Comfrey (Symphytum uplandicum)
$19.95
Symphytum uplandicum, also known popularly as Comfrey, is a perennial herb native to Europe. It comes from the Forget-Me-Not family of plants, and is perhaps one of the most well known and recognized medicinal herbs. Symphytum uplandicum is a hairy leafed herbaceous plant, that has small gorgeous bell shaped flowers, blue-violet in color. This is a fast growing plant, and requires nitrogen rich soil. Comfrey has a large, black turnip like root which is often used medicinally. The flowering parts of the plant can also be used. Since Comfrey is such a productive grower, mature plants of its species can be harvested multiple times a year! Be advised the plant has fine hairs on the stem that can irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling live plants. Comfrey is a great plant to grow in your garden due to it's highly effective ability to act as a fertilizer crop! Because Comfrey roots penetrate deep into the soil, it accumulates large amounts of nutrients. At the end of the season, grind up your unused plants including the root, and mix into your soil to help provide needed nutrients. Sow Exotic carries the 'Russian' variety.
Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
$19.95
Mentha Requienii is a member of the mint family of plants and commonly referred to as Corsican Mint. It is a very fragrant, hearty and fast-growing perennial that is perfect as a ground cover. It features bright green leaves and the iconic square stem of mints. It is known for having a strong minty-sage aroma, which is why it is frequently used in the culinary capacity for flavoring. This mint is native to Corsica, Italy and Sardinia, but has been naturalized in similar environments elsewhere.
Corsican Mint is low growing and likes partial shade with moist soil. Drying out the plant between watering will help increase the hardiness of the plant, as well as essential oil production. This results in a stronger and more flavorful herb!
Dragon Fruit 'Edgar's Baby' (Hylocereus stenopterus x Hylocereus Guatemalensis)
from $19.95
Compact Growth & Magenta Flesh with Bold Tropical Sweetness
‘Edgar’s Baby’ is a compact, early-fruiting dragon fruit variety bred by legendary California hybridizer Edgar Valdivia. Unlike larger, sprawling types, this cultivar is manageable in size yet highly productive—perfect for home growers with limited space. Its fruit features bright pink skin, vibrant magenta flesh, and a sweet-tart tropical flavor that’s refreshing and complex. With dramatic night-blooming flowers and reliable yields, it’s a perfect addition to food forests, container gardens, or edible arbors.
Dragon fruit has been cherished for centuries across Central and South America, where it’s valued not just for its striking beauty but also for its hydrating, nutrient-rich pulp. Known today as a superfruit, it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making it as nourishing as it is delicious. In kitchens worldwide, dragon fruit is enjoyed fresh with a spoon, blended into smoothies, tossed into fruit bowls, or crafted into vibrant sorbets and desserts. Growing ‘Edgar’s Baby’ connects you to this tropical legacy—offering bold flavor and cultural richness in a compact, home-friendly variety.
Why Grow Dragon Fruit ‘Edgar’s Baby’?
Compact and manageable growth habit—great for containers or small gardens
Early-fruiting compared to many dragon fruit varieties
Magenta-fleshed fruit with bold, sweet-tart tropical flavor
Bred by Edgar Valdivia, a highly respected dragon fruit breeder
Showy night-blooming flowers attract pollinators and add garden drama
Growing Tips
Plant in full sun with well-draining sandy or cactus mix soil. Provide a sturdy trellis, post, or fence for climbing support. Water deeply but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings—avoid waterlogging. Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced or cactus fertilizer. Flowers bloom at night and may require hand-pollination for best fruit set, especially in areas with limited pollinator activity. Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11; in cooler zones, grow in containers and overwinter indoors or in a greenhouse.
Duck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia)
from $19.95
Native Aquatic Edible with Arrow-Shaped Elegance
Duck Potato, also known as Broadleaf Arrowhead or Wapato, is a hardy aquatic perennial native to wetlands across North America. Celebrated for its arrowhead-shaped leaves and edible tubers, this plant has been a staple in Indigenous diets for centuries. Its striking white flowers and lush foliage make it a standout in water gardens and naturalized pond edges.
Why You'll Love It:
Edible Tubers: Produces starchy, chestnut-flavored tubers traditionally harvested and consumed by Native American tribes.
