Tropical Plants - Addition to Your Garden?

Bananas!--This tropical fruit is considered one of America's (and most likely the world's) most favorite fruits.

Breadfruit!--The breadfruit--originally from the Malay peninsula and then spread through early human exploration and migration throughout the Western Pacific Islands, is now a starchy fruit valued by tropical inhabitants throughout the world.

Papayas!--These fruit, originally from the tropics of the Americas, have now spread throughout the tropical areas of the world and have found their way into many types of excellent meals.

Pineapples--Pineapples--of the bromeliad family, originated in the Central America and Northern South America regions. They have now spread to most tropical areas of the world. They contain an enzyme called "bromelain" that breaks down proteins and essential vitamins, so they are good for digestion and overall health.

Mangos!--Normally you might not think it wise to eat the fruit of a plant related to poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak.... but hey, mangos taste so good that they may be worth it! Not,, it isn't a case of *may*... They *Are* worth it!

Jackfruit--The Jackfruit, or "langka" as is known in the Philippines, is considered to be the world's largest edible tree-borne fruit. These things can be huge--with some reaching weights of more than 75 pounds. The fruits have an interesting odor that takes a while to get used to, but the flesh of the fruit that surrounds the seeds (which are also edible) is delicious--a sort of citrousy (?) flavor and a "mouth-feel" of a fruity-version squid sashimi..(meaning, sort of rubbery and slick). Check out the Squidoo site for more information and to give this fruit a try!

"Noni" or Morinda citrifolia--the "Tahitian Noni" fruit is found all over the Pacific Islands... the fruit and bark are used for medicine and sometimes for dyes. This fruit has gained in popularity recently because of some of its reputed health benefits, but it still has a funcky taste that is tough to get past. More information can be found on the Squidoo lens.

Kapok-The "Cucumber Trees"--These impressive plants (Ceiba pentandra) can grow into huge trees, with almost house-sized trunks. Their fruit pods resemble cucumbers on the outside, but are filled with silky fibers that at one time were used extensively as bouyant fillers for life-preservers and as stuffing for quilts and plush-toys.

Cycad Palms--These attractive palms--also called "sago palms"--are common in most of the tropical and warm arid areas of the world. They bear fruit, but the fruits are poisonous. They are decorative plants that can enhance the beauty of tropical gardens.

Coconuts--Coconut palms have more than just the coconuts... the fronds are used for a wide variety of things such as woven baskets, hats, roofing material, and fibers; the trunks are used for building canoes and homes; and even the husks of the coconuts can be used in a wide variety of ways. This Squidoo lens provides more pictures and information about these amazing plants.

Bamboo--this relative in the grass family is a fast grower and can be found in almost all tropical and temperate areas--although it grows slower in temperate areas, it still can attain amazing heights quickly. A very sturdy plant used for construction, furniture, and small crafts. The shoots can also be eaten if caught young enough that they are still tender.

Banyan trees, very common in the Pacific islands and native to India, are also known as "strangling figs" because when a bird drops a banyan seed in a "host" tree... the seed will sometimes germinate and start growing by not only producing leaves but also sending out "drop roots". When enough of the "drop roots" reach the ground, they gain diameter and strength... enough that they effectively strangle their "host tree". You can see lots of banyans in Angkor Wat, Cambodia seemingly strangling the ancient temple ruins.