Z2819 Dwarf Catura Coffee ( Coffee arabica )

This is the gourmet cafe coffee variety. Grows only 24-30" tall and a mature plant is loaded with beans. Can be grown inside as a houseplant, needs tropical warmth outside.



10 seeds $2.50

100 seeds $14.95

A large shrub to small tree growing up to 25 feet, but often smaller. A pleasant flavor. The orange fruit has a mealy texture with an acid taste and a slight bitterness but is fairly nice raw. The fruit can be used in making pies, preserves, etc, and can also be dried for later use. The fruit is about 1/2 inch in diameter. There are up to five fairly large seeds in the centre of the fruit, these often stick together and so the effect is of eating a cherry-like fruit with a single seed.Zones 5-9.

The tasty nuts are highly prized by cooks for their easy-to-crack shells and small, sweet kernel. Squirrels love them as well, most likely for the same reasons. Hazelnut hedges can be used as windbreaks, visual screens, and to attract wildlife. American hazelnut is a thicket-forming native shrub, excellent for naturalizing, woodland gardens and shade areas. Showy male flowers (catkins) add early spring interest, dark green leaves turn a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors in the fall. The nuts mature from September to October, attracting seed-eating birds, such as blue jays and woodpeckers. Also known as American Hazelnut. Good for Zones 4-9. Multi stemmed, branching shrub to about 10 ft. tall. Attractive, pointed, toothed, dark green leaves. Bears loads of edible nuts in fall. Native to Eastern US.

Note: These seeds need to be cold stratified before sowing. We recommend using the Seedman's Cold Stratification Kits for cold stratification. Package of 10 seeds $2.95 Package of 25 seeds $5.95 CC BY-SA Image: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova FDR15 American Filbert ( Corylus americana ) The tasty nuts are highly prized by cooks for their easy-to-crack shells and small, sweet kernel. Squirrels love them as well, most likely for the same reasons. Hazelnut hedges can be used as windbreaks, visual screens, and to attract wildlife. American hazelnut is a thicket-forming native shrub, excellent for naturalizing, woodland gardens and shade areas. Showy male flowers (catkins) add early spring interest, dark green leaves turn a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors in the fall. The nuts mature from September to October, attracting seed-eating birds, such as blue jays and woodpeckers. Also known as American Hazelnut. Good for Zones 4-9. Multi stemmed, branching shrub to about 10 ft. tall. Attractive, pointed, toothed, dark green leaves. Bears loads of edible nuts in fall. Native to Eastern US. 5 Seeds $2.95 25 Seeds $9.95 TRZ060 Chinese Hawthorn ( Crataegus pinnatifida ) A large shrub to small tree growing up to 25 feet, but often smaller. A pleasant flavor. The orange fruit has a mealy texture with an acid taste and a slight bitterness but is fairly nice raw. The fruit can be used in making pies, preserves, etc, and can also be dried for later use. The fruit is about 1/2 inch in diameter. There are up to five fairly large seeds in the centre of the fruit, these often stick together and so the effect is of eating a cherry-like fruit with a single seed. Zones 5-9. A large shrub to small tree growing up to 25 feet, but often smaller. A pleasant flavor. The orange fruit has a mealy texture with an acid taste and a slight bitterness but is fairly nice raw. The fruit can be used in making pies, preserves, etc, and can also be dried for later use. The fruit is about 1/2 inch in diameter. There are up to five fairly large seeds in the centre of the fruit, these often stick together and so the effect is of eating a cherry-like fruit with a single seed.Zones 5-9. Note: These seeds need to be cold statified before sowing. We recommend using the Seedman's Cold Stratification Kits for cold stratification.

A wonderful dogwood with so many uses and benefits, it has beautiful spring blossoms, great fall color, edible fruit that is showy and ornamental, and attractive bark. It can be grown as a lawn specimen, as a patio plant or sidewalk plant. Kousa dogwood is an excellent small specimen tree for small lawns. Two outstanding characteristics are the four-petaled, white flowers that appear above the foliage in June and reddish-purple fall color. In the Midwest, this is a hardier substitute for the acid-loving flowering dogwood. The shallow root system will benefit with a layer of mulch to maintain a cool root environment. Kousa Dogwoods are very showy for a long period of time as the flower bracts are showy longer than most flowers. They'll give you up to a month of display. The flowers precede the red fruit, which looks like a raspberry. Some people make jellies, jams and wine from the round red berries, or, leave the red colored fruit for birds! They'll be happy to snap them up for you without any fuss or muss. best suited for zones 5-8.