Wildlife Magnet: Attracts ducks, geese, and other waterfowl, enhancing biodiversity in aquatic environments.
Ornamental Appeal: Features showy white flowers and distinctive arrow-shaped leaves, adding aesthetic value to water gardens.
Erosion Control: Helps stabilize soil in wetland areas, preventing erosion along pond and stream banks.
Low Maintenance: Thrives in a variety of wet conditions with minimal care once established.
Growing Tips:
Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Soil: Grows best in rich, loamy soil submerged under 2–12 inches of water.
Watering: Keep soil consistently wet; suitable for ponds, marshes, and rain gardens.
Spacing: Plant tubers or divisions 12–18 inches apart to allow room for growth.
Propagation: Propagate by dividing rhizomes or planting tubers in spring or early summer.
Maintenance: Remove dead foliage in late fall; monitor for invasive spread in small ponds.
Elderberry, Florida Native (Sambucus canadensis)
from $19.95
$44.95
Elderberry, or Sambucus canadensis, is a versatile native Florida plant, valued for both its ornamental appeal and practical uses. This easy-to-grow, deciduous shrub flourishes in various soils, especially moist, well-drained ones, and is naturally found in North American environments like wetlands and woodlands. It grows quickly to 5-12 feet, forming a rounded shape with compound leaves.From late spring to early summer, it produces fragrant clusters of white or creamy flowers, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. These give way to edible berries, ripe by late summer, popular in jams, jellies, and wines. Medicinally, the flowers and cooked berries are used for their health benefits, including immune support and inflammation reduction.Elderberry is low maintenance, thriving in full sun to partial shade and requiring regular pruning for shape and fruiting. It's pest and disease-resistant, making it a hassle-free choice for Florida gardens. For gardeners, Elderberry offers aesthetic beauty, ecological support, and practical benefits, making it an ideal plant for both novices and experts.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
$19.95
Moonlit Blooms with Wild Meadow Fragrance
Ewling Primrose (Oenothera biennis) rises in graceful, upright spires, its narrow, lance-shaped leaves forming a loose rosette in the plant’s first year before stretching skyward in its second. As dusk settles, luminous lemon-yellow blossoms unfurl with a soft, silken texture, glowing like lanterns against the deepening sky. Each flower is short-lived but abundant, opening in succession along tall stems that sway lightly in warm summer breezes. Native to open fields, prairies, and sandy meadows across North America, this biennial wildflower thrives in lean soils and shifting light, flourishing where many ornamentals falter.
What sets Ewling Primrose apart is its night-blooming rhythm—an ecological invitation to moths and nocturnal pollinators—and its generous production of nutrient-rich seeds. While garden-worthy for its ethereal evening display, the plant also produces a late-season flush of seed pods that rattle dry and golden, carrying both botanical beauty and practical value.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
For centuries, Ewling Primrose has played a meaningful role in traditional North American herbalism, where its seeds, roots, and leaves were valued for nutritive and therapeutic applications. The seed oil, famously high in gamma-linolenic acid, became an important ingredient in both medicinal preparations and wellness traditions, carried forward into modern herbal practices. In many regions, the young roots—sometimes called “king’s-cure-all” or “evening star root”—were lightly cooked as a survival food or medicinal tonic. Its presence in ancestral meadows and prairies makes it a plant tied deeply to place, resilience, and the rhythm of evening pollinators.
Why Grow Ewling Primrose?
Highly nutritious seeds used in traditional wellness practices
Striking night-blooming flowers with luminous ornamental appeal
Exceptionally adaptable to poor, sandy, or disturbed soils
Supports nocturnal pollinators and beneficial insects
Rich cultural and herbal significance across North America
False Cardamom (Alpinia mutica)
$24.95
Despite the common name false cardamom, Alpinia mutica is a plant that will truly earn its place in your garden, your kitchen, and yes, your heart. This lush, green bundle of tropical euphoria will gently lure your senses with its aroma of cinnamon and citrus. ‘False’ varieties of cardamom are harvested for their leaves, not seeds as when you grow ‘true’ varieties of cardamom. Use Alpinia mutica leaves the same way you would use other cardamom plant varieties to spice up your life: The leaves add flavoring to warm teas, desserts, rice, fish, and more.
Alpinia mutica will add a gentle wave of green to your garden. This plant prefers a warm, shady climate, where it can thrive without much fuss. It will thrive in warm, humid conditions that are similar to its swampy, native forest habitats in Southeast Asia.
