# 20 (2) 2012

PLANT INTRODUCTION

PASSION FLOWERS REVEALED

...Frequently seen in botanical gardens and nearly all tropical environments, Passiflora, also known as the passion flower, sends all admirers into appreciation of what a flower can truly be. Though some modern beliefs may lead you to think that the name “passion” in passion flower derives from lust, or desire, or an exotic sexual implication, this is far from the truth...

NATURE'S FOOD AND FARMACY

SPECTACULAR FRUIT TREES AND EDIBLES FOR SOUTHERN LANDSCAPES AND CONTAINER CULTURE
PART II: FRUIT TREES FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS

...In the previous issue we talked about tough and hardy fruit trees that can take some drought and are not picky about soil. In addition, here are a few more plants that are proven winners for hot and dry spots...

GROWING PAPAYA TREE FROM SEED

...We always encourage gardeners to try growing this plant from seed because it is pretty easy (unless you are looking for a speci c variety)...

Miracle Fruit -THE FUN, THE TRICKS, AND RECEPIES

...Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) is one of the strangest tropical fruits. The “miracle” is that if any sour food is eaten after the Miracle Fruit, the sour tastes sweet, as if sugar has been added. A natural taste changing glycoprotein in the fruit masks the tongue’s sour taste buds so that lemon tastes like lemon candy, and beer tastes like lemonade. The sweet sensation lasts for half an hour to a few hours. That kind of magical experience is unforgettable!..

EXOTIC KALEIDOSCOPE

SUNNY FLOWERS FOR SUMMER FUN

GROWING INDOORS

GROWING TROPICAL PLANTS IN THE DESERT

...I have always had an affinity for nature, especially tropical plants, so three years ago I decided that I would begin to grow a tropical garden in my home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to the USDA, the Albuquerque growing index is 7b, so growing tropical plants outdoors is out of the question. It gets too cold in the winter, and extremely dry in the summer. This elemental obstacle led me on the journey to grow the plants indoors...

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

MY FIRST LOVE

 

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