Achacha, Achachairú (Garcinia humilis)
from $64.95
If you are a gardener known to dance to the beat of your own drum, cultivating the "A-cha-cha" could be your next great pick!
Gardeners of all levels can’t resist the lure of the Achacha tree. Garcinia humilis is native to South American countries like Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil, where locals know it as “Achachairú.” Its cultivation began with indigenous communities in the tropical lowlands of the Amazon Basin, and it has been traditionally used as a hunger suppressant and in skin healing. The name was adapted from Achachairu to simply Achacha for marketing purposes in Australia, where it was recently approved for commercial growth and is propelling Achacha into popularity on the world’s fruit platter.
The Achacha is native to medium-altitude rain forests, so it grows well in shady, humid climates in soil with good porosity. The Achacha tree can be slow growing, but eventually fruits with an abundant rhythm. Achacha trees grow to about 10-15 ft tall.
Its bright orange, egg-shaped fruits are said to be most similar to Mangosteen in flavor, but with about half of the sugar content! Achacha fruits grow enclosed in a rind, which keep for 4 to 6 weeks at room temperature once harvested. The rinds, rich in antioxidants, can also be infused and chilled into a sweet, tangy drink.
This plant has super potential! Along with numerous purported nutritional benefit, Garcinia humilis is also considered a good candidate for rain forest restoration efforts in areas of South America that have been damaged by deforestation and burning.
Our Achacha trees in size medium are grown from seed and known to fruit prolifically within 6 years of planting. Our Achacha plants in size large are also grown from seed and capable of producing within 5 years.
African Blue Basil (Ocimum Kilimandscharicum × Basilicum 'Dark Opal')
$19.95
African Blue Basil is a gorgeous perennial culinary and medicinal herb native to Africa and South Asia. It has a beautiful shrubby growing habit reaching up to an impressive 6 ft tall!
We love growing rare African Blue Basil for its delightful fragrance and because it is so attractive to pollinators. Focus your eyes on the deep purple variegated shrub for only a moment and you will think it is moving! It's totally a buzz with bees and pollinators! African Blue Basil is related to the common basil but this variety grows as a shrub rather than a leafy herb.
African Blue Basil is an amazing addition to any herb garden and makes a fantastic companion plant in your food forest and best of all, it is one of the few types of basil that grows as a perennial.
Our African Blue Basil plants are grown from cuttings and are capable of blooming and being harvested within one growing season.
African Dream Root (Silene undulata syn. Silene capensis)
$24.95
Silene capensis or African Dream Root is a very rare and sacred flowering perennial herb indigenous to the Green River Valleys of the eastern cape of South Africa. It is in the Carnation family of plants and has beautiful white flowers. This unique ground-dwelling herb is easy to grow and has drought tolerance, but generally requires good moisture and well-draining soil. It's best to wait two years before harvesting the root of the plant for spiritual or medicinal use. When planting be sure to provide adequate room for root growth. Plants are fairly cold hardy and are suitable for containers. Trimming the tops will promote growth. Our African Dream Root is propagated by seed and prefers to grow in a small to medium sized, low-lying habits and can reach up to 2 ft in height.
Aloe (Aloe vera)
$19.95
Aloe Vera is a healing, perennial succulent native to Africa and the Middle East that stands out with its captivating, fleshy foliage that can reach 1-2 ft and its majestic flower spikes that soar to 4 ft! During summer's warm months, it blooms red and orange flowers that beckon hummingbirds and other pollinators. This fast-growing plant spreads through its base pups, making it a great medicinal ornamental and beautiful hardy ground cover.
It grows best in full sun or part shade and in loose, sandy or rocky, fast-draining soils; indoor plants are best in a cactus soil mix. Water regularly in the first growing season to establish a root system; drought tolerant once established. Aloe's succulent foliage can be harvested year-round.