A popular coffee crop, this Coffee is better known as Robusta. Approximately 30% of the coffee produced in the world is robusta. The plant has a shallow root system and grows as a robust small tree or large shrub. It flowers irregularly, taking about 10-11 months for cherries to ripen, producing oval-shaped beans. The robusta plant has a greater crop yield than that of Coffea arabica, and contains more caffeine - 2.7% compared to arabica's 1.5%. As it is less susceptible to pests and disease, robusta needs much less herbicide and pesticide than arabica. It is shorter than Coffea arabica with longer leaves. Good-quality robusta beans are used in traditional Italian espresso blends, to provide a full-bodied taste and a better foam head (known as crema). May be grown indoors in bright light. Height is under 3'.

IP122 Caigua ( Exploding Cucumber ) Cyclanthera pedata

This is one of the most interesting plants we have found. It is a climbing member of the cucumber family that can be used as a vegetable in salads, or steamed, it has a nice sweet flavor. It is also an herbal plant, the fruit has anti-inflammatory, weight reducing ( it is often sold in capsule form as a natural weight loss product ), lipid-absorbing, cholesterol and blood sugar regulating affects.

Can easily be grown in the garden, on a fence or trellis. It is an annual plant. One of the most interesting aspects of the plants is that when ripe, the fruits become spring-loaded missile devices, splitting and turning themselves inside-out to launch their seeds up to 5-6 feet away into the garden. This is quite the conversation plant.

5 seeds $2.95

25 seeds $9.95

Image: By Tamorlan [ CC BY 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons Z2801 Earth Almond ( Cyperus esculentus satuvus ) An ornamental perennial growing to 8 ft. that produces sweet nutty tubers. They are eaten raw, made into a drink or roasted and used as a coffee substitute. The Zulu chewed them to relieve digestion and cure bad breath. They are highly thought of as delicacies in Europe.

Cannot ship to CA, CO, HI, OR or WA. 10g pack ( about 30 seeds ) $2.95 4 ounce pack ( about 330 seeds ) $9.95

D2212 Tree Tomato ( Cyphomandra Betacea ) The tree tomato is an unusual large shrub native to Peru. It is a tropical plant that only does well outside in zone 10 or higher, but is an excellent container plant as it has a very shallow root system and is easy to container grow for landscape purposes.

The trees grow ten to twelve feet in height and may be single-or multiple-stemmed depending on how they are trained. The large, somewhat oval leaves may be six to twelve inches long, and are softly pubescent. The small pinkish fragrant flowers are produced in the spring and early summer and the fruits mature during the fall and following winter.

Mature fruits are about the size of a normal chicken egg and also about the same shape. Fruits, at maturity, can be orange, red or purple, depending on the variety. Internally, they somewhat resemble a tomato. Like tomatoes, they can be be eaten as a vegetable and used in sauces, soups or other ways. The most popular way of consuming the tree tomato is as a conserve. It can be made into jams and jellies also, but unlike regular tomatoes, when being cooked the seeds and skin of the tree tomato should be removed.

The fruits, although they somewhat resemble tomatoes, do not have a tomato taste, but are pleasant for most people. Package of 10 seeds $2.50 Package of 50 seeds $7.95

D9902 Tree Grape ( Cyphostemma juttae ) Cyphostemma juttae is a very sought-after plant for the garden, as are other caudiciform plants such as baobabs, adeniums and tylecodons. They make superb container or open garden subjects in and around the garden, especially around swimming pools and courtyards. Because this species grows mainly in the summer, plants must be kept dry during the colder winter months. They are ideal accent plants for a rockery, or may be planted in a large container on a sunny protected patio.

These plants fare best in a loamy or sandy soil where drainage is optimal. Adding plenty of river sand and general compost will greatly improve drainage in heavy clay soils. Soil quality can also be improved dramatically by lightly working some bone meal into the soil. Although smelly, the effect on soils is quite remarkable. As a rule of thumb, use only organic products, such as those based on seaweed extract, especially if plants are going to be fed on a regular basis. Organic products won't burn or damage plants.

As with all succulents one must be careful not to over-water. These plants can survive with very little water and too often plants die as a result of too much water. If one lives in a very wet area, it is best to rather keep plants in big containers where they can be easily moved to a sheltered place. This also helps where severe frost occurs as cypostemmas are not completely resistant to frost. Package of 5 seeds $3.95

Image: By Franz Xaver [ CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL ], from Wikimedia Commons D2217 American Persimmon ( Diospyros virginiana ) The persimmon is a slow-growing deciduous tree, rarely exceeding 50 feet in height. The leaves are generally elliptic, 4-6 inches long, dark green on top and pale green underneath.

The bark on older trunks is black and broken up into distinctive, regular square blocks. The female flowers develop into showy orange fruits, up to 2 inches in diameter, that are very astringent during maturation, but deliciously sweet when fully ripe.

Persimmon is native to eastern North America from New England, west to Kansas, and south to Texas and Florida. It is one of the most widely-adapted of trees, growing naturally in bottomland swamps, along stream banks, in upland forests, in fields, piney woods, and even dry scrub lands.