Fig 'Kadota' (Ficus carica)
from $19.95
$22.95
Golden-Skinned Classic with Honey-Sweet, Low-Acid Flesh
Kadota Fig is one of the most beloved and widely grown fig varieties, treasured for its golden-green skin, amber flesh, and smooth, honey-like flavor. Native to the Mediterranean and brought to California by early growers, Kadota is a reliable, heavy-bearing tree that thrives in warm, sunny climates. The fruit is less acidic than many other figs, making it one of the sweetest and mildest varieties—perfect for fresh eating, drying, or turning into classic fig jams. With its lush green leaves and consistent productivity, Kadota is a timeless addition to orchards, food forests, and edible landscapes.
Why You'll Love It:
Produces large crops of golden-green figs with amber, honey-sweet flesh
Low-acid, mild flavor ideal for fresh eating and preserves
Heavy-bearing and dependable once established
Excellent for drying, canning, and making fig jams
Attractive tree with broad leaves and ornamental appeal
Growing Tips:
Plant Kadota Fig in full sun with well-drained soil. Figs are drought-tolerant once established but will produce more and sweeter fruit with regular deep watering. Prune in late winter to encourage airflow and maintain shape. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Best suited for USDA Zones 8–10, but can be grown in containers and overwintered in colder climates. Expect fruit within 1–2 years from planting grafted or rooted cuttings.
Fig 'Olympian' (Ficus carica)
$19.95
$22.95
Cold-Hardy, Sweet-Fleshed Fig with Lush, Juicy Fruit
The Olympian Fig (Ficus carica 'Olympian') is a cold-tolerant and exceptionally sweet fig variety bred for performance in cooler climates—yet lush and productive enough to thrive in warmer zones, too. Discovered in Washington state, Olympian produces large, violet-skinned figs with rosy, sugary flesh that’s soft, juicy, and full of flavor.
These figs are excellent for fresh eating, but they also hold up beautifully for drying, canning, and desserts. The tree begins fruiting very early in life, often within the first year or two, and may produce two crops annually in warmer regions.
With its vigorous growth, high yields, and cold hardiness down to 0°F, Olympian is an ideal fig for growers in Zones 6–10—including those in the Southeast, Pacific Northwest, or inland gardens where many other figs struggle. It’s also self-fertile, easy to care for, and adaptable to containers or in-ground planting.
Giâp Cá, Fish Mint (Houttuynia cordata)
$19.95
Unique, Medicinal Herb with a Strong Flavor
Common Names: Giâp Cá, Fish Mint, Lizard Tail, Heartleaf, Chameleon PlantFamily: SaururaceaeOrigin: Southeast Asia
Giâp Cá (Houttuynia cordata), commonly known as Fish Mint or Lizard Tail, is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia. This unique herb is known for its strong fishy aroma and is widely used in Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines, particularly in salads, soups, and as a garnish. It is also prized for its medicinal properties, which have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Giâp Cá is a hardy plant that thrives in wet, shady conditions, making it an ideal addition to herb gardens or as a ground cover in moist areas.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Leaves: The heart-shaped leaves of Giâp Cá are dark green with a purple tint and have a distinctive fishy aroma that intensifies when crushed. The leaves are edible and are often used in salads or as a garnish in Southeast Asian cuisine.Flowers: The plant produces small, white flowers that grow in spikes, though it is primarily grown for its foliage.Growth Habit: Giâp Cá grows as a low, spreading herb, reaching up to 1-2 feet in height. It spreads via underground rhizomes and can quickly cover large areas, making it an effective ground cover in moist, shady locations.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Giâp Cá is widely used in Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisine. The fresh leaves are often added to salads, spring rolls, or served as a garnish for soups and grilled dishes. The fishy, pungent flavor of the leaves pairs well with strong flavors like garlic, chili, and fermented foods. In Vietnam, Giâp Cá is commonly used as a fresh herb in raw salads or served alongside grilled meats and fish.
Medicinally, Giâp Cá has been used in traditional Chinese and Vietnamese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diuretic properties. The plant is believed to help detoxify the body, support respiratory health, and treat infections. The leaves can be made into a tea or tincture for medicinal purposes.
