Orajel of sorts, thanks to the presence of analgesic alkylamides called spilanthol. This spilanthol is thought to have the same paralyzing effects on facial muscles as it does on gums, reducing wrinkles by relaxing the skin. It's seen in topical formulas and can easily penetrate the skin, inhibiting contractions in subcutaneous muscles.

The plant is a small, erect, it grows quickly and bears gold and red inflorescences. It is frost-sensitive but perennial in warmer climates. Can be grown in a container and as a houseplant.

Botanical name: Actinidia arguta

Common names: Hardy Kiwifruit, Kiwi Berry, Arctic Kiwi, Baby Kiwi, Dessert Kiwi, Grape Kiwi, Northern Kiwi

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: Japan, Korea, Northern China

The fast-growing, climbing vine is very hardy, and is capable of surviving slow temperature drops to -34 C (-30 F), although young shoots can be vulnerable to frost in the spring. This vine needs a strong (vines are heavy) support structure on which to grow such as a trellis, arbor, patio overhead, fence or wall.

Botanical name: Actinidia chinensis

Common name: Kiwi Fruit

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: China

Hardiness: 10°F

Actinidia chinensis is a vigorous deciduous climbing vine native to central and southern China. When supported by a trellis, arbor, or fence, it can stretch to about 30 feet, covering the structure with a lush canopy of broad, heart-shaped leaves. In warm months the vine grows quickly, often filling its allotted space within two or three seasons.

The plant thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, although a touch of afternoon shade is welcome in hot climates. Consistent moisture throughout summer is essential, as dry spells can noticeably reduce both fruit size and quality. In late spring, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers open, usually on separate male and female plants. Female vines that receive good pollination produce the familiar fuzzy brown fruits by late autumn. Depending on the variety and ripeness, the fruit may be tangy, sweet-tart, or mellow in flavor, with sweetness varying widely. The golden-fleshed cultivar Actinidia chinensis 'Sun Gold', often seen in markets, is notably sweeter and less tangy than many other selections.

While best suited to USDA Zones 8 9, it can be grown in sheltered spots in Zone 7 with winter and late frost protection. Young shoots are sensitive to cold snaps in spring. The vine can also be managed in a large container with regular pruning and a compact trellis, though this demands attentive watering and feeding. Fruits are enjoyed fresh, blended into drinks, or preserved as jam.

Botanical name: Actinidia deliciosa

Common names: Kiwi Fruit, Chinese Gooseberry

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: China

Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwi Fruit) can grow in full sun and requires regular water. The vine or creeper is deciduous, dropping its leaves in winter. The mature plant is cold hardy in the USDA Zones 7-9. The flowers are white or off-white, and the plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers are fragrant, dioecious or bisexual. Male and female flowers appear on different plants and both sexes have to be planted in close proximity for fruit set.

The fruits can be eaten fresh, juiced, dried, or preserved. The health benefits of Kiwifruit are immense. It is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and copper. It also contains vitamins A and E, folate, and some omega-3 fatty acids. One kiwifruit contains about 46 calories and provides 13 percent of the daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and, 9 percent of the RDA of dietary fiber. Actinidia deliciosa has the potential to produce hundreds of fruit if planted with another compatible and cross-pollinated variety. The plants may take 3-4 years to bear fruit, but when it matures it can produce great quantities of kiwifruit. The fruit can be harvested when the fruit turns a golden-brown color, and when it is easily plucked from the vine.

Botanical name: Actinidia kolomikta

Common name: Kiwi

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: East Asia

Actinidia kolomikta is a vine or creeper from the Actinidiaceae family, originating from East Asia. It has decorative foliage, with leaves turning red, pink and white in the fall. The leaves are green and creamy white and can be up to 4 inches long. It is a deciduous plant, which means it loses its leaves in the winter.

Actinidia kolomikta prefers semi-shade and regular water, but can tolerate moderate water. It is a fast growing plant, reaching up to 30 ft. It requires support to grow and climb, however it will not produce fruit without both a male and female plant. It is grown in USDA Zone 4-9.

The fruit of the Actinidia kolomikta is sweet and grape-sized, with a yellow or light orange skin. The green, juicy flesh has a light, sour flavor. It can be eaten fresh or cooked, and is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and dietary fibers. The fruit can also be used to make jams and jellies. A mature plant can produce up to 100 fruits per season, depending on the care and conditions.