Prefers full sun, but also does well in partial sun. Highly adaptable, tolerates drought and even brief flooding. Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-10.

Wild persimmons and their seedlings vary greatly in fruit quality and size. Plant persimmon trees in the natural area of your landscape where their fruit will can be shared with wildlife as well as children.

When you gently shake a persimmon tree, the ripe fruits fall to the ground. If you have to pull the fruit off the tree, it will surely pucker your mouth inside out! Ripe persimmons are delicious out of hand, and can be made into puddings and cakes. Frozen, they satisfy like ice cream, while dried persimmons are like dates. Persimmon wood is prized for its beauty and extreme density, and used for golf club heads and pool cues. Package of 5 seeds $2.50 Package of 25 seeds $7.95

Image: By Sphl (ja:Image:Kaki.jpg) [ GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons SO456 Japanese Persimmon ( Diospyros kaki ) A very popular fruit tree from the Far East that has gained popularity in the US. Easy to grow from seeds. Can be raised inside in tubs in the north and outside in mild climates. The fruits are large, up to 3" across and sweet. Package of 6 seeds $2.50

Image: By Zeynel Cebeci [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons FB101 Date Plum ( Diospyros lotus ) A type of persimmon tree, produces a small fruit with a taste similar to both dates and plums. Known by the ancient Greeks as the fruit of the gods, the date plum is renowned for its sweet taste.

It is a decidious tree that is native to Middle East and South Asia, especially from China and Japan. This tree can reach up to 90 ft (30 m) tall in warm areas, but will generally be smaller. (Up to about 30 ft -10 m- tall) it bears edible small fruits in autumn.

The leaves of the date plum are decidious, and are about up to 4-5 in (10 - 12.5 cm) long. Flowers - Flowers are small and yellow-green, and are dioecious. At least both a male and female plant will be required to get viable seeds. A pack of 10 seeds will usually produce both male and female plants, can be pollinated by other persimmons.

The date plum is a close relative to the persimon. However, the date plum is a smaller fruit, as it is about 0.75 in (2 cm) wide. It is a globose yellow fruit that turns purple-brown when fully ripe. Like the persimon, the date plum looses its astringency when fully ripe. The flesh is then very soft and rich in flavour.

This tree is frost hardy down to -15°F (-25°C) and less. It can easily be grown in USDA zones 5 and warmer. The date plum needs a fairly well-drained and deep ground. Package of 10 seeds $2.95

3649 Kei Apple ( Dovyalis caffra ) Dovyalis caffra or Kei Apple is an evergreen shrub to small tree native to South Africa. In nature, the plants will reach up to 20 feet in height with a spread of around 8-10 feet wide.

It is a very dense shrub with very stiff, sharp spines. Spines will reach up to 3 inches long. The obovate, glossy leaves are up to 2 inches long.

Leaves are usually clustered at the base of spines. Plants are moderately fast growers and one can expect them to produce fruit in 5-6 years from seed. They are very drought resistant and their size is easily controlled with container size and selective pruning.

The plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

The very small greenish yellow flowers are followed by 1 inch yellow fruit. The mature fruits taste somewhat like an apricot. 200mg pack ( about 10 seeds ) $2.95

Image: By Krzysztof Golik [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons 3631 Ceylon Gooseberry ( Dovyalis hebecarpa ) Shrubby tropical plant to 15' with spines on the stems with numerous small oval leaves. Produces 1" velvety, purple skinned tart fruits which are used in jams, jellies. May also be pruned to size as an attractive ornamental plant. Native to Sri-Lanka.

Consumed fresh, either as a flavoring for beverages, or in preserves. Fruits can be eaten out of hand but are usually not for the pulp is very acidic.

Grows very quickly under ideal conditions. Plants will tolerate dry and wet soils, although lots of moisture is necessary for proper fruit development. Fruiting occurs from spring to early summer. In some areas tree will bear multiple crops throughout the year.

Cold hardy to upper 20's.Can be tub raised. Package of 10 seeds $2.95

Image: By Thayne Tuason [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons D2219 Russian Olive ( Elaegnus Angustifolia ) Zone 6-9. A very fragrant plant when in bloom, with a rich honey like fragrance. Russian-olives are non-native, deciduous shrubs or small trees that grow to 20 feet tall. It has yellow flowers and dry yellow mealy fruits. Silver scales occur on the underside of the leaves. The twigs of Russian-olive are typically covered with thorns. These shrubs begin to flower and fruit annually after 3 years. An individual plant can produce 8 pounds of fruit each year. The leaves are covered with small scales which give the foliage a distinctive silvery appearance. The fruit is berry-like, and is silvery when first formed but turns brown at maturity.

