Indian Fruit Plants

The Indian gooseberry, also called amla, is a fruit-bearing tree native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia. It's an important plant in traditional Indian medicine and is also used in various culinary applications.

Scientific name: Phyllanthus emblica 

Common Names: Indian gooseberry, amla, Nellikai (in Tamil), Nellikkai (in Malayalam), Amlaki (in Sanskrit), Amalaka (in Hindi), Usirikaya (in Telugu), and Dhatriphala (in Ayurveda).

Origin and Growth Habit

Amla is native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Amla is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 18 metres high. It has a spreading crown and a twisted or curved trunk.

Suitable climate and soil conditions:

Amla grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It tolerates a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils.

Sunlight requirements:

Amla prefers full sun to partial shade.

Planting distance:

Amla trees should be planted at least 6 metres apart. Amla can be grown in containers too.

Pruning:

The Amla tree only needs minimal pruning. Dead or diseased branches should be removed. 

Water requirements:

Amla needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant.

Description Of The Fruit:

Amla is a round, greenish-yellow berry about 1-2 centimetres in diameter. There are red-coloured hybrid varieties available.

Taste, Size And Colour:

The amla fruit has a sour and slightly bitter taste. The fruit is small, about the size of a small cherry, and is greenish-yellow when ripe.

Edible Uses:

The amla / nellikka is used in cooking to add a sour flavour to dishes. It's also used for making chutneys, pickles and preserves. Amla is often eaten with salt and red chilli powder as a snack.

Medicinal Use:

Amla has been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years. It's credited with a wide range of health benefits, including improving digestion, strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Amla is one of the three main ingredients of Triphala, a popular Ayurvedic herbal formula. It is a common ingredient in hair care products as it's said to strengthen hair and prevent hair loss.

Nutritional Value:

Amla is a rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants and other nutrients. It's also low in calories and contains a lot of fibre.

Anjili, Ayini Chakka, or wild jack is similar to jackfruit, but the fruit is much smaller. The fruit is delicious and high in nutritional value.

Anjili, or the wild jackfruit, is very similar to jackfruit, but the fruit is much smaller. The fruits are very high in nutrient value. There could be hundreds of fruits on one mature tree, which is a beautiful sight.

Growing Anjili

It can grow without the need for any particular care.

It prefers slightly acidic or neutral soil. though it can tolerate slightly alkaline soil too.

Though it grows slowly in the initial years, the tree can grow from 30 to 50 metres tall. It is used in the lumber industry. Anjili is native to the western Ghats.

Grafted Anjili plants are shorter and can be planted in a smaller area. This makes harvesting easy. Also, grafted plants mature in 2–3 years.

Anjili fruit description and taste

The anjili, or ayini pazham, as it is called in some places, starts flowering in the months of January and February. The fruits mature from May to July. Removing the outer skin of the Anjili fruit can be done by hand, as it is soft compared to that of a jackfruit. The size of the fruit is also much smaller compared to that of a jackfruit. It can easily be held in one hand.

Rich in fibre content, it has vitamins A, C, potassium, zinc, and folic acid. It can also be used as a vegetable.

Seeds are edible and are often fried to make a snack.

Rich in vitamin C, Ber apple, Indian jujube, or Elanthapazham all look like small apples. It is a small fruit with a round to oblong shape and a thin, glossy skin.

Planting Ber Apple Trees

The tree has a strong root system and can grow in a variety of temperatures and soil pH levels. The tree is also known as Indian jujube and is frequently confused with jujube or red date.

The plant is generally devoid of pest issues and easy to grow. They require full sun. They can be grown in large pots.

The jujube plant is drought-tolerant to some extent when planted on the ground. However, when potted, regular watering is needed. Water logging is to be avoided.

It is a medium-sized tree, reaching about 10 metres in height but often being shorter than that. It can be kept shorter through pruning. The tree often takes the shape of a large bush as it branches out from the very base. The tree has ornamental value and is used for landscaping purposes.

Indian jujube plants fruit during the winter, though some varieties fruit several times in a year.

Fruit description and taste

These berries may be eaten fully ripe or slightly underripe. The fruits have a crisp, astringent flavor. Ber apples are typically eaten raw or lightly salted. They are high in flavonoids, which help promote blood circulation and stimulate digestion. Ber fruits have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties and contain vitamin C, thiamin, pectin, and riboflavin.

There are hundreds of varieties of blackberry plants with different botanical names. Blackberry is just a common name used to refer to many varieties of bushy plants that produce blackberry-like fruits. These fruits, in general, have a distinct colour and flavour. Interestingly, blackberries are not really berries, though the fruits have a berry-like appearance.

Blackberry is a fruit-bearing perennial shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family, which also includes other fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, and apples. Blackberry bushes typically grow to between 6 and 12 feet in height, although some varieties can grow taller. The plant has thorny stems and leaves that are typically dark green and glossy.

Blackberry description and taste

The fruit of the blackberry bush is a small, dark berry that is typically black or dark purple in colour. The fruit is juicy, sweet, and often used for making jams, jellies, and preserves. Blackberries are also commonly eaten fresh.

Blackberries are juicy with a sweet-tart taste. Blackberries are high in antioxidants and are a cancer-fighting superfood. It helps increase the clotting properties of blood.

The fruit should be plump, solid, and fresh for the best flavour and results. 

Growing blackberries

Blackberry grows in a wide range of climatic conditions, from hot summers to cold winters. Also, it is adaptive to different soil types.

