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Grow your own food forest with tropical edible plants

If you’re looking to add some unique and delicious flavors to your garden, consider exploring the world of tropical edible plants. From fruits like mangoes and papayas to vegetables like taro and cassava, there are many options to choose from. With this comprehensive guide, you can learn about different types of tropical plants and how to create your own food forest.

What is a food forest?

A food forest is a type of garden that mimics the structure and function of a natural forest ecosystem. In a food forest, plants are arranged in layers, with taller trees providing shade and support for smaller trees, shrubs, herbs, and ground covers. The aim of a food forest is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that produces food with little or no input from the gardener. Food forests are ideal for tropical regions, where the long growing season and warm temperatures provide the perfect conditions for a diverse range of edible plants to thrive.

Planning the layout and design of your food forest

Before you start planting, it’s important to plan the layout and design of your food forest. Consider the size and shape of your space, the amount of sunlight and water available, and the types of plants you want to grow.  Choose a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of full sun each day, with good drainage and access to water. You can then start designing the layout of your food forest, taking into account the different layers of plants that you want to include and the size and spacing requirements of each plant.

Use a variety of techniques to create different layers, such as planting tall trees on the north side of your garden to provide shade, or using trellises and arbors to support climbing plants. You can also incorporate features like ponds, swales, and composting areas to improve soil health and water retention.

Selecting the best tropical edible plants for your climate.

Tropical fruits are some of the most popular edible plants. They include bananas, papayas, mangoes, and pineapples, among others. These fruits are rich in nutrients, including vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They are also delicious and versatile, making them a great addition to any kitchen.

Tropical vegetables are also highly nutritious and include taro root, Malabar spinach, and Okinawa spinach, among others. These leafy greens are among the best edible greens, and they are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are also easy to grow and use in a variety of dishes.

When selecting tropical edible plants for your food forest, it’s important to consider your climate and growing conditions. Tropical plants are defined by their ability to grow in warm, humid climates. These plants require a lot of sunshine and rain, making them perfect for tropical regions such as Southeast Asia, South America, and South Florida. However, some species can also thrive in cooler climates, as long as you protect them from frost. Research the specific needs of each plant before adding it to your garden, and consider consulting with a local expert or nursery to ensure you choose the best varieties for your area.

When choosing the plants for your food forest, consider both edible and non-edible species. Hardy plants such as banana trees, fig trees, and dwarf citrus plants can provide structure and shade, while subtropical species of fruits such as pineapples, Barbados cherries, and star apples can be grown for their delicious fruits. You can also include interesting species such as dragon fruit, sea grapes, and winged beans. The key is to create a diverse ecosystem that is resilient to pests and diseases, and provides a balanced diet.

We’ve got a selection of our favorite tropical edible plants for USDA zones 8-11 below.

Edible tropical plants for the canopy

Banana plantation

Banana

Banana trees (Musa spp.) are a staple of many tropical diets and can be grown in a variety of climates. They typically grow to be around 10-20 feet (3-6 m) tall with dwarf and cold climate varieties available. Bananas produce fruit all year round. Not only are the fruits delicious, but you can use the leaves in cooking as well. USDA zones: 8b-11.

Mango tree with unripe fruit

Mango

Mango trees (Mangifera indica) thrive in hot and humid tropical climates and can grow up to 100 feet (30 m) tall. They require full sun and well-drained soil and can produce fruit for over 20 years. Eat mangoes fresh, juice them, or use them in savoury or sweet cooking and baking. USDA zones: 9b-11.

Three papaya trees with unripe fruit

Papaya

Papayas (Carica papaya) are a fast-growing tropical fruit that can reach up to 30 feet (9 m) in height. They require full sun exposure. Harvest fruit within six months of planting and use in salads, smoothies, and as a meat tenderizer. USDA zones: 9-11.

Dense green foliage and flowers of the avocado tree (Persea americana).

Avocados

Although not exclusively tropical, avocados (Persea americana) thrive in warm climates. They’re a great source of fiber and healthy fats and you can use them in a variety of dishes. Avocado trees can grow up to 80 (24 m) feet tall and require partial shade exposure in USDA zones 9-11.

Coconuts growing in palm tree

Coconuts

Coconuts (Cocos nucifera) are a well-known tropical edible that is high in fat, fiber, and calories. Coconut produces many edible products including coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut oil. Coconut trees grow up to 100 feet (30m) tall and can live up to 80 years in USDA zones 10-11.