Annatto Achiote (Bixa orellana)
$24.95
Vibrant Natural Dye and Spice
Common Names: Annatto, Achiote, Lipstick Tree, Urucum, RoucouFamily: BixaceaeOrigin: Tropical Americas
Annatto (Bixa orellana), also known as Achiote or the Lipstick Tree, is a tropical shrub or small tree native to the Americas, prized for its bright red seeds used as a natural dye and spice. The seeds, contained within spiny red pods, produce a vivid yellow to orange dye, traditionally used for coloring food, cosmetics, and textiles. In cooking, annatto seeds are used for their mild, earthy flavor, often added to dishes for color and flavor enhancement, especially in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. Besides its culinary and cosmetic uses, annatto has been valued for its medicinal properties, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Seeds: Annatto seeds are small, reddish-brown, and stored inside prickly, heart-shaped pods. The seeds are ground into powder or steeped in oil to create a natural food coloring or spice. They have a mild, peppery flavor with hints of nutmeg and are used in rice dishes, stews, and marinades.
Foliage and Flowers: The tree produces heart-shaped, bright green leaves and clusters of pink to white flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Growth Habit: Annatto grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching 6-20 feet in height, with a bushy, upright growth habit. It is well-suited to tropical and subtropical gardens.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
In the kitchen, annatto seeds are used to add a warm, golden color and subtle flavor to a variety of dishes, including arroz con pollo, tamales, and adobo. It is also the natural colorant in cheeses like cheddar and butter. Annatto oil, made by steeping the seeds in oil, is a popular ingredient in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.
Medicinally, annatto has been used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds and leaves have been used to treat digestive issues, skin conditions, and high blood pressure. The plant is also rich in tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E, which supports skin and heart health.
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea)
from $19.95
Versatile and Nutritious Starch Source
Common Names: Arrowroot, West Indian Arrowroot, Obedience PlantFamily: MarantaceaeOrigin: Central and South America, Caribbean
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) is a perennial herb known for its edible rhizomes, which are the source of the fine, easily digestible arrowroot starch. Native to Central and South America, Arrowroot has been used for centuries as a food thickener, dietary staple, and natural remedy. The starch extracted from the rhizomes is gluten-free, making it a popular alternative to wheat flour for thickening sauces, soups, and desserts. Arrowroot is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical climates, making it a valuable addition to gardens focused on both ornamental and practical uses.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Rhizomes: Arrowroot's arrow-shaped rhizomes are tuberous and starchy, serving as the source of the plant’s famous arrowroot starch. The starch is highly digestible and gluten-free, making it ideal for those with dietary sensitivities. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking. It is a low-temperature friendly starch and can also be boiled down alone to create a jelly. Its roots are peeled and grated into water where it’s dried after several rinses and made into a powder flour. The creeping rootstalk tubers are perfect for cultivating thicker textures in sauces, soups and so on.
Foliage: The plant has large, bright green, lance-shaped leaves that grow upright, making it both attractive and functional in garden landscapes.
Growth Habit: Arrowroot grows as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial, reaching 3-5 feet tall. The plant spreads via underground rhizomes and can be grown in containers or garden beds. It takes a bit of patience to grow, requiring up to 12 months of humid weather to squeeze as much starch as it can, but it’s worth the wait! Arrowroot has been growing in use because of its easy to digest characteristics.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Arrowroot starch is highly valued for its culinary versatility, especially as a gluten-free thickening agent for soups, sauces, gravies, and desserts. It is also used in baking and as a substitute for cornstarch. Arrowroot’s neutral flavor and clear consistency make it ideal for delicate dishes.
Medicinally, arrowroot has been traditionally used to treat digestive disorders, soothe upset stomachs, and aid in wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It is also used in skincare to absorb moisture and as a base in natural cosmetics.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
$19.95
Ashwagandha, also known as Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng, is an annual medicinal herb plant from the Nightshade family. It is cultivated heavily in India and is native to parts of the Middle East, the Indian Peninsula, and the Himalayan regions.
Ashwagandha is an annual or short-lived perennial that features elliptical green leaves and small white bell shaped flowers. The flowers grow into lantern like cases, which contain bright red cherries bearing dozens of tiny seeds. The root is ready to harvest 150 to 180 days after planting, just as the berries have formed and the leaves have begun to yellow.
Ashwagandha is widely known for its medicinal properties in Ayurvedic medicine; the root being the most commonly used part. Taken as a tea or in tincture form, it is believed to reduce anxiety and depression, and to help achieve mental clarity and boost the immune system. Studies show that its potential medicinal effects are due to the presence of alkaloids and steroidal lactones within the plant that promote anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, and antioxidant effects. It's a great medicinal plant for any herbalist's garden!