Blackberries are native to Europe and Asia, but they are also commonly grown in many regions of the world, including North America, South America, Africa and Australia. In India, blackberries are grown in the Himalayan regions as well as the temperate regions of the country. The bushes can be grown in a variety of soils and climates, but they prefer well-drained soil and a moderate climate with adequate rainfall. They can be grown in the wild or cultivated for commercial or home use.

Blackberries can be grown in pots. Pruning canes after harvesting is a must.

It grows well in full sun or slight shade.

Growth type: shrub 

Custard Apple or the Ramphal, botanically Annona reticulata, is a fruit plant belonging to the Annonaceae family. Sitaphal or the Sugar Apple is often mistaken for custard apple.

The tree as such doesn't grow very high, but has many branches.

Common names:

Annona reticulata is known by various names, such as Custard Apple, Aathachakka, Bull's Heart, Bullock's Heart, Cherimoya,  Kamansi, Ramphal, Wild Sweetsop, etc.

Origin and natural habitat:

Annona reticulata is native to the tropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It has also been introduced to several countries worldwide, including India, the Philippines, Thailand and Australia. In India, it's is grown in the southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and also in West Bengal and Maharashtra.

Growth type:

Custard apple tree is a small deciduous tree or shrub that can reach a height of 5-10 metres. It has an open and spreading habit with a dense leaf crown.

Suitable climatic conditions and soil types:

Custard apple grows well in hot and humid tropical climates with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It tolerates some salinity and adapts to different soil types, including sandy loam, laterite and red soil.

Sunlight requirement:

Custard apple grows best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.

Growing tips and planting distance:

Seedlings mature in 3-4 years. Budding plants mature within 1-2 years. It's good practise to prune the branches after harvest. This produces new branches that will bear fruit the next year. The recommended planting distance is 5 to 6 metres.

Water requirements:

Custard apple requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in dry periods. However, excessive watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Ease of Maintenance:

It is a low maintenance plant that requires little care once established. Occasional pruning can be beneficial to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches.

Once established, it'll grow without much care. It's also tolerant of draughts.

Description, taste, size and colour of the fruit:

The custard apple is heart-shaped or oval, 7-12 cm in diameter and 100-400 grammes in weight. The flesh is white or yellow, soft and sweet and has a custard-like texture. The fruit contains many black, shiny and hard seeds that aren't edible.

Edible uses:

Ramphal is often eaten fresh or made into juice, smoothies, ice cream or other desserts. The flesh is also used to flavour milkshakes, sweets and other candies.

Medicinal uses and nutritional value:

Custard apple has been used to treat various diseases such as fever, dysentery, diarrhoea and worm infestation. The pulp is also believed to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants.

Breadfruit is a species of flowering tree that grows widely in tropical regions. It belongs to the Moraceae family and the Artocarpus genus. Hence, it is closely related to tropical fruits such as jackfruit. Breadfruit is natively found in the Polynesian islands, New Guinea, the Maluku Islands, the Philippines, and the Caribbean Islands.

It is now widely cultivated in South and Southeast Asia, the Caribbean islands, Central America, and Africa.

Growing Breadfruit

Breadfruit is a fast-growing tree. It grows in a wide variety of climatic conditions. A well-drained soil with good organic content is best suited for growing breadfruit. Air-layered plants typically produce fruit in two years. Apart from removing dead branches, the breadfruit tree does not require pruning.

Breadfruit Taste And Description

A single fruit, on average, weighs about 1 kg. It has a rich nutrient profile, and is used as a starchy staple food in many tropical regions. The fruit picked from the tree will not mature or ripen any further. When fully ripe, it will become soft and pale yellow. Breadfruit is used as a vegetable, and for this, the fully mature fruit is picked before it ripens. If the fruits are for sale, then they should not be allowed to fall to the ground during harvesting, which will impact their their shelf life. However, it should not make a difference when used immediately for home use.

The skin of the fruit has milky-colored latex, which is seen as small droplets.There are three stages of maturity for the breadfruit. green, mature, and ripe. The immature fruit has a fresh green colour and a rubbery texture, and it has less flavour. A developed or mature fruit has a smooth texture, and the bright green outer colour turns to a pale yellow-green colour. This is the best time to harvest the fruit.A mature breadfruit may be refrigerated to slow down the ripening; otherwise, it will ripen in 2–3 days.

Nutritional content

It has very impressive nutritional content that provides many medicinal and therapeutic benefits. It contains fibre and proteins, including essential amino acids that are valuable in controlling diabetes, lowering cholesterol levels, and promoting healthy skin and hair. Apart from these, it also contains vitamins C, B1, and B5 and minerals like potassium and copper, which help strengthen the immune system and prevent infection.

Citrus trifoliata, commonly referred to as the trifoliate orange or bitter orange, is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the Rutaceae family from eastern Asian countries. The Chinese Bush Orange is more like a lemon than an orange. They are excellent for lemonade. Though commonly considered a citrus fruit, many botanists consider it to belong to the Poncirus genus.

Citrus trifoliata, commonly known as the "trifoliate orange," gets its common name from its leaves that are divided into three leaflets and resemble a clover.

Citrus trifoliata can grow throughout India, especially warm and humid climates

Natural Habitat and Growth Type:

Citrus trifoliata prefers warm, humid climates but can tolerate cold winters as well. It thrives best in well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5-7.5.