Although its fruits are used in drinks and to make preserves, it is more sought after for its white shoots and silver undersides of leaves which give them an ornamental appeal. Package of 5 seeds $2.50 Package of 25 seeds $7.95 Package of 100 seeds $12.95 Image: By Photo by David J. Stang [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons Z1511 Cardamom Spice Plant ( Elettaria cardamomum )

It is called the Queen of Spices and considered one of the most exotic and highly prized spices. Indian cardamom has a history as old as human civilization. Cardamom oil is a precious ingredient in food preparations, perfumery, health foods medicines and beverages. India, a traditional exporter of cardamom to the Middle East countries where it goes mostly into the preparation of 'Gahwa' - a strong cardamom - coffee concoction without which no day is complete or no hospitality hearty for an Arab. Indian cardamom enjoys a premium preference in the Middle East, by Japanese and Russians who relish it for its distinct enriching properties. This Queen of Spices is from the High Ranges of Kerala. Note: We recommend CAPE seed germination primer be used for these seeds. Cardamom is a rather typical looking ginger plant except that it is huge, standing as much as 12' tall. Thick, fleshy rhizomes give rise to erect shoots that bear two rows of linear-lance-shaped leaves each about 2' long. The leaves are smooth and dark green above, silky and paler beneath. They taper to an acute point. The fruits are thin-walled, smooth-skinned, oblong, greenish capsules about 3/4" long. Each contains 15-20 aromatic reddish brown seeds. It is a tropical plant and needs zone 10 or higher to grow outside, but can be sucessfully grown in hothouses.It is called the Queen of Spices and considered one of the most exotic and highly prized spices. Indian cardamom has a history as old as human civilization. Cardamom oil is a precious ingredient in food preparations, perfumery, health foods medicines and beverages. India, a traditional exporter of cardamom to the Middle East countries where it goes mostly into the preparation of 'Gahwa' - a strong cardamom - coffee concoction without which no day is complete or no hospitality hearty for an Arab. Indian cardamom enjoys a premium preference in the Middle East, by Japanese and Russians who relish it for its distinct enriching properties. This Queen of Spices is from the High Ranges of Kerala. 5 seeds. Price per pack: $3.95 D2925 Pineapple Guava ( Feijoa ) Originally native to southeastern Brazil and northernmost Argentina, this shrub or small tree is now widely cultivated around the world for its edible fruits, as well as for its ornamental qualities. Acca sellowiana grows to about 12-15 feet tall and forms a dense, rounded crown of small leaves that are grayish furry underneath.

The pinkish flowers have prominent red stamens and are followed by plum-sized, yellowish green fruits that are amazingly delicious, highly aromatic, lightly acidic and remind of pineapple and strawberries. They are eaten raw or used in jams, juices or sauces.

Hardy to zone 8. Package of 5 seeds $2.95 Package of 25 seeds $8.95 D9915 Common Fig ( Ficus carica ) Ficus belongs to the Mulberry Family. The Common Fig is native to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia region where it grows wild and has been in cultivation for centuries. The cultivated Fig forms a shrub or low-spreading tree.

The fig is a picturesque tropical looking tree or shrub with a dramatic spreading habit. The breadth is often wider than the height of 15 to 30 ft (4.6-9 m) with equal spread. This deciduous, low-branching tree is usually single trunked, with pale, silvery gray smooth bark. In colder regions, figs are grown as bushes with multiple stems and branches close to the ground that are laid down and buried before winter. The Ficus makes an especially attractive specimen in the landscape. Plant one on an expanse of lawn, where it's graceful spreading shape and smooth twisting branches command attention in all seasons.

The alternate, long petioled, dark green leaves are broad-ovate to nearly orbicular in outline and may become 20cm(10 in) long and 10-20 cm (4-10 in) wide with 3-5 lobes. The upper surface is thick and ribbed while the underneath is finely haired .The leaves texture is rough and they can irritate skin.

The Genus Ficus is unique for bearing its flowers inside a nearly closed receptacle, or branch, which ripens into a fleshy fruit called a fig. The small flowers are produced twice in the season. The first ones (the breba crop) are produced near the ends of the shoots of the preceding flush of growth, whereas the second crop (the main crop) is produced in the axils of the leaves on the new growth.

The mature fruit is pear shaped and variable in size and range in color from a greenish-yellow to purple. The edible fruit is a hollow succulent receptacle with many ovaries on the inner surface, which may or may not produce seeds, depending on the variety.

Figs usually begin bearing fruit within two years and may bear twice per year. Figs grow nicely and will bear fruit when grown in containers where they can be artfully pruned to create a living sculpture to decorate deck or patio. This is convenient for two reasons: cold climate growers can move their figs indoors in winter and the plants can be removed from the patio when the fruit begins to (over)ripen. The edible fruit are extremely attractive to birds.