Ashwagandha is an essential herb in our medicinal garden and food forest. We carefully harvest its roots in the fall by digging up the entire plant and separating the roots from the base of the plant. We remove the red berries (seed pods) from their lantern casings then sun dry the roots and the seeds separately.
Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
$19.95
Whimsical Blooms That Pop with Beauty and Medicinal Power
Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), also called Chinese Bellflower or Doraji, is a cold-hardy perennial herb known for its puffy, balloon-like buds that burst open into stunning star-shaped blue-violet flowers. Native to East Asia and used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, it’s as healing as it is ornamental—especially cherished for its soothing root, used to support lung health, coughs, and inflammation.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in sunny garden beds and borders, adding dreamy vertical interest and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its edible root can be prepared like a vegetable or dried for teas and tinctures. Balloon Flower is a perfect fit for medicinal herb gardens, pollinator plots, and cottage-style borders.
Why You'll Love It:
Unique balloon-like buds burst into stunning blue-violet stars
Medicinal root used in teas, soups, and herbal formulas
Cold-hardy, perennial, and easy to grow
Attracts bees and butterflies to your garden
Perfect for cottage gardens, herbal borders, and pollinator beds
Growing Tips:
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil
Avoid disturbing the roots once established—Balloon Flower doesn’t like to be moved
Water regularly but don’t overwater—roots may rot in soggy soil
Cut back stems after flowering to encourage more blooms and tidy growth
Harvest roots in fall after 1–2 years for medicinal use
Bamboo 'Oldhamii' (Bambusa oldhamii)
from $79.95
Cold-Hardy, Edible, and Elegantly Towering Bamboo for Food Forests and Landscapes
Oldhamii Bamboo, also known as Sweet Shoot Bamboo, is one of the most versatile, elegant, and widely loved clumping bamboos in cultivation. Native to Taiwan, this tropical species is prized for its tender, sweet edible shoots, cold-hardiness, and graceful, upright culms that can reach 50–65 feet tall. Despite its impressive size, Oldhamii remains clumping and non-invasive, making it a favorite for sustainable gardens, edible landscapes, and windbreaks.
Known as one of the best culinary bamboos, Oldhamii produces abundant shoots in spring that are mild, crisp, and easy to prepare—perfect for stir-fries, soups, and pickles. Its fast growth and thick canopy make it excellent for privacy screens, living fences, and erosion control, especially in subtropical regions.
Oldhamii is also one of the most cold-tolerant tropical bamboos, surviving temperatures down to 20°F, making it an excellent choice for growers in USDA Zones 8–11. Its straight, smooth green culms are also used in crafts and light construction.
At Sow Exotic, we ship Oldhamii Bamboo in 1-gallon plantable biodegradable coconut coir pots, making planting easy and eco-friendly.
Beijing Grass (Murdannia loriformis)
$19.95
Beijing Grass is an exotic medicinal herb that comes from the Spiderwort family of plants. Although it's rare and hard to find, Beijing Grass actually grows very easily. It's a low-lying grassy perennial ground cover that grows and spreads very quickly. Plant in the ground or in pots! Beijing grass can be overwintered easily indoors. The smooth green leaves are about 3 to 6 inches long, and can be eaten raw, cooked or juiced.
Beijing Grass has been an important healing herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It helps to support and strengthen the immune system, detoxify the body, and aid in respiratory healing. It is an effective anti-inflammatory, is rich in flavonoids, syringic acid, and glycosphingolipids (G1B) which prevent free radicals and work to inhibit cancerous cells.
Bergamot 'Lemon' (Monarda citriodora)
$19.95
Lemon Bergamot is a culinary and medicinal herb, native to the United States and Mexico that blooms in the late spring and early summer. Its 3-foot stem is covered in dense purple whorls, attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and herbalists to the garden, while its lemon-scented leaves add a subtle, fresh scent. Bergamot can be grown year-round as a perennial or as an annual in colder climates.
Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata, syn, Eclipta alba)
$19.95
The creeping annual herb Bhringraj is a member of the Asteraceae family, or daisy family, along with Electric Daisies and Earth Apples.