Sunlight Requirements:

Though it can manage in partial shade, Citrus trifoliata does best when exposed to full sun.

Growing Tips and Planting Distance:

When planting Citrus trifoliata, it is essential that the soil be well-drained rich in organic matter. 

Bush orange is a shrub that typically grows to a height of 10 to 12 feet. When planted on the ground, give a spacing of 8-10 feet.

Bush Orange is ideal for planting in a pot, where it can remain compact while producing a large number of fruits.

The bush orange is a thorny plant. The plant has dense foliage with glossy leaves. Hence it is often grown as a hedge.

Water Needs and Ease of Care:

Citrus trifoliata requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Otherwise, this plant is relatively low maintenance.

Though it is optional, Citrus trifoliata can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.

Fruit Description, Taste, Size and Color:

Citrus trifoliata fruit are small in shape and orange in color, measuring 3 to 4 cm across. 

A bush orange is excellent for making lemonade. The fruit is used along with the peel to get a nice flavour. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. It is used for making jam and pickles. 

It is  highly acidic and bitter to be consumed raw.

Medical Uses:

Citrus trifoliata has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, such as coughs, colds and digestive troubles. Additionally, it acts as an insecticide and produces essential oils.

Anacardium occidentale, commonly referred to as cashew, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Brazil. In India it's known by the names "Kaju" in Hindi and "Andiparippu" in Malayalam.

The name "cashew" comes from the Portuguese word for "fruit," caju. This tree-borne fruit of the cashew tree was brought to India by the Portuguese during the 16th century.

Natural Habitat and Growth Type:

The cashew plant is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 12 metres tall. It has an open growth habit and has a dense, bushy crown. Tolerant of various soil conditions such as sandy or clayey ones, the tree thrives here.

Cashew plant prefers a warm, humid climate with average temperatures ranging from 20degC to 35degC. It thrives best in well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.

Sunlight Needs:

Cashew plant thrives best in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade too.

Water Requirements and Ease of Maintenance:

Cashew plant requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Otherwise, this plant is relatively low maintenance with minimal pruning required.

Fruit Description, Taste, Size and Color:

Cashew fruit is a juicy delectable treat with an intense flavour. There are red and yellow varieties available; typically consumed raw or in juice form to get rid of any strong aroma or aftertaste.  Mildly cooking the fruit may help eliminate this strong aroma altogether if that's what puts you off.

It provides a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Cashew nuts also make nutritious snacks as well as being used in many culinary dishes.

Feni, a popular Goan liquor, is made with cashew fruit.

The seed of cashew fruit is kidney-shaped and about 2 to 3 cm across. It has an outer hard shell called the cashew nut that contains one single seed inside.

Raw seeds contain milky juice that can cause blisters. On the other hand, when ripened fruits have dried out, these nuts would be dry and crisp.

Medical Uses:

Cashew fruit has long been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as diarrhoea, constipation and stomach ulcers. Furthermore, the fruit may possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Growing Cashew Plants

Cashew plants can be found throughout India, where they thrive in both tropical and subtropical climates. Due to its drought-tolerance, homestead planting requires less upkeep than commercial plantations; however, grafted trees will start flowering after 6-8 months but should be removed for two years in order to promote healthy plant growth. 

A spacing of  7 to 10 metres is needed when planted on the ground. If space is an issue, grafted trees can also be pruned into small trees that can be placed into drums or other containers. Cashew plant can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. 

Cashew trees are grown for both fruit and nuts but primarily grown for their nuts.

Cat fruit blooms in February and March. Cat fruit flowers have a cat's hair-like appearance, hence the name. The cat fruit plant is easy to grow.

Cat fruit description and taste

Cat fruit belongs to the same family as water apples, and it has a similar sweet-sour taste.

Growing Cat Fruit

The cat fruit plant grows to a height of up to 12 metres but is often much shorter. Flowers look very much like those of a water apple. Propagation is done through seedlings and grafted plants. The latter produces fruits much earlier.

Dragon fruit is native to Mexico and Central America. The dragon fruit plant belongs to the cactus family and requires very little water. A well-drained soil is a must for this plant. Plenty of sunlight and air circulation is needed. Only organic manures are used. Pesticide use is also not needed. Given proper care, fruiting starts within a year. Starting in May, the fruiting season continues until October.

Growing Dragon Fruit

The dragon fruit plant requires a pillar-like structure of about 6 feet to climb and support itself. A strong trellis could also be used. The fruit is produced at the tips of the branches. Occasional deep watering is ideal, but ensure the soil is dry before watering again. 

Dragon fruit plant prefers a slightly acidic soil having a soil pH between 5.3 to 6.7.

Dragon fruit: description and taste

The fruit is oblong shaped with a size of about 12 cm. It has a sweet taste and a slightly grainy texture. It is high in fibre and antioxidants and is also a good source of vitamin C and B vitamins. It is usually eaten fresh but can also be used to make jams and jellies. Dragon fruit is visually very attractive.

Alternate names - Dragon Fruit Pink, Pitahaya, Strawberry Pear

Botanical family - Cactaceae

Scientific name - Selenicereus undatus (Previous name: Hylocereus undatus)

Jamun (or njaval) grows well throughout its native India and in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, and some parts of the USA. Although not widely cultivated commercially in India, it is grown as a shade tree along with parks, roadsides, government institutions, and commercial complexes as part of community afforestation.

