AMERICAN GARDENER

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

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