Also called the False Daisy and Bhringoraj, the Indian native shoots quick-growing hairy leaves in muddy flats which Ayurvedic medicine uses to remedy inflammation, hair growth, liver detox, and respiratory disorders. This supposed health benefit is thanks to the bitter, pungent leaves’ alkaloid ecliptine properties.
You’ll find Bhringraj in full bloom throughout late summer and early fall, growing easily in a container put in full sun or part shade. Growing up to 3 ft. tall, the herb grows long stalks with small, white flowers. Extract the leaves’ oil for hair growth application, or juice the leaves for stimulating digestive fire and liver detoxification!
Blackberry, Thornless 'Natchez' (Rubus)
from $19.95
Early-Ripening, Thornless Delight with Exceptional Flavor
Developed by the University of Arkansas and released in 2007, 'Natchez' is a semi-erect, thornless blackberry cultivar renowned for its large, elongated berries and early ripening period. Originating from a cross between Ark. 2005 and Ark. 1857, this variety combines high yield potential with excellent fruit quality. Its glossy black fruits are not only visually appealing but also boast a sweet, rich flavor, making them ideal for fresh consumption, jams, and desserts. 'Natchez' thrives in a range of climates and is particularly well-suited for the southeastern United States.
Bloody Dock (Rumex sanguineus)
$19.95
Bloody Dock, or Red-Veined Dock, is an edible perennial grown as a colorful foliage plant and as a zesty salad green. It is native to Europe, southwest Asia, and northern Africa and has naturalized in parts of the U.S. and Canada.
The green, lance-shaped leaves grow in a rosette 18" high and wide decorated with a network of bright reddish-purple veins that make Bloody Dock a striking plant for a border, container, or around a pond. The young raw leaves give a pop of color to salads and can be cooked like spinach and used in soups, omelets, and sauces. They have a tart, lemony flavor, and zing from oxalic acid, but only young leaves should be eaten because older leaves are tough and bitter. Bloody Dock has antiseptic and astringent properties as well as being high in vitamins A and C.
In the late spring to early summer, 2' to 3' tall flower spikes grow up from the leafy rosette with small, star-shaped, copper-colored flowers. These spikes are usually removed to encourage bushier growth of the rosette and to prevent the plant from self-seeding since it has a tendency to become invasive.
Bloody Dock grows best in full sun but will tolerate some partial shade in rich, moist, well-draining, organic soil. It does well at a pond's edge and can also be grown in a garden as long as the soil is kept consistently moist and well-draining. Bloody Dock is a perennial within its hardiness zone of 4 to 8 but can also be grown as an annual.
Blue Grape (Myrciaria vexator)
from $29.95
Rare, Sweet Tropical Berry
Common Names: Blue Grape, Vexator, False JaboticabaFamily: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Central and South America (native to regions like Costa Rica and Panama)
Blue Grape (Myrciaria vexator), also known as False Jaboticaba, is a rare tropical fruit tree that produces dark blue, grape-like berries with a sweet, juicy flavor. The tree is closely related to the Jaboticaba, sharing similarities in appearance and fruit structure. Blue Grape fruits have thick, purple-blue skin and soft, sweet, white pulp that is rich in flavor, making them a delightful treat for fresh eating or juicing. This slow-growing, evergreen tree thrives in warm, humid climates, and its ornamental beauty, combined with its delicious fruit, makes it a prized addition to tropical and subtropical gardens.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: Blue Grape fruits are small, round, and dark blue to purple, about the size of a grape or small plum. The thick skin surrounds a soft, juicy pulp that is sweet and mildly tangy. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and juices. Blue Grapes are rich in vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants, supporting immune health and overall wellness.
Foliage: The tree has dark green, glossy leaves that give it a lush, tropical appearance. The leaves are elliptical and grow densely, creating an attractive canopy.
Growth Habit: Blue Grape is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that can reach heights of 10-25 feet when mature. The tree is well-suited for tropical and subtropical climates and can be grown in containers for those in cooler regions.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
Blue Grape fruits are delicious when eaten fresh or used to make juices, jams, and jellies. The fruit’s sweet flavor and juicy texture make it a perfect tropical snack. In addition to its edible value, the tree is highly ornamental, with its glossy green leaves and attractive form. Blue Grape is often grown for its beauty as well as its fruit, making it a standout in any garden or landscape.