Common names: Jamun, Njaval, Jambul, jambolan, Black plum

Growing Jamun

Jamun propagation is usually through seedlings, but grafting and budding are also gaining popularity.

Jamun or Syzygium cumini is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach up to 100 feet in height. It can have a wide canopy, due to which it is sometimes used as a shade tree.

It prefers a hot and humid climate and can tolerate a range of soils, including sandy loam and clay. The tree requires full sun exposure to produce fruit, and it is recommended to plant it at a distance of at least 25 feet from other trees. The tree usually survives unattended. However, watering in dry conditions is helpful during the fruiting period.

Jamun is usually not pruned. Graft, bud, and layer jamun plants may be grown in containers; jamun plant seedlings are not recommended to be grown in containers.

The jamun tree flowers in March–April and bears fruit in June. From a single tree, 10–100 kg of jamun fruit are produced,

Jamun fruit description

Jamun berries are round and typically 3–4 cm in diameter. The fruit starts out green and turns dark purple or black when ripe.

Jamun berry is juicy and has a sweet and tangy flavor. The fruit is commonly eaten fresh and is also used to make juices, jams and jellies. Eating Jamun will give a deep violet colour to the tongue for sometime.

Post-harvest, the black violet fruit has a shelf life of only one or two days at normal temperatures. The jamun, washed and sealed in polythene covers, can be stored for up to three weeks.

The seeds are also edible and are often roasted or boiled. The fruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C.

Medicinal value of jamun

All parts of the jamun tree are useful and have medicinal value. The leaves are bactericidal, and the fruits are used for the strength of teeth and gums and for stomach ailments. Syrup or fruit juice are good for the nervous system and anemia. It is very good for diarrhea and urinary incontinence. Jamun, or njaval fruits, are rich in minerals and vitamins.

In Ayurvedic medicine, jamun is used for treating diabetes, diarrhea, and skin diseases. Jamun has antioxidant properties.

Other uses of jamun

The blue-black color of jamun has been used as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles.

The leaves of the jambolan tree are often used in cooking to add flavor.

The seeds of the jamun are used for treating oral health problems such as gum disease and toothache.

Njaval/Jamun is an important source of food for various birds, bats, and monkeys in the wild.

It is grown as a shade tree.

Egg fruit is a tropical fruit plant native to South America. Unlike what might seem from its name, it doesn't taste like an egg. But the inside of the fruit has a colour very similar to an egg yolk. The egg fruit needs to be fully ripe to be fit for consumption.  It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, Niacin, Carotene and Beta Carotene. 

Egg fruit plant grows into a midsize tree. Pruning may be done to remove dead branches and maintain shape.

Alternate names: Egg fruit, Cupcake fruit, Canistel

Botanical name: Pouteria campechiana

The grapevine, botanically Vitis vinifera, is a fruit-bearing deciduous climbing vine native to the Mediterranean region, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It is a member of the Vitaceae family.

Grapes are one of the oldest cultivated fruits in history with evidence of its cultivation dating back to 6000-4000 BC in the Middle East.

Given proper care, grapes can grow almost everywhere.

Depending on the use, grapes are classified into four general types.

Wine grapes, Table Grapes, Raisin, GrapesJuice Grapes.

However, all grape varieties can be used for any of the four purposes. it's just that some are more suitable for certain uses.

Common names : angoor' - Hindi, 'draksha' - Sanskrit

Growing Grapevine

The grapevine can grow up to 30 metres long and has a woody stem that can reach a diameter of up to 18 centimetres. It thrives in warm, dry climates with well-drained soils. It prefers full sun and moderate watering.

Grapevine should be planted 1-1.5 metres apart in well-draining soil that has been enriched with compost or manure. Pruning grapevines is recommended to keep their shape and promote fruit production. Grapevine can be grown in containers, but it requires frequent watering and may require more fertiliser to maintain its growth.

Grapevines are best suited for growing in warm and dry climates, and are commonly grown in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu in India.

Grape fruit taste, nutritional value

The grape fruit is round to oblong in shape, about 1-2 centimetres in diameter, and comes in green, red, purple, or black. The fruit has a sweet and tart flavour and is widely used in the production of wine, grape juice, and other grape products. The fruit is high in vitamin C and K, as well as antioxidants and fibre.

Grapes are known to have curative purposes. Studies have shown a high intake of grapes relates to fewer incidences of cancer. The high level of magnesium present is attributed to the therapeutic value of grapes.The therapeutic value of grapes is attributed to the high level of magnesium present. It assists in good bowel movement. The dark variety of grapes is especially good as blood builders.

Grape fruit is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, respiratory infections, and skin diseases.

Guava or Pera trees are trees that grow well in bushes and backyards without much care. Although it's now grown in most parts of the world, it originated in South America and the Caribbean islands. It's a high quality fruit, both in terms of taste and health benefits.

Guava trees usually bear their first fruit within 2 to 3 years of planting. The fruit is ready to harvest when it turns yellow or pink and is slightly soft to the touch. Guavas can be eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies and marmalades.

Growing Guava 

Guavas are propagated by seedlings, grafting or grafting.

Guava trees are relatively easy to grow and can be grown in a variety of soils as long as they're well-drained. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.

They can be grown in a variety of soils, including sandy, clay and loam, but it's important to enrich the soil with organic matter to improve its fertility.

Depending on the variety, guava trees should be planted 6 to 18 feet apart.