Actinidia kolomikta is an edible, ornamental plant that is easy to care for and can provide a good harvest of sweet, juicy fruit.

Botanical name: Actinidia sp.

Common names: Actinidia, Kiwi

Family: Actinidiaceae

Origin: Eastern Asia

Actinidia sp. (Actinidia) is an attractive and fast-growing perennial plant native to eastern Asia. It typically will reach a mature size of 5-10 feet tall, either as a large shrub or as a vine or creeper. This plant is well-suited for full sun and semi-shade areas, and requires regular water for good growth. Actinidia sp. produces white and off-white flowers, which are especially attractive in spring and summer.

Ethnomedical uses of Actinidia include edible Kiwi fruits; the fruits are high in vitamin C and other healthy elements. Depending on the species, a mature plant can produce a range of up to a few hundred fruits per season. The fruits can be tart or sweet, and are usually eaten fresh or canned as juices or jams.

Actinidia is a hardy plant, able to withstand cold temperatures at least to 30s F for a short time. It is optimally grown in USDA Zone 8-10 and is an excellent choice for gardeners in cold climates who would like to try growing the plant in a pot. To do this successfully, it is important to make sure the container is of an appropriate size and is stored in an area free from harsh winter winds. Potting soil should be kept moist and watered as needed, and if temperatures are expected to drop far below freezing, the pot should be covered.

Overall, Actinidia is a beautiful and versatile plant that is easy to care for and produce a bounty of edible fruits which are high in vitamins and other essential nutrients. While it is hardy to moderately cold temperatures, careful precautions should be taken if grown in a pot to ensure the Actinidia is able to survive the winter and produce healthful fruit for many seasons to come.

Botanical name: Adansonia grandidieri

Common names: Grandidier's Baobab, Giant Baobab

Family: Malvaceae    (Formerly:Bombacaceae)

Subfamily: Bombacoideae

Origin: Madagascar

Native to Madagascar and growing with a massive, cylindrical bole, Grandidier's Baobab, Adansonia grandidieri, can be a large tree, reaching up to 80 ft tall. The tree is mostly found in a restricted area, threatening its survival due to habitat destruction and regeneration. Despite being threatened, Grandidier's Baobab remains very versatile and is popular among bonsai enthusiasts.

Grandidier's Baobab can prosper in full sun, or on rare occasions in partial shade, and needs moderate watering. If grown in cold regions, pots should be elevated to ensure better drainage and should be sheltered during winter. It has a flat-topped, light crown with few branches, and white to off-white flowers. It produces edible fruits, with oil-rich seeds, making it a valuable source of food and fiber for thatching.

Grandidier's Baobab can produce hundreds of fruits, depending on the age and weather conditions, each fruit weighing about 250g. The fruits are orange and oval-shaped with a pulp containing a few large seeds. It has a pleasant taste and can be used to make refreshing drinks, jams, salads, and other desserts. Grandidier's Baobab is also rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants such as vitamin C, phosphorus, and fiber, providing healthy benefits and being an important component of the Malagasy diet.

Botanical name: Adansonia za

Common name: Baobab

Family: Malvaceae    (Formerly:Bombacaceae)

Subfamily: Bombacoideae

Origin: Madagascar

Adansonia za, or Baobab, is an imposing ethnomedical plant native to Madagascar with its full sun, moderate water requirements, and unusual color. This big tree can grow taller than 20 ft, producing deciduous foliage and stunning flowers that vary in color from crimson to vinous, and yellow to orange. It is a delightfully hardy plant that not only emits a unique beauty in the garden, but is also attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

The blooms can be followed by an edible fruit that tastes delicately sweet and acidic. The fruit also carries a wealth of health benefits, containing vitamins A, C, and E, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and folate. An average Baobab fruit tree can yield an estimated 150-200 fruits in a single year.

Baobab can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11, and since the tree is deciduous, it can withstand some cold temperatures, making it a great option for gardens in cooler climates. When growing a Baobab in a pot, it is important to use a well draining potting mix, as the tree does not like to stay wet. Keep the pot in a sheltered spot and bring it indoors during frosty winter nights. Water the tree regularly, especially during the hotter summer months. An occasional dose of fertilizer will also help promote healthy growth.