Blueberry 'Biloxi' (Vaccinium darrowii)
$19.95
Heat-Tolerant Blueberries for Southern Gardens
The Biloxi Blueberry, Vaccinium 'Biloxi,' is a Southern Highbush variety known for its exceptional heat tolerance and ability to thrive in warmer climates. Native to the southeastern United States, Biloxi Blueberry produces medium to large, light blue berries with a mild, sweet flavor. This evergreen shrub is perfect for gardeners in southern regions looking for a reliable and productive blueberry plant.
Biloxi Blueberry bushes are not only productive but also provide year-round ornamental value with their glossy, green leaves and beautiful white to pinkish flowers in the spring. The berries ripen early in the season, providing an early summer harvest of delicious and nutritious fruit perfect for fresh eating, baking, or preserving.
To grow Biloxi Blueberry successfully, plant it in well-drained, acidic soil with full sun exposure. Water consistently to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and control weeds. Prune annually to maintain plant health and promote new growth.
Blueberry 'Pink Lemonade' (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Pink Lemonade')
from $19.95
Bright Pink Berries with a Tangy-Sweet Pop of Lemon Flavor
Pink Lemonade Blueberry (Vaccinium 'Pink Lemonade') is one of the most stunning and unique blueberry cultivars available—producing eye-catching, bubblegum-pink berries with a flavor that’s both sweet and slightly citrusy, just like its namesake. This variety is a hybrid between traditional rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries, making it ideal for warm southern climates and backyard gardeners seeking bold color and great taste.
As it fruits, the plant puts on a show—blushing from pale green to deep pink, eventually ripening into firm, juicy berries that are perfect for fresh snacking, desserts, and garnishes. With its compact, upright form, pinkish stems, and rosy fruit, it also makes an excellent ornamental edible for raised beds and containers.
Why You'll Love It:
Produces beautiful pink berries with sweet-tart, lemony flavor
Heat-tolerant and perfect for Southern gardens and warmer climates
Great for edible landscaping and colorful containers
Attracts pollinators with bell-shaped spring flowers
Fruits in mid-to-late summer for extended blueberry season
Growing Tips:
Prefers acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5) and full sun for best fruit color
Water consistently—especially during flowering and fruit set
Mulch with pine bark to maintain moisture and acidity
Pair with another rabbiteye-type blueberry for heavier yields
Prune in winter to shape and remove dead or crossing branches
Calea Dream Herb (Calea Zacatechichi)
$24.95
Calea Zacatechichi, also known as Calea ternifolia, is a flowering plant from the Daisy family. It is commonly found in its native habitat on exposed and disturbed hillsides in Mexico and Central America. The plant grows to be a small bush or shrub, and features small yellow-white flowers. It goes by the common names of Mexican Dream Herb and Bitter Grass (due to it's bitter tasting leaves). The word Zacatechichi is a Nahuatl word that means 'bitter'.
Calea Zacatechichi is one of the plants that make up the Aztec Entheogenic Plant complex- the many plants that the ancient Aztec peoples viewed as sacred, and used within their religious ceremonies for divination and healing. The plant is revered for it's ability to induce powerful, vivid, memorable, and sometimes strangely prophetic dreams. The traditional native use is to smoke the dried leaf material in a cigarette prior to going to bed, or as a boiled tea. Those interested in the dreaming effects of this plant should note that there is variation in the strength of these effects, depending on the strain of the plant, and the concentration of active constituents within the plant.
Calea Zacatechichi is an unique and interesting plant, perfect to add to any hobbyists garden! This is the bitter variety. Our plants have performed well in sandy soil with full sun.
Cas Guava, Costa Rican Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum)
from $29.95
Tangy Tropical Delight from Costa Rica
Common Names: Cas Guava, Costa Rican Guava, Sour Guava, CasFamily: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Central America, particularly Costa Rica
Cas Guava (Psidium friedrichsthalianum), also known as Costa Rican Guava, is a small tropical fruit tree known for its unique and intensely tangy fruit. Native to Central America, particularly Costa Rica, Cas Guava is a popular fruit in tropical regions, often used to make refreshing beverages, juices, and jams due to its sour, citrusy flavor. This small, hardy tree is highly valued for its ability to grow in diverse conditions and its heavy fruit production. The fruits are smaller than common guavas and are highly aromatic, making them a standout in both home gardens and orchards.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: Cas Guava produces small, round, greenish-yellow fruits with a strong, tangy flavor. The flesh is typically white or light yellow and filled with numerous small seeds. The fruits are rich in vitamin C and have a sour, citrusy flavor that makes them ideal for beverages, smoothies, jams, and sauces.