Guava trees planted on a homestead don't require regular irrigation. However, irrigation is necessary for optimal production in a commercial plantation. Guavas grown in containers need regular irrigation. The guava should be watered deeply so that the water can reach the roots.

To keep your guava tree healthy, it's important to prune it regularly to remove dead or diseased wood and to bring it up to the desired size. 

Guava trees are also heavy growers and need to be fertilised regularly with a balanced fertiliser consisting of micro and macronutrients.

Guava trees are easy to grow and require little care, making them a high-quality fruit in terms of both taste and health benefits.

Health benefits of the guava

The benefits of guava cannot be overstated. From digestive problems to diabetes and cholesterol, guava can even prevent cancer. Guava is rich in vitamins A, C, B2, E and K, as well as fibre, manganese, potassium, iron and phosphorus.

It is said that if you eat an apple a day, you can live without seeing a doctor. This is even more true with guava. Even the leaves and stalks of guava have medicinal value. Consuming one guava a day is enough to improve heart health due to its high levels of Vitamin C and potassium, which help lower blood pressure and prevent the accumulation of fat in the blood. 

Vitamin C, which is abundant in guava, boosts the immune system and can alleviate common ailments such as fever, cough, and cold. Guava can be consumed as a salad or juice and has been known to treat prostate, breast, skin, and oral cancer. 

Guava is also rich in Vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining eyesight, and can be consumed in large quantities to prevent night blindness. Guava juice can also be taken regularly to cure age-related vision loss, enhance intellect, improve skin beauty, and control the thyroid. 

Additionally, guava leaves have medicinal value and can be used to relieve toothaches, gum disease, and bad breath. They can also be used to make an inexpensive mouthwash and can stave off dental disease if used regularly. 

Drinking water mixed with dried guava leaves can also help control blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. 

Hog plum, botanically Spondias mombin, also known as yellow mombin, or Spanish plum, is a tropical fruit tree native to Central and South America. 

Common names:

Yellow mombin, hog plum, Sweet Ambazham, Spanish plum, "amra" - Hindi, "amra" or "jobo" - Bengali.

Origin and natural habitat:

Hog plum is native to Central and South America, but is now grown in many tropical regions around the world. 

Growth type:

Hog plum is a small to medium sized tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall. It has a dense, spreading canopy, a short boot and rough, grey-brown bark.

However, grafted varieties are very compact and can easily be grown in large pots.

Suitable climatic conditions and soil types:

Hog plum thrives in warm climates with temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. The plant prefers well-drained soil, but can also grow in sandy or loamy soils. It tolerates acidic and alkaline soil.

Sunlight requirement:

Hog plum prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.

Growing tips:

Plant the tree in well-drained soil and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Add organic material to the soil to improve its fertility.

Planting distance:

Hog plum trees from seedlings needs to be planted at a distance of 10 to 12 metres from each other. 

However, nowadays only grafted varieties are planted which are much compact. Pruning is recommended to maintain their size and shape.

Water requirements:

Spondias mombin trees need regular watering, especially in the dry season. However, it's important not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot.

Ease of maintenance:

Maintaining Hogplum plants is fairly straightforward. Pruning should be done regularly to keep their shape and size, as well as to remove dead or diseased branches. It is usually devoid of pest attacks. 

Fruit description, taste, size, and color:

The fruit of Spondias mombin is oval-shaped, with a smooth, yellow or orange skin that turns orange-red when ripe. The flesh is juicy and fibrous, with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. The fruit isize is typically 6-8 cm.

Edible uses:

Spondias mombin fruit is commonly eaten fresh or cooked. It can also be used to make jams, jellies, and other culinary preparations.

In fact, it can be used as a substitute for raw mango in most recipes.  While most mango varieties are seasonal, hog plums are available round the year.

The fruits from this grafted hog plum are slightly different from the traditional hog plums. Its fruit is not fibrous. When fully ripe, the fruit is not only slightly sweet but also not very sour.

In some regions, it is also used to make a traditional alcoholic beverage.

Medicinal uses and nutritional value:

Hog plums, also known as Spondias mombin, are a nutrient-rich fruit containing high amounts of vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Eating these fruits can provide many health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, aiding in digestion and reducing the risk of various types of cancers.

Mangifera indica, commonly known as mango, is a tropical fruit tree native to South Asia. Mangoes are one of the most popular fruits all over the world, especially in India.

The popularity of mango in the Indian subcontinent is underscored by the fact that it is the national fruit of both India and Pakistan.

The mango has a long history of cultivation dating back over 4,000 years. Mango trees are very long-lived, with some living up to 300 years.

There are over a thousand varieties of mango, varying in size, colour and flavour. The size of the tree also varies, ranging from a few metres to 30 metres high.

Common names: "aam" (Hindi), "maamidi" (Telugu), "maavina kayi" (Kannada), and "manga" (Tamil and Malayalam).

Growing a mango tree

The mango tree prefers well-drained soil in a warm and humid location. The tree needs full sun to bear fruit. Depending on the local weather, the water requirement varies. In any case, watering during the fruiting season is recommended. Shortly before the flowering period, however, watering is avoided or limited.

When planting a mango tree, it is important to provide enough space for the tree to spread out. Since the tree's canopy size varies, the planting distance should take the needs of the specific variety into consideration.

Apart from removing the dead branches, regular pruning is not done for mango trees.

Though best planted on the ground, certain mango varieties can be grown in containers with good results.