Hardy for zones 7-10. Note that with winter protection, it can be grown as far north as Zone 5. The Ficus Carica likes reflected sun, full sun, or part shade. Fig trees are tolerant of poorly drained soils and grow well in relatively infertile soils. When fully dormant, fig trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 15°F (-9°C). Even if frozen, figs often will restart from the roots and produce a crop the following summer. They are drought tolerant, once established. Figs responds well to pruning and can be espaliered or pruned heavily in the dormant season for size control and to increase the main crop. Water the tree every month or two while it is growing, and once or twice per year when fully grown. They grow much better with a monthly fertilizing program and deep watering twice a month in summer. 20mg pack ( about 10-12 seeds $2.95 50 seeds $9.95

SF302 New Caledonia Fig ( Ficus habrophylla ) This fig from New Caledonia is eaten by the Kanak people and popular for making into pies. The very large leaves of this tree are dark green and showy, making it an absolutely gorgeous ornamental as well. It grows well in pots when young. Grow as an inside plant when young, or outside in zones 8-11. 2mg pack ( about 10 seeds ) $3.95 50 seeds $12.95

3399 Cluster Fig Tree ( Ficus racemosa ) An evergreen tropical fig that can be grown in large tubs.

Impressive large Ficus species which can easy be recognized by the myriad of fruits that are hanging from its branches almost the whole year round.

Popularly known as the Cluster Fig Tree or Goolar (Gular) Fig, this is native to Australasia, South-East Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. it is unusual in that its figs grow on or close to the tree trunk.In India the tree and its fruit are called gular in the north and atti in the south.The fruits are a favorite staple of the common Indian macaque. In Vietnam, it is called sung. 25mg pack ( about 100 seeds ) $2.95

TRN609 Lovi-Lovi ( Flacourtia inermis ) A beautiful, bushy small tree with glossy green leaves that are reddish when young and cherry-sized, bright red, edible and acidic fruits throughout much of the year that are eaten fresh or made into jellies or jams. Flacourtia inermis is best suited to tropical climates in USDA Zones 10 and above. A beautiful, bushy small tree with glossy green leaves that are reddish when young and cherry-sized, bright red, edible and acidic fruits throughout much of the year that are eaten fresh or made into jellies or jams. Flacourtia inermis is best suited to tropical climates in USDA Zones 10 and above.

Package of 10 seeds $2.95

TRZ050 Madan ( Garcinia schomburgkiana ) Image not available. Madan is a native of Thailand. It grows to a small size tree in tropical areas. It is found growing wild there in lowland and swampy areas of the evergreen forests in Central and South Thailand. The fruits are consumed by local people in various ways. Madan fruits are mostly gathered from wild growing trees but some trees are also planted by people around homes.

Madan fruits are very rich in vitamin A and calcium. Since the fruits taste quite sour, they are often used in side dishes, salads and made into sauces. The fruit is also processed to make preserved fruit in syrup, pickled fruit and dried fruit. Fermented fruit is stuffed with minced pork to make a soup, or it can be made into a sweet.

Young leaves are served as a vegetable accompaniment to many Thai dishes and can be eaten either raw or cooked.

Zone 9b and higher. Image not available. Madan is a native of Thailand. It grows to a small size tree in tropical areas. It is found growing wild there in lowland and swampy areas of the evergreen forests in Central and South Thailand. The fruits are consumed by local people in various ways. Madan fruits are mostly gathered from wild growing trees but some trees are also planted by people around homes.Madan fruits are very rich in vitamin A and calcium. Since the fruits taste quite sour, they are often used in side dishes, salads and made into sauces. The fruit is also processed to make preserved fruit in syrup, pickled fruit and dried fruit. Fermented fruit is stuffed with minced pork to make a soup, or it can be made into a sweet.Young leaves are served as a vegetable accompaniment to many Thai dishes and can be eaten either raw or cooked.Zone 9b and higher.

Package of 5 seeds $3.95

RLP032 Marmalade Box Tree ( Genipa americana ) Marmalade Box Tree is a small to medium-sized tropical tree. It is 20 to 50 feet and it has thick, smooth bark.

In most of Amazon Basin the trees flower in May to September and give fruit between September and April. It takes up to one year for the fruits to mature. In most trees, bees pollinate the flowers. Its fruit is a large, rounded berry, which is 4 to 6 inches long, 2 to 3 inches wide, weighing between 8 and 16 ounces. It has a thin and leathery covering and a thick layer of soft, yellow-brown pulp. The central cavity contains up to 300 seeds, enclosed in membranes.