Foliage: The tree has glossy, dark green leaves that are aromatic when crushed, giving off a pleasant guava scent. The dense foliage makes it an attractive addition to tropical gardens.
Growth Habit: Cas Guava is a small, bushy tree that can grow up to 10-15 feet tall. It is drought-tolerant once established and can produce fruit prolifically, often within 2-3 years of planting.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Cas Guava is most commonly used to make refreshing drinks known as “Cas fresco” in Costa Rica, where the fruit is blended with water and sugar to create a tart, tangy juice. The fruit is also used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. Due to its sour taste, it is rarely eaten fresh on its own.
Medicinally, Cas Guava is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health and protecting against oxidative stress. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat digestive issues, such as diarrhea and upset stomachs.
Celeste Fig
from $19.95
$22.95
Reliable Southern Favorite with Honey-Sweet Flavor and Cold Tolerance
The Celeste Fig (Ficus carica 'Celeste') is a Southern classic, beloved for its cold-hardiness, dependable productivity, and small, sweet, honey-flavored fruit. Also known as the Sugar Fig, this variety produces light brown to purplish-bronze skin with rosy-pink flesh that is rich, smooth, and perfect for fresh eating, drying, or preserves.
Celeste is a self-fertile, early-fruiting variety that performs beautifully in hot, humid climates and mild winters, making it ideal for growers across Zones 7–10. It’s also more cold-tolerant than many other fig varieties and resists splitting in wet conditions—perfect for southeastern gardens.
Compact and easy to manage, Celeste grows to about 8–15 feet tall, making it suitable for containers or in-ground. It typically produces a main summer crop, but in warmer zones, you may also get a light breba crop in early summer.
Whether you're building your backyard orchard or looking for your first fig, Celeste is a time-tested favorite that delivers big flavor and little fuss.
Ceylon Gooseberry, Ketembilla (Dovyalis hebecarpa)
from $24.95
Tangy Tropical Fruit for Unique Flavor
Common Names: Ceylon Gooseberry, Ketembilla, Kitembilla, Ceylon Gooseberry TreeFamily: SalicaceaeOrigin: Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Southern India
The Ceylon Gooseberry (Dovyalis hebecarpa), also known as Ketembilla, is a small, tropical fruit tree native to Sri Lanka and Southern India. It is grown for its small, tart, purple fruits that are similar in size and taste to gooseberries. The fruits are prized for their unique, tangy flavor and are often used to make jams, jellies, juices, and desserts. The tree is highly ornamental, with lush, green foliage and a bushy growth habit, making it a beautiful and productive addition to tropical and subtropical gardens.
Ceylon Gooseberry was originally brought to the United States by Dr. David Fairchild. It has since been naturalized in Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico, Israel, and parts of Central America and South Africa.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: Ceylon Gooseberries are small, round, and turn deep purple when ripe. The fruits have a tart, slightly astringent flavor and are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Though the fruits are sour when eaten fresh, they are excellent for making preserves, jams, and juices.
Foliage: The tree has glossy, dark green leaves that provide a dense, bushy appearance. The foliage adds an ornamental value, and the tree is often grown as a decorative hedge or fruiting shrub.
Growth Habit: Ceylon Gooseberry grows as a bushy shrub or small tree, typically reaching 6-15 feet in height. It has a spreading growth habit and is often pruned to maintain shape.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Ceylon Gooseberry fruits are commonly used in cooking, particularly for making jams, jellies, and syrups. The tart flavor complements sweeteners, making it a popular ingredient in preserves and desserts. The fruit can also be used to make refreshing juices and wine.
Medicinally, the fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health and helping to combat oxidative stress. It has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues and boost overall health.