Mango Fruit Description and Taste

Mango is an oblong-shaped, single-seed fruit that can weigh from 50 grams to a kilogram. The skin of the fruit is typically green when unripe. Depending on the variety, it may turn yellow, orange, red, or remain green as it ripens. The flesh is sweet and juicy, with a unique flavour that varies depending on the variety of mango.

The fruit is commonly eaten fresh but can also be used in a variety of dishes, including chutneys, shakes, and a variety of desserts. Mango pulp is used for making juices and ice creams.

Mango is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, dietary fibre and antioxidants. Eating mango improves digestion, boosts immunity, and also helps reduce inflammation.

Sapodilla is part of the Sapotaceae family, which also includes Mamey Sapote, Canistel, Milk Fruit, Abiu, and Green Sapote. Sapodilla is native to Yucatan. Southern Mexico, Northern Belize, and Northeastern Guatemala It grows in forests and has been cultivated since ancient times. European traders took seeds to many parts of the tropics, including the Philippines, and sapodilla is now grown in tropical areas around the world, where it is known by many names.

India is the world's largest commercial producer of the Sapote.

The sapodilla is a slow-growing, tough, and long-lived tree. A sapodilla tree can eventually grow to 100 feet tall with a trunk diameter of about 5 feet. But trees in cultivation are much smaller. Sapodilla is hardy and wind-tolerant, which enables it to withstand hurricanes. It's what makes the tree so tough that branches that split from wind and the weight of fruit will survive and still support normal amounts of fruit and foliage for many years, sometimes for the life of the tree.

The tree is usually pruned and kept at height of maximun 5 metres for easy harvest.

The tree is very attractive. It has small, glossy, green leaves and new leaves. have a red tinge, and typically, sapodilla trees fruit heavily every year; a mature tree can produce more than 3,000 fruits. Some abilities can adapt to and thrive in many different environments around the tropics and subtropics. They typically grow in areas with regular rainfall, but the trees are very drought-tolerant, and sapodillas can thrive in many different elevations, from sea level to about 4,000 feet above sea level.

Fruit description and taste

The fruit has a rough, brown skin. When scratched on the skin, immature fruit will produce latex. Mature fruit is sweet; the degree of sweetness depends on the variety. The fruit size varies from 2 to 4 inches. Though mostly round in shape, some varieties have oblong-shaped fruits.

Nutritional Value

Nutritional values for sapodilla vary quite a bit by variety. In general, the fruit is high in sugar and has a fair amount of vitamin C. Additionally, it has some protein and fat. Riboflavin niacin pantothenic acid. B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, and Zinc

Common names:

Chikoo, Chiku  - India, Pakistan, Baramasi - Bengal (India), Chico - Philppines, Nispero - Central America, Zapotillo - Mexico, Sapoti - Brazil, Zapote - Honduras

Jackfruit or 'Artocarpus heterophyllus' is a tropical fruit tree native to the Indian subcontinent and originated in the werstern ghats. It's also found in other parts of Southeast Asia. It's the national fruit of Bangladesh.

Common names: Kathal, Chakka, Kanun and Panasa.

Growing jackfruit tree

Artocarpus heterophyllus is a large, fast-growing tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall. However, there is great variation in stature among the different jackfruit varieties. It prefers a hot and humid climate and tolerates a range of soils, including clay, loam and sand. The tree needs full sun to bear fruit.

The planting distance depends on the variety that is planted. It can vary from 12 to 40 feet.

 Regular watering or fertilising is rarely required for jackfruit trees for home use. However, watering should be done during severe drought, especially during fruiting. However, excess watering will affect the fruit flavour.

For commercial cultivation, especially for the early fruiting varieties like the Vietnam super early, irrigation is recommended in the summer and the fruiting season.

Also occasionally apply some organic manure like vermicompost or cattle manure.

The tree requires minimal pruning, primarily to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the tree. It is a good practice to remove the side branches of the young plant till it reaches a height of 4-5 feet. This ensure good trunk development and shape.

A few varieties like the "Vietnam Super Early" can be grown in containers. It  requires a large container to accommodate its size and root system.

Jackfruit description and taste

The jackfruit is one of the largest fruits in the world, weighing up to 30 kg.  A spiky, green or yellowish-green skin covers the fruit. The flesh is yellow and divided into bulb-like segments or the carpels.

There are two major division among different jackfruit varieties with regards to the ripe fruit quality. They are soft and firm varieties, or the koozha or the varikka as they say in the local vernacular. In the soft variety, the carpels become soft when ripe. They are usually more fibrous too. The firm ones are usually the table fruit varieties. For someone not very familar with this division, always opt for the firm carpel varieties for planting.

The fruit has a sweet, tropical flavour and is commonly used in a variety of dishes, including curries, stews, and desserts. Fried Jackfruit is a popular snack. The seeds are also edible, and are commonly roasted or boiled. The fruit is a good source of fibre, vitamin C, and other nutrients.

Jackfruit is found to be a good for dibetic patients and there are patented products available in the market made of dried and powdered jackfruit.

The unripe fruit of the jackfruit tree is used as a vegetarian meat substitute.

Other uses

The wood of the jackfruit tree is durable and insect-resistant. It is used for making furniture.

Jujube is a small deciduous tree or shrub native to the Indian subcontinent. It is also found in other parts of Asia. It is an easy-to-grow plant with crunchy and nutritious fruits.

Jujube is known to be in cultivation from at least 4000 years. Jujube fruits are sometimes referred to as "red dates" due to their similar appearance and flavour to the date fruit.