Gin Berry, Ginberry (Glycosmis pentaphylla)
from $24.95
The Gin Berry, also known as the Orange Berry, is a tropical perennial evergreen fruit small tree/shrub native to Tropical Asia and Australia. A Rutaceae family member, it is related to many other Citrus including the Blood Orange and Tango Mandarin, but has a very unique berry-like size and translucent pink color that sets it apart.
Bursting with tiny, highly fragrant white flower clusters, these blossoms grow to bear teeny-tiny pink citrus fruits. Bursting with juicy, gin-like flavors and a few big seeds, they are great for eating out of hand or adding to beverage. Incredibly beloved for their ornamental qualities, it doesn’t hurt that their fruit tastes like a gourmet gin and tonic as well! Growing up to 13 ft tall, it can be pruned in a container and brought inside during winter for curious, colder-zoned growers aiming to grow their own cocktail inspired new favorite tree!
Grains of Paradise (Aframomum melegueta)
from $24.95
Spicy, Aromatic Seed with Ancient Roots
Common Names: Grains of Paradise, Melegueta Pepper, Guinea Pepper, Alligator PepperFamily: ZingiberaceaeOrigin: West Africa
Grains of Paradise (Aframomum melegueta) is a perennial plant native to West Africa, prized for its aromatic, peppery seeds that have been used as a spice for centuries. The seeds, which come from the plant’s small, reddish-brown pods, are often compared to black pepper but with more complex, warm, citrusy, and floral notes. Grains of Paradise were historically a sought-after spice in Europe during the Middle Ages and have recently gained popularity in modern cuisine, particularly in craft brewing and gourmet dishes. In addition to its culinary uses, Grains of Paradise also holds significance in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Seeds: Grains of Paradise seeds are small, brown, and peppery, with a spicy yet nuanced flavor that combines hints of cardamom, citrus, and warm spices. These seeds are used as a spice in a variety of dishes, especially in West African, North African, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The seeds are rich in essential oils and antioxidants, contributing to their distinct flavor and potential health benefits.
Foliage and Flowers: The plant features lush, green, lance-shaped leaves and produces small, beautiful flowers followed by reddish-brown seed pods.
Growth Habit: Aframomum melegueta is a perennial herb that grows up to 4-6 feet tall, with a spreading growth habit similar to other members of the ginger family.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Grains of Paradise are commonly used to add warmth and spice to savory dishes, including stews, curries, and soups. They are also used in baking, where their citrusy and peppery flavor enhances sweet and savory combinations. The seeds are popular in brewing craft beers and spirits for their subtle complexity. In traditional medicine, Grains of Paradise are believed to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide relief from gastrointestinal issues.
Grape 'Blanc du Bois' (Vitis vinifera)
from $24.95
Grow your own wine! The 'Blanc du Bois' Grape is considered to be one of the best performing grapevine varieties in the southern states due to its ability to tolerate and even thrive in the heat and humidity. Blanc du Bois produces large clusters of fruit weighing up to 3 pounds! It is fast growing, disease resistant, low maintenance and self-fertile. It is a great quality grape used to make a wide range of wines such as dry, semi-sweet, blush, port, and sparkling or champagne blends. This is an early season variety.
Grape 'Southern Home' (Vitis rotundifolia x Vitis vinifera)
from $19.95
A Flavorful Southern Hybrid with Beauty, Strength, and Sweetness
The Southern Home Grape is a stunning and delicious hybrid that perfectly blends the tropical toughness of native muscadines (Vitis rotundifolia) with the classic flavor and cluster form of European grapes (Vitis vinifera). Developed by the University of Florida, this vine is as ornamental as it is productive—featuring glossy, deeply lobed leaves that resemble a fig or maple, fragrant blooms, and clusters of deep purple-black grapes with rich, sweet flavor.
Unlike traditional muscadines, Southern Home produces larger, looser clusters of grapes that are easier to harvest and enjoy fresh, straight off the vine. The fruit has the bold sweetness of a muscadine with the balanced complexity of a table grape, making it ideal for snacking, juicing, or winemaking. And since it’s adapted for Southern heat, humidity, and pests, this variety thrives where many other grapes struggle.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Muscadines are the original Southern grape—native to the Southeast and cherished for centuries by Indigenous peoples and settlers for their intense sweetness and resilience. The Southern Home hybrid honors that legacy by combining the strength of native genetics with the refined flavor of European grapes. Today, it’s one of the most successful Southern grape varieties for home gardens and local vineyards alike. The fruit’s antioxidant-rich skins and natural sweetness make it perfect for juice, jam, jelly, or homemade wine—and even the leaves can be used for traditional stuffed grape dishes.