Cherimoya (Annona cherimola)
from $24.95
Cherimoya, also called the Custard Apple, is one of the most celebrated tropical fruits in the world—so much so that Mark Twain famously called it “the most delicious fruit known to men.” Native to the Andean valleys of South America, this small, semi-deciduous tree produces large, heart-shaped green fruits with soft, custard-like white flesh. The flavor is a decadent blend of banana, pineapple, strawberry, and vanilla cream. Cherimoya is cherished for fresh eating but also used in smoothies, ice creams, and desserts. With its lush foliage and prized fruit, it’s a dream tree for rare fruit collectors and permaculture gardeners.
Why Grow Cherimoya?
Produces large, sweet, custard-like fruits with a tropical, complex flavor
Considered one of the best-tasting fruits in the world
Beautiful tree with lush, semi-deciduous foliage
Excellent addition to food forests, edible landscapes, and rare fruit collections
High in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants
Growing Tips
Cherimoya thrives in full sun with protection from extreme heat and wind. Plant in rich, well-drained soil, and water regularly to keep soil evenly moist. It prefers mild subtropical climates (USDA Zones 9b–11) and is not frost-tolerant when young. In cooler climates, grow in a large container and overwinter indoors. Hand-pollination is often recommended for reliable fruit set, as natural pollinators may be limited outside its native range. Prune in late winter to shape the tree and encourage new growth. Grafted trees may produce fruit within 1-2 years, seedlings within 3-4 years.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Cherimoya has been cultivated in the Andean highlands for thousands of years, where it remains a cultural staple. The name chirimoya means “cold seeds” in Quechua, reflecting its ability to grow in cool, high-altitude valleys. Today, it’s prized worldwide for its luscious, creamy texture and complex flavor—often eaten with a spoon straight from the fruit, blended into smoothies, or made into custards, ice creams, and tropical desserts
Chipilín (Crotalaria longirostrata)
from $19.95
Chipilin is a beautiful perennial or annual legume native to Central America and Southern Mexico. Chipilin is cultivated for it's edible foliage. Chipilin plants are typically grown as a annuals in the seasonal garden.
The leaves are grown, harvested, and prepared as a leafy vegetable in the local cuisines of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tobasco, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The leaves are high in iron, calcium, beta carotene, and magnesium. They can be boiled and served green, dried and used as an herb, or added to tamale dough for color and flavor.
Common names include Chepil, Chepilin, Chipilin and Longbeak Rattlebox.
Christmasberry (Lycium carolinianum)
$19.95
Hardy Native Shrub with Winter Berries
Common Names: Christmasberry, Carolina Wolfberry, Carolina Desert-ThornFamily: SolanaceaeOrigin: Southeastern United States and the Caribbean
Christmasberry (Lycium carolinianum) is a tough, adaptable, salt-tolerant shrub native to the southeastern United States, including Florida, as well as parts of the Caribbean. This small, deciduous shrub is known for producing clusters of small, bright red berries in the fall and winter, giving it its festive name. These berries attract a wide variety of birds and wildlife, making Christmasberry an excellent choice for wildlife gardens or coastal landscaping. The plant’s resilience to salt spray and drought makes it ideal for sandy soils and coastal regions. Its sprawling growth habit and attractive berries also provide an ornamental touch to gardens, especially during the winter months.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Ecological Value
Fruits: Christmasberry produces small, bright red to orange berries in fall and winter, which are enjoyed by various birds and other wildlife. While edible, the berries are more commonly consumed by animals than humans. The fruit offers essential nutrients for wildlife during the colder months.
Foliage: The shrub has small, succulent, grayish-green leaves that add texture to the landscape. The leaves are tolerant of salt spray and drought, making them well-suited for coastal environments.
Growth Habit: Christmasberry is a compact, thorny shrub that typically grows 3-6 feet tall, with a spread of about the same width. Its sprawling, somewhat leggy branches make it ideal for use as a ground cover or in wildlife-friendly landscapes.
We found Christmasberry plants growing wild on the rocky, sandy coasts of western Florida but it can be cultivated in many types of well-draining soils and growing conditions. This tough species can withstand both salt spray and droughts and is known to thrive in USDA Zones 8-11.
Ecological and Ornamental Uses
Christmasberry provides excellent habitat and food for birds and small animals Its tolerance of salt spray and poor soils makes it perfect for coastal or sandy garden areas. The bright berries provide winter interest in the garden, contrasting with its muted foliage. The plant’s adaptability and resilience make it valuable for naturalized gardens, erosion control, or coastal barrier plantings.