Common names: Jujube Plant, Red Date, Chinese Date

Growing Jujube

The jujube plant is drought-tolerant to some extent when planted on the ground. Jujube can be grown in pots, too. However, when potted, regular watering is needed.

Ziziphus jujuba is a hardy plant that can grow in a range of soils, from sandy loam to heavy clay. It prefers a hot and dry climate and is tolerant of drought and frost. The plant requires full sun exposure to produce fruit and is low on maintenance, requiring minimal pruning.

Jujube Fruit Description

Jujuba is a small, round or oval-shaped single seed fruit, typically 3–5 cm in diameter. 

The immature fruits are green and turns yellow-brown or reddish-brown when ripe. The flesh is sweet and crunchy, with a flavour similar to that of an apple. 

Jujuba is a small, round or oval-shaped single seed fruit, typically 3–5 cm in diameter. The immature fruits are green and turn yellow to reddish brown when ripe. The flesh is sweet with an apple like crunchiness and flavour. 

Jujube fruit is consumed raw or dried. It is also used to make syrups, desserts, and jams. Jujube have a long shelf life and can be stored for several months without spoiling. Thus, it is a valuable source of nutrition during times of scarcity. 

Medicinal Uses of Jujube

The fruit is useful in relieving sore throats, coughs, and constipation. Jujube fruits are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium.

Other Uses 

The tree is valued for its ornamental beauty and is often used as a landscaping plant. The bark and leaves of the jujube tree are used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

The bakery cherry, Karonda or Karakka, as it is called in many parts of India, is a medium-sized thorny shrub that belongs to the family Apocynaceae.

It is native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia.

The cherry tree starts flowering in October or November. It matures by early summer. It is a good practice to prune the tree after every harvest.

 Common names: Bakery cherry, Karonda. Karakka

Growing Karonda Cherry

Karonda is a low-maintenance plant and requires minimal care. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of climatic conditions, including hot and humid tropical climates, subtropical climates, and even dry arid regions.

It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, but it prefers well-drained soil with moderate fertility.

It grows well in full sunlight and partial shade.

The karonda cherry does well with organic fertilizers. Bone meal, cow dung, and compost are used.

Karonda Cherry Description

Karonda fruit is small, round, and red when ripe, with a diameter of about 1-2 cm. It has a sour taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Karonda cherry is used for making pickles, chutneys, and curries; for preserving in brine; and for making wine. However, raw karonda fruit is unsuitable to consume directly.

The cherry used for bakery purposes undergoes processing, which makes it very sweet.

Nutrient content

Karonda fruit is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It also contains various minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Other uses

Karonda cherry is used as a natural dye for fabrics and wool. The fruit has a natural red dye that is extracted and used in textile industries.

The scramberry or the Loobikka is generally known as a sour tasting berry, though the fully ripe ones will have a little sweetness. However, Sweet Loobi, which are hybrid varieties are now available.

Loobikka also has very small pods on the inside. The seeds bear fruit four or five years later and bear fruit for forty or fifty years. The Looobi, which is a small tree, grows as a house tree. 

Common names: Loobikka, Lovlolika, Sruvavrksha, Indian coffee plum, Indian sour cherry, Scramberry

Edible Uses

Loobikka chutney is made by crushing ripe loobikka with salt and green chillies and pouring coconut oil over it. It is also suitable for mixing salted loobikka and green chillies.It can be used for pickling due to its high acidity and for making jams as it is well ripened. Loobikka is also used as a sweetener in fish curries.

Syzygium malaccense, commonly known as Malay apple, is a tropical tree species of the myrtle family. The plant is native to the Malay Peninsula, but is also found in other parts of the world with tropical climates, including India. The Malay apple is very similar to the water apple.

Common names: Malay Apple, Mountain Apple, Rose Apple

Growing Malay Apple Tree

The Malay apple tree is quite fast-growing and reaches a height of about 15 metres. It has an upright boot with a circumference of up to 4.5 m (15 ft) and usually a symmetrical, cup-shaped crown. Its evergreen leaves are soft-leaved, dark green and rather glossy on top, paler on the underside; 15-40 cm long and 9-20 cm wide.

The tree thrives in a tropical climate with high humidity and moderate rainfall. It prefers a well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

The plant needs full sunlight to grow and should be planted with a distance of at least 5 metres between trees. Pruning is necessary to control the size and shape of the tree and it can also be grown in containers with regular pruning and care.

Syzygium malaccense is drought-tolerant, but it requires regular watering during the growing season. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer like compost for best results.

Malay Apple fruit description

The fruit of Syzygium malaccense is a small to medium-sized fruit with a bell-shaped or round appearance. The fruit can range in color from green to red or purple, and it has a juicy, white flesh with a sweet and slightly acidic flavor. The fruit is usually eaten fresh.

The fruit is also high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Other uses

The bark of the Malay apple tree is used as a natural dye for textiles to give a reddish-brown color.

It has an ornamental foliage and hence used for landscaping purposes.

The mangosteen, botanically Garcinia mangostana, is one of the most admired and loved tropical fruits and is known as the queen of fruits.

Mangosteen Fruit description and taste

The mangosteen has a thick, smooth, leathery, maroon skin surrounding aromatic, snow-white segments with juicy, soft flesh. The fruit has a round shape and a diameter of about 5 cm.