Why Grow Southern Home Grape?
Hybrid of muscadine and European grape—beautiful, hardy, and productive
Sweet, flavorful grapes with complex table grape flavor
Unique lobed leaves and purple-black clusters make it highly ornamental
Excellent disease resistance and heat tolerance for the South
Perfect for fresh eating, wine, juice, and preserves
Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa)
from $19.95
$59.85
Deep Detox Root with Edible Greens and Pollinator Power
Greater Burdock, also known as Gobo, is a powerful medicinal and culinary plant grown for its nutrient-rich taproot, edible young shoots and leaves, and striking thistle-like appearance. Widely used in Asian, European, and herbal traditions, Burdock root is prized for its ability to support liver function, detoxify the blood, and aid digestion. In Japan, it’s a staple veggie known as Gobo, commonly stir-fried, pickled, or simmered in stews.
This biennial herb forms a rosette of large, velvety green leaves in its first year, then sends up a towering flower stalk in year two, blooming with purple, pollinator-attracting flowers that develop into the iconic burrs that inspired Velcro. The deep roots break up heavy soils and mine nutrients, making Burdock a great addition to regenerative gardens and food forests.
Easy to grow and adaptable, Burdock thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, especially when given loose, deep ground to develop long, straight roots. Harvest the roots in the first year for best flavor and medicinal potency.
Greek Mountain Tea (Sideritis scardica)
$24.95
Greek Mountain Tea, also known as Ironwort, Mountain Tea, or Shepherd's Tea, is a perennial evergreen herb or small shrub well known for it's fuzzy succulent foliage, fragrant orange bell-shaped flowers, and medicinal properties. It grows abundantly in Mediterranean regions and is native to Greece. Prepared as a tea (dried flowers, leaves, stems), it may aid in digestion, strengthen the immune system and suppress colds, sinus congestion, even pain and mild anxiety.
Guava 'Ruby Supreme' (Psidium guajava)
$99.95
$119.95
Fragrant, Sweet-Tart Tropical Guava with Lush Pink Flesh
Ruby Supreme Guava is a highly productive tropical fruit tree that delivers medium to large round fruit with a thin, yellow-green skin and a vibrant pink-red interior. The flavor is sweet-tart, aromatic, and refreshingly tropical—perfect for eating fresh, blending into smoothies, or making jams, jellies, and pastries. Known for its heavy yields and strong fragrance, Ruby Supreme is one of the most popular pink-fleshed guava cultivars for home gardens. This fast-growing evergreen thrives in warm climates, making it a standout in edible landscapes, food forests, and container gardens.
Why Grow Ruby Supreme Guava?
Produces large, pink-fleshed guavas with an intense tropical aroma
Sweet-tart flavor ideal for fresh eating, juicing, or preserves
Heavy producer once established
Beautiful evergreen foliage with ornamental value
Easy to grow and quick to bear fruit in warm climates
Growing Tips
Plant Ruby Supreme Guava in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots, then moderately once mature. Fertilize during the growing season for best yields. Guavas are adaptable and drought-tolerant once established but produce more fruit with consistent watering. In USDA Zones 9–11, it grows well in-ground; in cooler zones, plant in a large container and bring indoors during cold weather. Prune after harvest to control size and encourage airflow.
Guava, Lemon (Psidium littorale)
from $19.95
The Lemon Guava, also commonly called Cattley Guava, is a small sub-tropical fruit tree. It abundantly produces sweet lime-green to golden-yellow guava fruit. The petite fruit, range in size from 4-8cm, and have a delicious blend of lemony guava flavor and aroma. Lemon Guavas are mainly eaten raw but can also be cooked. The pulp is often used in fruit salads, smoothies, or in a marinade. Lemon guavas, like most guava varieties, contain a high amount of vitamin A and folate. It also contains vitamins C (even greater amounts are in the skin) and B-complex vitamins as well as minerals like potassium.