The fruit is edible only when overripe and soft to the touch, when the flavor (acid to subacid) resembles that of dried apples or quinces. Genipap is widely distributed throughout the South American tropics and parts of the subtropical areas of Latin America. Areas were it grows naturally or where it has been introduced range from Mexico to Argentina and include the Caribbean as well. In most places Genipap is restricted to the lowlands. The tree may have originated in the Amazon where it grows naturally. It is found especially in the "varzeas", the part of the Amazon forest that lies next to rivers and is flooded annually for several months. Occurrence also extends into the open forest and the savannah transition zone. It is also common in secondary forests on sites abandoned by shifting agriculture.

In Guyana, the ripe fruit is used mainly as fish bait. The fallen, astringent fruits are much eaten by wild and domestic animals. The juice of the unripe fruit is colorless but oxidizes on exposure to the air and gradually turns light brown, then blue-black, and finally jet black. It has been commonly employed by South American Indians to paint their faces and bodies for adornment and to repel insects; and to dye clothing, hammocks, utensils and basket materials a bluish-purple. The dye is indelible on the skin for 15 to 20 days. This very common use is probably the reason why the tree is so dispersed in all tropical America. The fruit juice is recommended against rheumatism. Amerindians make a syrup from the juice of the mesocarp or cook the fruit and seeds and use the residual water against asthma and to reduce inflammations of the respiratory system. The fruit pulp is used as a dental anesthetic. The scraped green fruit is used against itching.

In Puerto Rico, the fruit is cut up and put in a pitcher of water with sugar added to make a summer drink like lemonade. Sometimes it is allowed to ferment slightly. A bottled concentrate is served with shaved ice by street vendors. In the Philippines the fruit is used to make cool drinks, as well as jelly, sherbet and ice cream. The flesh is sometimes added as a substitute for commercial pectin to aid the jelling of low-pectin fruit juices. Rural Brazilians prepare sweet preserves, syrup, a soft drink (called genipapada), wine, and a potent liqueur from the fruits.

The fruit is eaten as a remedy for jaundice in El Salvador. Ingested in quantity, it is said to act as a vermifuge. The fruit juice is given as a diuretic. It is a common practice in Puerto Rico to cut up the fruits, steep them in water until there is a little fermentation, then add flavoring and drink the infusion as a cold remedy. The crushed green fruit and the bark decoction are applied on venereal sores and pharyngitis. The root decoction is a strong purgative. The seeds are crushed and added to water and taken as an emetic in Brazil. When cut, the bark exudes a whitish, sweetish gum which is diluted and used as an eyewash and is claimed to alleviate corneal opacities. The juice expressed from the leaves is commonly given as a febrifuge in Central America. The flower decoction is taken as a tonic and febrifuge. 5 seeds $4.95

Image: Georg Slickers Wikimedia D2220 Honey Locusts ( Gleditsia ) This tree is cultivated for its golden fern-like foliage. The small, greenish-yellow flowers bloom in May and June and are fragrant. The fruit are actually 7" to 18" long, twisted, flattened pods, approximately 1" wide and strap-like, color changes from green to dark brown. The pulp is sweet and thus the name. The pods are often fermented to make beer or to feed to livestock. Beware, lots of thorns! Hardy to zone 4. Package of 10 seeds $2.50 Package of 50 seeds $8.95

Image: By Paul S Kruger [ CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL ], from Wikimedia Commons TRM089 Brandybush ( Grewia flava ) The Brandybush is a shrub found in the Kalahari. The tasteful, flesh rich fruits are gathered by the San people from February to August and are eaten in large quantities. They are also mashed, soaked and eaten as a porridge.

In the flowering season, the beautiful sweet-scented star-shaped yellow flowers can be found growing on the angles where the leaves grow on the branches. These in turn make way for the berry-like fruit that starts showing from December to April. The berry fruit is reddish brown in colour when ripe and ready to eat, is sweetish in flavour and has a fairly high sugar content.

A recent seed addition from Africa, we do not yet know zone requirements for this plant, so grow at your own risk! 5 seeds $2.95

2903 Hops ( Humulus lupulus ) Humulus lupulus ( aka Hops, Japanese Hops ), is a perennial climber growing to almost 20 feet high at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. Hops are noted for attracting wildlife, pharmaceuticals, and beverage flavoring such as beer. Hops produce rich, heavily scented, green-golden fruit that is harvested in autumn. The flowers of Humulus lupulus contain the chemicals myrcene, myrcenol, resin, linalool, humulene and tannins, all used extensively in the pharmaceutical industy. Also, another common usage is flavoring for the beer industry. Hops seeds can be slow to germinate. Use a process called "cold scarification" to encourage hop seed germination. A good method is to put seeds in an equal amount of moist sand and refrigerate from one to three months at about 41 degrees F. After that, plant the seeds at 68 degrees F. for one to two months. If the hops seeds have not germinated, put them back in the refrigerator and repeat the cycle. Decorative fast growing vine, excellent for porches and screens. Package of 10 seeds $3.25 Package of 50 seeds $12.95

D9917 Yellow Pitaya, Yellow Dragon Fruit ( Hylocereus megalanthus ) This rare cactus fruit has a unique sweet flavor. The seeds are slightly larger than most dragonfruit, and the inside fruit is extremely sweet and juicy!

