Plant Profile: Almond (Prunus amygdalus aka Amygdalus communis)
Karen Almonds are deciduous trees native to the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and North Africa and are members of the rose family, Roseacea. They are in the same genus (Prunus) as…
Plant Profile: Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)
Black mulberry is a slow growing deciduous tree originally from southwestern Asia and a member of the mulberry family that also includes figs, Osage-orange, and banyan. It has wide spreading…
Book Review: The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree
Apples are a favorite fruit of many children but do they know where they come from? Do they realize that apples grow on trees that bloom in spring? Probably not.…
Plant Profile: Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana aka Acca sellowiana)
A native of subtropical South America, pineapple guava is an evergreen multistemmed shrub or small tree in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, that also includes clove, allspice and eucalyptus. The plant…
Plant Profile: Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)
This medium-sized evergreen tree native to China and Japan is an attractive ornamental dual purpose tree with edible fruit. It has large prominently veined leaves that are dark green on…
Plant Profile: Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)
Grown in China for over 2000 years, the persimmon is a popular small deciduous tree grown in California for its sweet fruit and beautiful fall coloration. There are two types…
Plant Profile: Seckle Pear (Pyrus communis)
Seckle pears are a great dessert treat if you can find them. They are not easy to locate but are unusual and well worth a search. The fruits are borne…