Lemon Guava trees are excellent producers, fast-growing, and are an excellent design element for an edible landscape. Well-suited for growing in a container and grows successfully as a potted plant in northern zones. Somewhat drought tolerant!
Hawaiian Poha Berry (Physalis peruviana)
$19.95
Golden Berries with Sweet-Tart Tropical Flavor and Island Charm
The Hawaiian Poha Berry (Physalis peruviana), also known as Cape Gooseberry or Goldenberry, is a beloved tropical fruiting plant with bright golden-orange berries wrapped in papery husks like tiny lanterns. Though native to the highlands of South America, it has naturalized in Hawaii and become a cherished backyard crop across the islands—valued for its sweet-tart, pineapple-meets-tomato flavor and easy, prolific growth. Poha berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, and their unique balance of tangy and tropical sweetness makes them a favorite for snacking, baking, and jam-making. Compact, fast-growing, and fruiting within the first season, this plant brings a touch of Hawaiian sunshine to any garden.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Poha berries hold a special place in Hawaiian home gardens and farmer’s markets, where they’re used to make poha jam, chutneys, sauces, and desserts. Their distinct flavor shines in pies, muffins, and fruit salads—or simply enjoyed fresh, peeled from their lantern-like husks. In South America, where the plant originates, it’s known as uchuva or aguaymanto and has been cultivated for centuries as a nutrient-rich superfruit. Easy to grow and endlessly rewarding, Poha Berry bridges cultures and continents—uniting the Andes and the islands through one golden, glowing fruit.
Why Grow Hawaiian Poha Berry?
Produces clusters of golden-orange berries with a sweet-tart tropical flavor
Fruits within the first year—high-yielding and easy to grow
Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural pectin
Great for jams, desserts, salads, and snacking fresh from the husk
Compact and ornamental with charming papery fruit husks
Hoja Santa (Piper auritum)
from $19.95
$44.95
Hoja Santa, also commonly known as Mexican Pepperleaf, Veracruz Pepper, Rootbeer Plant or False Kava is a hardy perennial herb. Hoja Santa is native to northern South American and Mexico. It's native name means "Sacred Leaf".
Giant, velvety heart-shaped leaves grow to 10 inches or more in length. Both leaves and flowers are very aromatic and full of flavor. The flavor is very complex, with delightly notes of licorice, eucalyptus, sassafras, anise, nutmeg, mint, tarragon, and black pepper. The plant spreads from the tuber and will quickly sprout many shoots.
Large, fragrant leaves are used fresh in Mexican cuisine for tamales, wrapping fish or meat and as an essential ingredient in true Mole Verde, the green sauce that originated in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Fresh Hoja Santa can also be chopped to flavor soups and salads. Despite their culinary popularity, fresh leaves are very difficult to find in grocery stores or at markets, so growing this hardy plant at home is a great idea.
Hojas de Salat (Neea psychotrioides)
$24.95
Rare Tropical Tree with Edible Leaves and Rich Cultural Heritage
The Hoja de Salat (Neea psychotrioides), also known as Salat Tree or Hoja Salad, is a rare tropical evergreen native to Central America and parts of the Caribbean. This slow-growing tree or large shrub features shiny, deep-green leaves that are both edible and aromatic, used traditionally as a fresh green or flavorful wrap in regional cuisines. Its smooth gray bark, dense branching habit, and lush canopy make it a beautiful ornamental addition to tropical and subtropical gardens. Beyond its beauty, Neea psychotrioides carries deep cultural and ecological value, thriving in hot, humid climates where few leafy edibles can.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
In Central America—particularly Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala—Hoja de Salat has long been prized for its edible, mildly tangy leaves, which are eaten fresh in salads, wrapped around other foods, or used as herbal greens. In traditional foodways, it bridges the worlds of nourishment and medicine: the leaves are sometimes steeped for teas or tonics believed to support digestion and vitality. Its versatility and resilience have made it a beloved home garden plant across tropical regions, where it’s as much a part of daily cooking as it is a part of living cultural heritage.
Why Grow Hoja de Salat?
