Pouteria caimito Growing in Phoenix: From Amazon, this fruit is often used in ice cream and desserts. The flavor is similar to flan, smooth creamy texture. Trees are about 30-40 feet in tropical areas and will be smaller in arid regions. Related to sapote. Needs afternoon shade, and a pH of 6. Protect if temperatures…
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Garcinia humilis Growing in Phoenix: Relates to mangosteen, this tropical fruit originates in Bolivia. It is sometimes called Bolivian Mangosteen. It produces sweet tangy fruit and looks similar to mango trees with a bushing growth pattern. The fruit is ripe when dark burnt orange with occasional flecks of dark color. They will continue to ripen…
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Growing in Arizona: Allspice is an extremely versatile tree – it’s flavor is similar to a mix of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. The berries are ground and used to flavor meats, pickles and soups. The leaves which have a rich/strong aroma are also used as a rub flavor into meats, teas as well as other…
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Malus pumila Growing in Phoenix: Apples are related to roses, blackberries, and almond. Deciduous trees, but do not always defoliate in the Phoenix’s milder winter. Not as fussy about chill hours as some other fruiting deciduous trees. Protect with shade cloth or dappled shade the first year of growing. Once established can take full sun,…
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Prunis Armeniaca Growing in Phoenix: Relate to peaches, almonds, and apples. Apricot trees make a good shade tree once mature. Will reach a height of 16-20 feet with correct watering and care. Protect from the afternoon sun during the first year of planting. Once established can handle full Phoenix sun. No winter protection is needed.…
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Eugenia stipitata Growing in Phoenix: A guava family fruit indigenous to Brazil. Small fruit with a yellowish-green color. The flavor is sour, very acidic, and is mostly used in drinks, marmalades, and ice- cream. Small to medium-sized tree with fragrant white flowers. Provide afternoon shade and maintain a slightly acidic pH. Will need cold protection…
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Pyrus pyrifolia Growing in Phoenix: Reminiscent of both an apple and pear. It has a crisp apple-like texture with the graininess of a pear. The flavor is mildly sweet and tastes like both pear and apple. Mature trees reach a size of 15-20 feet. A beautiful display of foliage, stunning when in bloom. Takes full…
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Growing in Arizona: Prefers summer afternoon shade. Ok for container growing. Cold hardiest of all the annonas. Cross between the sugar apple and cherimoya. Grafted tree, African Pride type. DOES VERY WELL IN PHOENIX! Annona X atemoya This is a cross between cherimoya and sugar apple. Round to heart-shaped fruit is 8-12 inches long with…
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Persea americana Growing in Phoenix: Start your avocado toast from your backyard! Avocados can be grown and will fruit in Phoenix. The Aravaipa variety is native to Aravaipa Canyon in Arizona. Avocado trees will reach 20 ft plus if correctly cared for. They fruit prolifically, different varieties have slightly different textures and skins that range…
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Growing in Arizona: Probably the most “tropical” looking plant there is, truly a conversation piece in the garden. Banana does very well here in AZ, and fruits heavily, if properly maintained. Will mature into full sun, but look and do alot better if getting afternoon summer shade. Dwarfs grow to 6’, other types 10’-15’. Banana…
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Pimenta Rasmosa Growing in Phoenix: Bay Rum is related to Allspice. The foliage is aromatic and clove-like. It is used to make bay rum cologne. Essential oil is also distilled from the leaves. When flowering the tiny white flowers resemble cotton candy, followed by tiny black fruit. The fruit is not edible. Use the leaves…
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Growing in Arizona: A tropical vine, with attractive foliage. Black pepper is a common spice and a staple on table around the world. They can be grown in a pot or raised bed in acid soil such as Canadian Peat. The plants need shade when hot, cold protection below high-30s. Black pepper is the dried…
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