Plants

Salak, scientifically known as Salacca zalacca, belongs to the Arecaceae family, the palm family, which includes species like coconut (Cocos nucifera) and date palm (Phoenix dactylifera). The genus Salacca comprises about 20 species, primarily native to Southeast Asia, with S. zalacca being the most widely cultivated for its edible fruit. The name “salak” is derived … Read more

The tamarillo, scientifically classified as Solanum betaceum (formerly Cyphomandra betacea), belongs to the Solanaceae family, commonly known as the nightshade family. This family includes familiar plants like tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), and eggplants (Solanum melongena). The genus Solanum is vast, with over 1,500 species, and tamarillo’s reclassification from Cyphomandra reflects modern genetic and … Read more

Durian is classified under the genus Durio within the Malvaceae family, commonly known as the mallow or hibiscus family, though it was historically placed in the Bombacaceae family before taxonomic revisions. The most widely recognized species is Durio zibethinus, native to Borneo and Sumatra, and the primary type traded globally. There are 30 recognized Durio … Read more

Quandong, or Desert Peach, is scientifically classified as Santalum acuminatum within the Santalaceae family, commonly known as the sandalwood family. This places it alongside other sandalwood species like Santalum spicatum (Australian sandalwood) and Santalum album (white sandalwood). It’s a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it relies on the roots of host plants for water and nutrients, particularly … Read more

The calabash fruit comes from the plant Lagenaria siceraria, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons. Commonly known as bottle gourd, white-flowered gourd, or long melon, it’s an annual vine with a sprawling growth habit. Botanically, it’s classified as a fruit due to its seed-bearing structure, though it’s often treated … Read more

Strawberries are small, juicy fruits from the Fragaria genus in the rose family (Rosaceae), celebrated for their bright red color, sweet-tart flavor, and heart-shaped appeal. Unlike true berries botanically—since their seeds are on the outside—they’re technically “accessory fruits,” but that doesn’t dim their popularity. The garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), bred in the 18th century … Read more

Cantaloupes are a type of melon beloved for their sweet, juicy flesh and distinctive appearance, belonging to the Cucumis melo species within the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cucumbers and pumpkins. Often referred to as muskmelons in North America, true cantaloupes—like the European varieties—have a smooth or warty rind without the heavy netting seen on … Read more

August marks a vibrant time in gardens, where many plants reach their flowering peak, offering a final flourish before autumn sets in. The warmth of late summer encourages these blooms, providing a palette of colors from vibrant reds and oranges to cool blues and purples. These flowers not only beautify landscapes but also play a … Read more

July is a prime time for many flowers, marking the peak of summer with an explosion of color in gardens everywhere. This month, gardens are often at their most vibrant, with plants that love the warmth and long days showing off their blooms. These flowers can range from those with delicate, airy petals to robust, … Read more

Fall-blooming flowers are nature’s way of extending the season of beauty in gardens, offering vibrant colors when most summer plants have faded. These plants often feature rich hues like deep purples, golds, and reds, complementing the changing foliage of autumn. They thrive in the cooler temperatures, sometimes even blooming better as the days shorten, providing … Read more