Rare tropical evergreen with edible, salad-quality leaves
Traditional food plant across Central America and the Caribbean
Dense, glossy foliage adds beauty and texture to edible landscapes
Tolerant of heat, humidity, and varied tropical soils
Connects your garden to centuries of cultural and culinary tradition
Iboza (Iboza riparia)
$19.95
Iboza, also known as Incense Bush, scientifically known as Tetradenia riparia or Iboza riparia, is a robust and aromatic semi-evergreen shrub hailing from the highlands of South Africa. Renowned for its lush, velvety foliage and striking floral display, Iboza grows vigorously, forming dense clusters of leaves that are both visually pleasing and highly fragrant.
The leaves of Iboza are broad, slightly serrated, and covered in soft hairs, giving them a unique texture. When crushed, they release a strong, spicy aroma reminiscent of nutmeg, making this plant a favorite among those who appreciate fragrant gardens. During the cooler months of late winter to early spring, Iboza produces profuse clusters of tiny, delicate flowers. These blooms range in color from white to pale lavender and attract an array of pollinators, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal.
In addition to its aesthetic attributes, Iboza is revered in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. It has been used historically to treat a range of ailments, from colds and flu to headaches and digestive issues. The plant’s essential oils are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to its medicinal use.
The name Iboza is derived from the Zulu word referring to the aromatic leaves. The Zulu culture of Southern Africa have used this plant for centuries to relieve respiratory issues, stomach aches and headaches, through simply crushing and inhaling the leaves or making a tea from them.
Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora)
from $24.95
Grape-Like Fruit Grows on the Trunk—Truly Magical!Sweet, tropical, and visually stunning from bark to bloom.
Jaboticaba, also known as the Brazilian Grape Tree or Jabuticaba, is a rare tropical fruiting tree native to Brazil that produces deep purple, grape-like fruits directly on its trunk and branches—a botanical rarity called cauliflory. The fruit is sweet, juicy, and full of flavor, with tart skins and soft, translucent pulp often compared to muscadine grape, lychee, and plum. Perfect fresh or transformed into wine, jelly, or liqueur, this treasure is a must-grow for rare fruit lovers and edible landscape enthusiasts.
This small evergreen tree is just as ornamental as it is productive, with smooth mottled bark, glossy green foliage, and showy white blooms that emerge straight from the trunk. Slow-growing but long-lived, Jaboticaba forms a compact, vase-shaped canopy ideal for food forests, tropical gardens, or container growing—even bonsai.
Thriving in rich, moist, slightly acidic soil and partial to full sun, Jaboticaba is hardy in Zones 9-11 and tolerant of light frost. With patience and consistent watering, especially during flowering and fruiting, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most conversation-worthy fruits on Earth.
Jackfruit Seedling (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
from $19.95
Giant, Versatile Fruit Tree
Common Names: Jackfruit, Jakfruit, NangkaFamily: MoraceaeOrigin: South and Southeast Asia
The Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tropical tree known for producing the largest fruit of any tree, weighing up to 100 pounds or more. Native to South and Southeast Asia, Jackfruit trees are highly prized for their fruit, which has a unique texture and sweet, tropical flavor. The tree is an excellent addition to tropical and subtropical gardens, growing quickly and producing abundant fruit within a few years. Jackfruit seedlings are a great way to start growing this versatile and nutritious fruit, which can be eaten fresh, cooked, or used as a meat substitute in plant-based diets.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruit: The Jackfruit produces massive, oblong fruits covered in a spiky green or yellow rind. Inside, the sweet, golden-yellow flesh is divided into pods that are rich in flavor and can be eaten fresh, cooked in savory dishes, or used in desserts. Young, unripe jackfruit is often used as a plant-based meat alternative due to its texture and ability to absorb flavors. Jackfruit is highly nutritious, providing significant amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Foliage: The tree has large, glossy green leaves that provide shade and create a lush, tropical appearance.
Growth Habit: Jackfruit trees can grow up to 80 feet tall in ideal conditions but are usually pruned to a manageable height of 20-30 feet in home gardens. The tree grows quickly, and seedlings can begin fruiting within 3-5 years under optimal conditions.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Jackfruit is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. The ripe fruit is sweet and fragrant, often compared to a mix of pineapple, banana, and mango. It is eaten fresh or used in desserts, smoothies, and jams. The young, unripe fruit is a popular meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian dishes due to its fibrous texture. It is commonly used in curries, tacos, and sandwiches. In traditional medicine, various parts of the jackfruit tree are used for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and the seeds can be boiled or roasted and eaten as a snack.
