Edible and poisonous plants of the Caribbean region. The succulent ground cover grows wild along coastal shorelines of the Bahamas, as well as Cuba and the Eastern United States. The hibiscus flowers are edible and blooms all year round. This flower is know as a hibiscus, a very common flower in tropical regions. For the full blog post on Pine Forests, click here. The flowers are most fragrant during the night. These are the plants that Christopher Columbus saw, when he first arrived here in 1492. This tradition, called "bush medicine" was brought to the Bahamas by African slaves and gained importance in the out islands where doctors were rarely available. The flour can be used to make cakes, bread and other baked goods. Send us an e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. It is so dense it will not float, even in seawater. American Lotus ( Nelumbo lutea) Angelica (Angelica sp.) The Ocotillo is also known for its medicinal properties, it's leaves can be used to treat cuts, burns and other skin conditions. This chili pepper is commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. The hibiscus comes in a large variety of colors and even sizes and petal-shapes. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that can be used to make essential oils, perfumes and other beauty products. Also included are habitat descriptions, lists of plants by . Found in pine forests, shrubland, and coasts. Due to erosion and coastal development, populations of this species have declined significantly. Fish, beautiful beaches, and forests are some of the Bahamas natural resources. One Saturday in April, foraging expert Ellen Zachos and her friend, Mark Hardy, lead a group of participants on a hike through meadows, stream sides and forests at the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center outside Reidsville. The fruits, which really amounts to a thin skin coating on the seeds, are edible raw. Moringa contains 3 times the amount of iron found in spinach. Sapodilla plants are evergreen native Bahamian edible fruit trees. The berries can be eaten raw or made into jams, jellies and syrups. Walk with nature in this sanctuary for over 300 species of native plants, Save up to 70% with our image packs These plants are not only an important source of sustenance for desert dwellers, but they also play a crucial role in the desert ecosystem by providing food and habitat for wildlife. The Bahama Passion Flower is The Bahamas very own passionfruit. It is considered an invasive species in many countries. Bougainvillea comes in many colours from white to yellow and orange, to deep pink and purple. It blooms all year round and it's flowers are edible. The plant is also an important source of food and habitat for wildlife, including birds, small mammals and desert tortoises. The Prickly Pear Cacti is a drought-tolerant cactus that is native to the deserts of North America. Poisonous sap. The available literature has revealed that some wild edible plants also have medicinal properties. One side is satiny green, but the other side is downy with red-brown hairs. 33ft. The grape vine is a crawling plant that produces bunches of small grape fruits. The plants have broad green leaves on its leather-like stems and branches. This plant grows as a medium sized shrub, with no main large trunk and many thin branches. Variety really is the spice of life. The plant can be found in Pine Forests and Coppice Forests and is distributed throughout the Caribbean, South America and Florida. Save. Well learn their names, where they are found and what benefits they have, because almost all Bahamian plants have medicinal/health benefits. It's milky white sap is poisonous. In times of famine and scarcity, these sources of nutrients and health-promoting compounds have received high importance mainly in rural and suburban areas. Though not a true native, its status as the national flower ranks it on the native plant list. This plant can be seen all over the bahamas usually growing alng the shoreline. The fruit of the Flacourtia indica which is a species of flowering plant native to much of Africa and tropical and temperate parts of. This pine trees is the only native pine tree in The Bahamas. It is a woody plant that can reach up to 2 feet tall. The sap is also a good source of sugars and other nutrients. According to Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center outside of Nassau, there are over 1,400 varieties of plant life growing throughout the 700 islands of the Bahamas, with certain areas growing more than 100 plant species within one square mile. Frangipani grows anywhere from 25 to 40 feet tall, depending on the cultivar. The Desert Thistle is a drought-tolerant plant that is native to the deserts of the American Southwest. Fleshy leaves with yellow, green, red stems. The plant prefers acid, neutral, and basic soils. Desert willow is also known for its medicinal properties, it's bark can be used to treat fever, diarrhea and other ailments. Sweet basil is a species of mint plant native to Asia and Africa. Trees, vines, and shrubs tend to be the most drought-tolerant edible plants, especially if they are already established. Commonly used throughout Bahamian landscapes as a specimen tree, the plant produces fragrant flowers in a wide range of colors depending on the particular cultivar. The fruit of beach naupaka floats and can germinate even after being in salt water for as long as a year. Since the seagrape tree prefers dry, salty soil it is often seen growing close to the ocean. The Desert Lavender is a drought-tolerant perennial herb that is native to the deserts of North America. The allamanda, a yellow trumpet-shaped flower, is also known as "wild unction" in the Bahamas. Most of the plants in Alabama are harmless, but some. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. It grows in dry coastal areas in tropical climates. Survival Cooking: 18 Off-Grid Cooking Methods without Electricity, Landscaping Techniques You Can Use to Reduce Risk of Fire, 7 Budget-Friendly Ways to Keep Warm in Winter If Youre Living Off-Grid, Off-Grid Refrigerator: 12 Alternatives to Help You Survive Without Refrigeration, 16 Tips for Being as Prepared as Possible in Case of a Nuclear War, 13 Storm Shelter Ideas to Keep You and Your Family Safe, 19 High Calorie Crops to Grow in Your Survival Garden, Ice Fishing 101: A Beginners Guide to Success, Vital Aspects to Consider When Choosing a Bug-Out Vehicle, Get Home Bag: What Is It and How to Prepare for One, What to do When a Natural Disaster Strikes and How to be Prepared. To 40 ft. (2.2 m). Inaguas very own Frangipani grows as a thin shrub. This email address is being protected from spambots. Referred to as "Cedar". and not naturally found anywhere else on earth. 6. 5 4 & Up 3 & Up 2 & Up 1 & Up 0. The desert willow is a drought-tolerant tree that can be found in the deserts of the American Southwest. 49ft. In The Bahamas, you can find Common coconut palm, Oleander, Seagrape, Flame of the woods, Beach naupaka, and more! It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 4 feet tall. - The flowers can be used in salads and the heart-shaped leaves used as a garnish in salads and dips. Lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum) is also called ironwood, and its wood is so dense it doesn't float. The yellow elder (Tecoma stans) is the Bahamas' national flower, even though it isn't native to the island. Most of the fruit in the Bahamas is grown in the outlying, less densely populated islands and the main crops that are grown in the Bahamas (2006 data) are Avocado, Banana, Coconut, Grapefruit, Persian Lime, Mango, Orange, Pineapple, Scarlet Plum and Sour Orange. The plants have a woody trunk and green pinnate leaves. Husky Red Cherry Tomato Plant. Fern-like leaves. Pawpaws were cultivated by Native Americans and eaten by early presidents like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Extremely tolerant to salt spray. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it. Frangipani (Plumeria) belongs in the family Apocynaceae and is native to the Caribbean and Central America. 3. Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. 130 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams and 45 milligrams of lutein, which is the highest amount found in any edible plant. . addy23333 = addy23333 + 'southbeachnursery' + '.' + 'com'; Many of these plants grow as trees that offer spectacular blooms during the spring. 33ft. The Desert Sage is a perennial herb that is native to the deserts of the American Southwest. The Desert Olive is a small tree or shrub that is native to the deserts of the American Southwest. The plums that the plant produces are usually eaten once they have reached full maturity and turned red. Cat Islanders, have the reputation for longevity. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you're walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens. They typically contain high amounts of fiber. This plant is use medicinally for multiple things, such as stabilizing blood pressure, treating intestinal worms, relieving constipation and fevers. All Rights Reserved. Yellow elder (Tecoma stans), also known as trumpetbush, belongs in the family Bignoniaceae and holds the honor of being the islands national flower. White sage is traditionally used to heal skin irritations like Chicken Pox, Measles, Mumps and general itches and stings. So, long before colonial interference in the region, these majestic fruit-bearing trees that can reach heights of over 85 feet had spread through Central America, the Caribbean, and . The fruit grows inside a hard brown shell. The blue flower can even be used to help heal blisters and boils. The flowers have a red-orange colour, and eventually become a round fruit. When you think of deserts, you probably think of hot, dry, and barren landscapes. The night-blooming cereus (Hylocereus undatus) is also called the "Queen of the Night" because of its attractive characteristics. When mature, the burs fall to the sand in great quantities, often clinging together in giant masses of tumbleweed, that The plant produces a sweet sap that can be used to make a fermented beverage called "pulque" or distilled into a spirit called "mezcal". 9. Be sure to look out for these common plants when youre walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens. NoContinue reading 5 Ways to Make Dividing Perennials Easier than Ever, Useful Tips 15 Essential Spring Gardening Jobs: A Checklist Once the snow melts and temperatures begin to warm, its the perfect time to get outside and start prepping your garden for the upcoming season by completing these key spring tasks. The following tips keep these garden raiders at bay without using chemical products. The yellow elder is a lush branching flowering shrub. The Saguaro Cactus is a drought-tolerant cactus that is native to the deserts of the American Southwest. Desert Sage is often used in traditional Native American cooking and is known for its medicinal properties, the leaves can be used to treat colds, flu and other respiratory issues. It is the national flower of the Bahamas. Use a guide to determine which types grow near you. ( Thymus vulgaris) One of the most commonly called-for herbs, thyme is also one of the easiest to grow. The tree is also known for its medicinal properties, the leaves can be used to treat cuts, burns and other skin conditions. The plant produces small, red, edible berries that taste slightly sweet. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; White Sage is a native sage plant that is found throughout The Bahamas. Marketing cookies are used by advertising companies to serve ads that are relevant to your interests. It is often called ironwood because it is one of the hardest woods in the world. The fruits are dark purple when ripe and used in popularly making jams. can be used to make porridge, bread, and even beer. Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. GEIGER TREE (Cordia sebestena) fruit, food, plant. As far as its ornamental value, Lignum vitae blooms with purple-blue flowers. There has long been confusion over the correct scientific name for this . The plant produces small, edible seeds that. Quickly spreads with light green leaves with lavander/pink flowers that can be seen throughout the summer and august. This plant is also easy to transfer from one soil environment to another. - The stalks and roots can be eaten raw or cooked in milk. This native fruiting tree from West Africa, is the National Fruit of Jamaica. Depending on the area, plants must tolerate, among other conditions, salty spray, dry conditions, wet conditions and the shady areas of forest understories. For now, feel free to continue reading. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. The spanish plum is tree that produces an edible fruit. The Bahama Waltheria is endemic to the Lucayan Archipelago (The Bahamas & Turks and Caicos) and is commonly found on Grand Bahama, Abaco, The Berry Islands, New Providence, Eleuthera and Cat Island. A True Taste of the Caribbean. The Bahama Passion Flower produces a fruit that is bright red and edible when mature (Fun fact: passionfruit is a berry). She holds certificates in landscape design and xeriscaping. Notice the red dirt found in the beds. Frangipani grows anywhere from 25 to 40 feet tall, depending on the cultivar. Thyme. Most chefs also add goat peppers, coconut milk, or even plantains. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Sea Purslane (Sesuvium portalacastrum) belongs in the family Alzoaceae. So go out there, explore and discover the hidden edible treasures of the desert. 4. Many Bahamian adults have . The plant is also called agave. Flatten the wet pulp into cakes and bake. The Inagua Frangipani can be found in dry shrublands and is endemic to the Bahamian island of Great Inagua. Often found along roadsides. This post is all about edible plants in the desert. 35 ft. (10.7 m) in height. Wild edible plants (WEPs) are part of the cultural and genetic heritage of different regions of the world. Leaves have 3-7 oval leaflets. The lignum vitae is the national tree of the Bahamas. Fried and salted, the seeds are like Kalahari peanuts and eaten as a snack. The plant produces small, red, edible berries that have a sweet taste. However, kram kram plants protect their seeds in clusters surrounded many sharp spines, and have been "thorns in the side" of travelers for many years. This plant can be steeped into a hot bath or made into a tea. Gurney's. . Caribbean Pine trees are not traditionally used in The Bahamas for medicinal reasons, however the Pine Forest ecosystem is a key ecosystem for many Bahamian animals like the Abaco Parrot, the Bahama Swallow, the Hairy Woodpecker, the West Indian Woodpecker, native bats, the Bahamian boa and Brown Racer. 20 ft. (6.1 m). Herbal medicines use yellow elder for the treatment of digestive tract problems as well as diabetes. The next time you find yourself in a desert, take a closer look around and you might be surprised at the variety of edible plants that can be found. Agave. A freelancer for more than 20 years, Johnson has had the opportunity to cover topics ranging from construction to music to celebrity interviews. The nopales can be eaten raw or cooked and are a great source of fiber, vitamin C and other nutrients. Nobody likes to take an early morning garden stroll, cup ofContinue reading All-Natural Tips for Guarding Against Slugs and Snails, Useful Tips 5 Ways to Make Dividing Perennials Easier than Ever Dividing perennials is a common garden task, but its easy to get wrong. Castor beans cannot be eaten because they contain a potent poison that's released if the seed is broken. The allspice is an evergreen plant that produces an edible spice, popularly used in cooking. 33ft. via Flickr. The plant is a climbing cactus native to the West Indies, including the Bahamas. 1. The plant can cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin. The edible sweet basil leaves can be eaten fresh or dried with pizza, salads, soups, teas, and many other dishes. Commonly found growing as a weed along roadsides, canals and streams. Sometimes it can also be seen growing on the perimeter of whiteland coppice forests & shrublands. Hibiscus The hibiscus is very common in tropical regions and comes in a large variety of colours and even sizes and petal-shapes. The beans are also a good source of protein and other nutrients. It is a slow-growing cactus that can reach up to 50 feet tall. The grape vine plants are able to to trained to climb and cling to objects such as fences. The tamarind is tropical plant that has woody stems and branches. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape. Flowers are elongated and small. Desert Amaranth is a drought-tolerant annual herb that is native to the deserts of North America. It is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 2 feet tall. Plants are hardy, spreading readily by seeds, and are both salt and drought tolerant. Sophie Johnson is a freelance writer and editor of both print and film media. The trees have light-green foliage on its leathery-brown stems. This is a useful quality for construction, which made the tree endangered. This plant can get up to 29 inches tall and over time its base becomes woody. The berries can be eaten raw or made into jams, jellies and syrups. The leaves are also used in cooking. More than 370 edible wild plants, plus 37 poisonous look-a-likes, are described here, with 400 drawings and 78 color photographs showing precisely how to recognize each species. Ground cover plants and shrubs with strong root systems and broad leaves are particularly helpful, as they hold back soil and soften the impact of rain. The White Sage produces a cluster of small white flowers that have a yellow center as well as purple berry clusters. Page text in BHL originates from one of the following sources: Uncorrected OCR Machine-generated text. A fast growing salt tolerant ground cover that is used for coastal landscaping. Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) belongs in the family Verbenaceae. On some beaches, the seagrape is planted to help block the light from nearby buildings so that sea turtles won't be distracted by it and go off course. By Mason Brock (Masebrock) (Own work.)