Yellow Dragon fruit have an oblong shape and are slightly smaller in size than the more common red varieties. Their thick yellow skin is covered in small knobby protrusions, which when immature displays small spines that will naturally fall off as the fruit matures. Beneath the skin is a dense white flesh containing numerous petite, edible black seeds. Yellow Dragon fruit has a crisp, juicy texture and very sweet, tropical flavor with floral hints and no acidity.

Yellow Dragon fruit is typically eaten raw, either straight out of the skin or scooped out and cubed, balled or sliced. For the best flavor, refrigerate the fruit for 2 hours before preparing raw. Add to tropical fruit salads or serve alone as dessert. Yellow Dragon fruit flesh can be pureed and made into a sauce or syrup or added to smoothies and cocktails. Freeze the pureed pulp for sorbet or a granitas. Use the flesh to flavor pastries or other baked goods. Yellow Dragon fruit can be kept at room temperature for a few days and will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

The Yellow Dragon fruit has been used for centuries by the native people of northern South America. It was used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. It has only been since the early 2000s that Yellow Dragon fruit was approved for export to North America and Europe.

It is native to the northern region of South America, what is now Colombia and Ecuador. The fruits are still cultivated there, with Colombia being the largest producer, and are exported all over the world. They are also grown in Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico and in California and Florida in the United States. Growers specializing in rare fruits in the United States, specifically in southern California and Florida, grow Yellow Dragon fruit on a smaller scale. The Yellow Dragon fruit cactus has long extending stems that can grow up to 20 feet long and require some form of trellising or support to grow on. The cactus prefers arid tropical and subtropical climates and is fairly heat resistant and somewhat cold-hardy. Yellow Dragon fruits can be spotted at most markets and specialty stores and at farmer’s markets in Southern California and Florida.

Zones 10 and higer outside, can be grown inside in cooler zones if good light provided. 10 seeds $2.95 25 seeds $5.95

Image: By H. Zell [ GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons 3338 Yerba Mate ( Ilex paraguayensis ) Grow you own Yerba Mate and enjoy this popular South American tea as an alternative beverage to coffee. In Latin America, Yerba Mate is the beverage of choice and has a smoother taste than green tea, plus it's loaded with antioxidants. The plant itself makes a wonderful potted plant for its graceful full-leafed branches. Under warm temperatures, it grows throughout the year, even in the north as a potted plant with flowers arriving during the winter/spring months. The leaves can be harvested once the plant is established. Grow in full sun with temperature above 65 degrees for fastest growth.

Hardy to Zone 10 and higher for outdoors.

Yerba mate was has been used as a beverage since the time of the ancient Indians of Brazil and Paraguay. In the early 16th century, Juan de Solis, a Spanish explorer of South America's famed La Plata River, reported that the Guarani Indians of Paraguay brewed a leaf tea that "produced exhilaration and relief from fatigue." The Spaniards tried the beverage and liked it. Their subsequent demand for the tea led the Jesuits to develop plantations of the wild species in Paraguay and yerba mate became known as "Jesuits' tea" or "Paraguay tea."

Methods of leaf preparation for the traditional tea beverage vary then and now: in one method, the branches are cut, then held over an open fire (to fire-cure the leaves). This deactivates the enzymes in the leaves (making them more brittle) and the green color of the leaves is retained in the subsequent drying process (with charred bits often found in the resulting tea product, which lends to a smoky flavor). Other methods include a brief par-blanching of the leaves in boiling water (to deactivate the leaf enzymes and soften its leathery texture). They then are toasted dry in large pans over a fire or inside a brick oven-resulting in a finished brown-leaf tea.

The wild plant has a distinct aroma and taste that has not been matched by plantation cultivation. In South America yerba mate is considered a national drink in several countries; in Europe, it is called "the green gold of the Indios." In Brazil and Paraguay (leading exporters of mate), some production still comes from wild stands-most of which is found in the humid depressions of the foothills. It is not unusual for one wild tree to yield 30-40 kg of dried leaves annually. In wild harvesting, mate gatherers, called tarrafeiros or yebateros, travel through the jungle searching for a stand of trees (called a mancha). Harvesting is done between May and October, when the tree is in full leaf. Leaves are picked from the same tree only every third year, which protects it for subsequent crops. Most of the mate in commerce today, however, comes from large cultivation projects in Paraguay and Uruguay.