On average, the mangosteen has five or six triangular, flowery-scented wedges inside, which may be seedless or contain a few flat seeds. At their apex, mangosteen fruits have about four to eight flat, woody lobes arranged in a rosette. These correspond to the number of segments inside. The more lobes, the more wedges of fruit.

Mangosteen fruits offer a sweet and sour tropical flavour, a delicious mix of lychee, peach, strawberry and pineapple. Mangosteen fruits are usually eaten fresh or as juice.

Mangosteen can also be canned or frozen, but many say these methods detract from the flavour and delicate texture of this delicious tropical fruit.

To test the ripeness of the mangosteen, squeeze it. Ripe fruits are soft, yield to pressure and are relatively easy to peel.

Mangosteen is highly valued in traditional medicine for its high antioxidant content and antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can fight free radicals and strengthen the immune system.

Growing conditions

It requires high humidity and rainfall and cannot tolerate temperatures below 5℃. Mature plants can withstand waterlogging for several days.

Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore grow mangosteen. They're also found in the Philippines, Sri Lanka and some parts of India.

The mangosteen is a slow growing tree. Mangosteen seedlings take about eight years to bear fruit. Seedlings in nursery bags benefit up to 3-4 years. It takes another 4-5 years for the plant to mature after it's planted in the ground.

Grafted mangosteen plants can bear fruit in 3 years and can be grown in a large container. However, grafted mangosteen plants have yet to prove themselves for successful commercial cultivation.

The fruiting season of the mangosteen is from the beginning of summer to the onset of winter.

Annona squamosa, commonly known as sugar apple or the sweetsop, is a tropical fruit tree native to South and Central America but grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In India, it's known as sitaphal.

Growing Sugar Apple - Seethaphal

Annona squamosa is a small, deciduous tree that grows up to 8 metres high. It thrives in warm and humid climates with well-drained, slightly acidic soils. The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy and clayey soils.

The tree is relatively low maintenance and only needs moderate watering.  It's also suitable for growing in containers.

Seedlings mature in 3–4 years time. Bud plants mature within 1-2 years. It is a good practice to prune the branches after harvest. This will create new branches which will bear fruits in the next year. Pruning can control its shape and size too.

Once established, it grows without much care. It is also draught tolerant.

Sugar Apple Fruit Description 

The fruit of the Annona squamosa is oval and usually has a diameter of 8-10 cm. It has a green, scaly skin covered with bumps and a creamy white flesh divided into segments containing black, shiny seeds. The fruit has a sweet, creamy and slightly sour taste and custardlike consistency.

Tastewise, it is very close to Annona reticulata, also called custard apple or Ramphal.

The fruit is often eaten fresh or used in desserts, smoothies and ice cream. It's also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as coughs, fevers and digestive problems. The fruit is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, fibre, potassium and magnesium.

Annona squamosa is an important tree in traditional medicine and is used to treat a variety of ailments. The leaves and bark of the tree contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects. In addition, the fruits contain compounds that have been shown to have insecticidal properties and can be useful in pest control

Indian Persimmon, commonly known as Malabar Ebony or Gaab, is a tropical tree belonging to the Ebenaceae family, native to India and Bangladesh

Origin and natural habitat:

Indian Persimmon is native to India and Southeast Asia and grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows well in moist deciduous forests and near riverbanks.

Suitable climatic conditions and soil types:

Indian Persimmon grows best in warm and humid environments with temperatures between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It tolerates some salinity and adapts to different soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam and laterite.

Sunlight requirement:

Indian Persimmon grows best in full sun or partial shade.

Growing tips and planting distance:

Indian Persimmon can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. It's recommended to plant the seeds or seedlings in a well-drained soil mix, about 2-3 cm deep. The recommended planting distance is 10-15 metres.

Water requirements:

Indian Persimmon needs regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry periods. However, excessive watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Low maintenance:

Indian Persimmon is a low maintenance tree that requires little care once established. It can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove dead or diseased branches.

Fruit Description, taste, size and colour:

Indian Persimmon, also known as Indian persimmon, is round or oval, 2-4 cm in diameter and weighs 5-10 grammes. When ripe, it has a thin, greenish-brown skin that turns yellow or orange when ripe; inside is a soft, sweet flesh with an underlying bitterness.

Edible uses:

The fruit of Indian Persimmon can be eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies and other preserves. The flesh of this fruit is also good for flavouring desserts and drinks.

Medicinal use and nutritional value:

Indian Persimmon fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and other important nutrients. It may also have several health benefits, such as improving digestion, stimulating the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Pruning and growing in containers:

Pruning can help control the size and shape of the tree and encourage fruiting.  It has a large root system and so large sized containers needed for a terrace garden.

Strawberries are an aggregate fruit that belongs to the Rosaceae family. They are small to medium-sized fruits with diameters ranging from 20 to 50 mm. Strawberries have a fragrant, fruity aroma and should be picked when fully ripe. Strawberries are not strictly berries, but rather false fruits or pseudocarps.

Strawberry plants bear fruit all year, with a peak in the summer months.

Strawberries are high in vitamin C and fibre, which help to regulate digestion and maintain healthy organ function. The fruits also contain vitamin E, which helps to reduce inflammation, and potassium, which helps to balance fluid levels in the body. They shield cells from the damage caused by free radicals.

Strawberries are typically eaten fresh or sliced and tossed into salads. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. They can also be made into jams, jellies, syrups, and compotes by simmering them. Strawberries' sweet, tangy flavour compliments both sweet and savoury dishes.