Adansonia digitata are large deciduous trees with a large thick trunk (possibly the thickest in the world) that is thick-boled (bottle-shaped) reaching a diameter of 10-14 m (33-46 ft). The common name baobab is derived from Arabic meaning “father of…
An annual/perennial growing to 0.6m (2ft). Leaves are eaten raw. They can be finely chopped and added sparingly to salads or used as a flavouring for cooked dishes. A piquant flavour, somewhat resembling rocket (Eruca sativa), but with a sharp…
The strawberry tree is a beautiful small evergreen tree or shrub that can occasionally reach 9m tall and 8m wide, though it is usually rather smaller. There are several named forms and some of these are no more than 2–3m…
Azadirachta indica, the Neem trees also know as Nimtree and Indian Lilac is a large deep-rooted fast growing plant with many uses including excellent medicinal properties. Neem has a rounded spreading crown and a straight trunk with thick grey bark.…
Watercress is mainly used as a garnish or as an addition to salads, the flavour is strong with a characteristic hotness. Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a reputation as a spring tonic, and this is its…
English Walnut is a medium to large deciduous tree growing to 20m (65ft) by 20m (65ft) at a medium rate and with a trunk up to 2m diameter. It has a long life span. The largest forests are in Kyrgyzstan,…
An excellent edible plant widely eaten in the Orient. A major vegetable in many parts of the Orient, the leaves are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Young leaves and stems can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves…
The yacón is traditionally grown in the northern and central Andes from Colombia to northern Argentina for its crisp, sweet-tasting, tuberous roots. It is closely related to the sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke. The root can be eaten raw or cooked.…
Silver fir has edible, medicinal and many other uses. It is used as a Christmas tree and featured in Hans Christian Anderson’s famous fairy tale, The Little Fir Tree. Silver fir is now less common in our homes, replaced with…
Holly, Ilex aquifolium, is often shown on Christmas cards and wreaths. It has a number edible, medicinal and other uses including a tea and a coffee substitute. Edible Uses: Tea. The leaves have been used as a tea substitute. The…