The word mate is Spanish for "gourd," and refers to the small gourd cup in which the tea beverage traditionally is served throughout South America. It is also served with a metal drinking straw or tube, called a bombilla, which has a filter attached to the lower end to strain out leaf fragments. The bottom third of the gourd is filled with fire-burned or toasted leaves, and hot water is added. Burnt sugar, lemon juice, and/or milk often is used to flavor the refreshing tea, which occupies a position rivaling that of coffee in the United States. Mate bars are as prevalent in South America as coffee bars are in North America and Europe; mate drinking has deep cultural roots.

In addition to its standing as a popular beverage, yerba mate is used as a tonic, diuretic, and as a stimulant to reduce fatigue, suppress appetite, and aid gastric function in herbal medicine systems throughout South America. It also has been used as a depurative (to promote cleansing and excretion of waste). In Brazil, mate is said to stimulate the nervous and muscular systems and is used for digestive problems, renal colic, nerve pain, depression, fatigue, and obesity. A poultice of the leaves also is applied topically to anthrax skin ulcers (for which mate's tannin content - highly astringent - may be the reasoning behind this use). 10 seeds $2.95 50 seeds $9.95

3630 Sweetheart ( Iochroma sp. ) This is an interesting plant for zones 9 and higher outside, but could be grown in tubs and brought inside in cooler zones.

A member of the Solanaceae ( nightshades ), Iochromas are more refined with smaller leaves and brightly colored tubular flowers that flare at the tips, and come in large, densely flowered clusters.

This is a small shrub with simple, grayish green leaves and attractive, reddish, tubular flowers in terminal clusters, followed by cherry-sized, golden yellow, heart-shaped fruits that are edible and sweet.

Zone 9b and higher outside. 3mg pack ( about 10 very small seeds ) $3.95

3636 Jaltomato Procumbens A South American fruit, with a sweet, spicy taste similar to grapes or tomatoes. These easy-to-grow plants can grow as short-lived perennials but are better grown as annuals in cooler climates.

The fruit has a pleasant taste and aroma and is prized as a food source by many. This little tomato is found across Mexico and it's mostly used in the cuisines from the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tamaulipas and Jalisco. It is rarely found in markets, and when it is, usually in small quantities. The ripe fruit has been used economically in parts of Mexico fresh, dried, in jams or preserves. Only completely ripe fruit are to be eaten, as green berries and the rest of the plant may be poisonous. The plant grows like a tomatillo plant and the berries are a decent size and produces well even in poor sandy soils.

This type of "berry tomato" is very juicy, has lots of seeds and a thick skin, peculiarities which the people who consume it enjoy. Said to taste like a sweet and spicy cross between a tomato and a grape, it can be eaten raw or made in to a delicious jam. Definitely is a plant for super food and gourmet for vegan fans.

Plants produced many cherry-sized black berries. They fall off when ripe. It is also a folk medical plant of Kamasa Indians in Columbia and Tarahumara Indians in Mexico. Plants can be grown like commonly tomatoes. This true perennial and can live many years in conservatory. In spring it shoots up from stout roots.

As with other members of the Solanum family, such as tomatoes and aubergines, jaltomata may require staking or some form of support. 10 seeds $2.95 50 seeds $7.95

Image: By Nekrasov.ig [ CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL ], from Wikimedia Commons FDR07 Butternut ( Juglans cinerea ) Butternut, also called white walnut or oilnut, grows rapidly on well-drained soils of hillsides and streambanks in mixed hardwood forests. This small to medium-sized tree is short lived, seldom reaching the age of 75.

Butternut is more valued for its nuts than for lumber. The soft coarse-grained wood works, stains, and finishes well. Small amounts are used for cabinetwork, furniture, and novelties. The sweet nuts are prized as a food by man and animals. The kernels are sweet, oily and tasty, having a buttery flavor as per the common name. Native Americans used the nuts for food and boiled the tree sap for syrup. This species is sometimes commonly called white walnut because of the light color of the wood. Butternut is easily grown but must be transplanted early because of the quickly developing root system. Hardy for zones 3-7. Package of 5 seeds $3.95

H119 Chinese Wolfberry, Goji Berry ( Lycium barbatum ) Native to Northern China. Goji berries are used fresh, juiced or (more commonly) dried and used like raisins. They are a yin tonic, immune enhancing, and excellent for the overall health. We have selected a highly productive cultivar that bears extremely large fruits. The seed is of confirmed germination and vigor. Plant prefers full sun and fast-drying soils. High desert conditions are quite conducive. Goji plants are drought-tolerant.

A graceful shrub that bears large edible berries. The leaves are also edible when fresh and used in salads. A wine is made from the fruit that is said to prolong life. A perennial for zones 5-9. Package of 10 seeds $2.50 Package of 50 seeds $7.95