AMERICAN GARDENER

Ambrosia apples are classified as Malus domestica, a species within the Rosaceae family, which includes other pome fruits like pears, quinces, and roses. The genus Malus encompasses all apples, with M. domestica representing the domesticated cultivars grown worldwide. Ambrosia is a modern variety, not a hybrid species but a cultivar derived from natural cross-pollination. Its … Read more

The Ugli fruit (Citrus reticulata × Citrus paradisi) is a hybrid citrus fruit that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is a cross between a tangerine (Citrus reticulata), an orange (Citrus sinensis), and a grapefruit (Citrus paradisi). Genetically, it shares characteristics of all three, making it a distinctive member of the citrus genus (Citrus). Despite … Read more

Sapodilla, scientifically known as Manilkara zapota, belongs to the Sapotaceae family, a group of tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs that includes species like mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) and shea (Vitellaria paradoxa). Within the plant kingdom (Plantae), it falls under the phylum Tracheophyta (vascular plants), class Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons), and order Ericales. The genus Manilkara comprises … Read more

Boysenberry is classified botanically as Rubus ursinus × Rubus idaeus, a hybrid within the Rosaceae family, which encompasses roses, apples, and other berries like raspberries and blackberries. It’s part of the genus Rubus, subgenus Rubus (formerly Eubatus), alongside species like Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) and Rubus idaeus (red raspberry). As a polyploid hybrid, it inherits traits … Read more

Starfruit, scientifically known as Averrhoa carambola, belongs to the Oxalidaceae family, commonly referred to as the wood sorrel family. This family includes other notable species like Averrhoa bilimbi (bilimbi or tree cucumber) and various herbaceous sorrels (Oxalis spp.). Within the plant kingdom (Plantae), it falls under the phylum Tracheophyta (vascular plants), class Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons), and … Read more

Loquats (Eriobotrya japonica) are subtropical evergreen fruits native to southeastern China, where they’ve been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Belonging to the rose family, they spread across Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Americas, thriving in mild, frost-free climates. The trees are prized not only for their fruit but also for their ornamental value, with glossy … Read more

Hawthorn berries come from the genus Crataegus, part of the Rosaceae family, which includes roses, apples, and cherries. With over 200 species identified, common ones include Crataegus monogyna (common hawthorn) and Crataegus laevigata (Midland hawthorn), both native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The name Crataegus derives from the Greek “kratos” (strength) and “akis” … Read more

Buddha’s Hand is scientifically classified as Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, a variety of the citron species within the Rutaceae family, which includes all citrus plants like oranges (Citrus sinensis), lemons (Citrus limon), and limes (Citrus aurantifolia). The genus Citrus groups it with other fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, while “medica” ties it to the citron’s ancient … Read more

Pomelo, scientifically classified as Citrus maxima or Citrus grandis, belongs to the Rutaceae family, which encompasses all citrus species, including oranges (Citrus sinensis), lemons (Citrus limon), and grapefruits (Citrus × paradisi). As one of the original citrus species, it’s native to Southeast Asia and South Asia, distinct from hybrids like grapefruit, which arose from a … Read more