Close up of guava fruit growing in tree

Guavas

Guavas (Psidium guajava) are a tropical fruit that is high in vitamin C. With a sweet and slightly tart flavor, guavas are a tropical treat. Eat them fresh, use them in jams, or you can even juice them. Guava trees can grow up to 30 feet (9 m) tall and require full sun exposure. Best in USDA zones 9-11.

Cluster of starfruit growing in tree

Starfruit

Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) have a unique star shape when cut. They have a sweet and tangy flavor with a texture similar to that of a grape. Rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C, they’re great in salads and smoothies. Starfruit trees can grow up to 20 feet (6 m) tall in USDA zones 9-11.

Breadfruit in large tree

Breadfruit

Another staple in tropical diets, breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) has a starchy texture and a mild flavor. Prepare breadfruit by boiling, roasting or frying. Breadfruit requires full sun and can grow up to 80 feet (24 m) tall. Grows best in USDA zones 9-11.

Cashew nut and fruit

Cashew

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a medium-sized tree that produces both a nut and a fruit. The cashew nut is well-known for its kidney shape and buttery flavor, while the fruit is sweet and juicy. They have a sweet and tangy flavor and you can use them in cooking, baking and drinks. Grow it in USDA zones 10-11.

Several jackfruit on tree trunk

Jackfruit

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a large, spiky fruit that can weigh up to 80 pounds. With a sweet and fruity flavor, jackfruit is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Jackfruit trees can grow up to 80 feet (24 m) tall. USDA zones: 10-11.

Close up of soursop fruit

Soursop

Soursop (Annona muricata) is a spiky tropical fruit with a creamy tangy flesh. It has a sweet and sour flavor popular in tropical drinks and desserts. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and and antioxidant. Soursop trees can grow up to 30 feet tall. USDA zones: 10-11.

Cluster of red lychee fruit

Lychee

Lychees (Litchi chinensis) are small, red fruits with a sweet, floral flavor. Lychee fruit make a sweet addition to drinks and desserts or you can also eat them fresh. Lychee trees can grow up to 40 feet (12 m) tall and are happiest growing in USDA zones 10-11.

Clusters or black acai palm berries.

Acai palm

Acai berries (Euterpe oleracea) are small, purple fruits that are packed with antioxidants. The fruit has a slightly sweet flavor and is eaten fresh or used in smoothie bowls and juices. Acai palms can grow up to 60 feet (18 m) tall and are best suited for USDA zones 10-11.

Large tamarind tree with several fruit.

Tamarind

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a tropical fruit that is often used in sweet and sour dishes. The fruit has a sour, tangy flavor and is typically used as a flavoring agent. Tamarind trees can grow up to 80 feet tall and are best suited for USDA zones 9-11.

Six durian fruit hanging from tree branch

Durian

Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a large, spiky fruit with a strong, pungent odor. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and custard-like, and is often used in desserts. Durian trees can grow up to 130 (39 m) feet tall and are best suited for USDA zones 10-11.

Cross section of star apple fruit showing star pattern and black seeds.

Star apple

Star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito): or Kenitu fruit tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree that grows up to 20-30 feet (6-9 m) tall. The tree produces sweet, juicy, and fragrant fruit with a unique star pattern on the inside. Eat star apple fruit raw or use them in desserts and jams. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Barbados cherry tree with red fruit

Barbados cherry

Also known as acerola, the Barbados cherry (Malpighia glabra) is a small, red fruit with a tart flavor. The fruits are high in vitamin C and can be used in jams, juices, and even cocktails. Barbados cherry trees can grow up to 20 feet (6 m) tall and are best suited for USDA zones 9-11. It can be grown in Zone 8 with winter protection.

Close up of Icecream beans in opened pod

Icecream bean

Ice cream bean (Inga edulis) is actually a large, fast-growing tree that can reach up to 80 (24 m) feet tall. The tree produces long, flat pods that contain sweet, creamy pulp that tastes like vanilla ice cream. The pulp can be eaten fresh or used in desserts and smoothies. Icecream bean is hardy in USDA zones 9b-11.

Several jaboticaba berries on tree trunk

Jaboticaba

Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is a small, slow-growing tree that can reach up to 15-45 feet (4.5-13.5m) tall. The tree produces small, dark purple berries with a sweet, juicy, and grape-like flavor. Jaboticaba fruit can be eaten fresh or used to make jams and wines. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9b-11.

Clusters of red rambutan fruit growing in tree.

Rambutan

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) is a hairy red fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor. Peel the fruit to reveal a translucent, juicy flesh that surrounds a single seed. This medium-sized tree can reach up to 80 feet (24 m) tall in USDA zones 9b to 11.

Close up of immature Black sapote fruit growing in tree.

Black sapote

Black Sapote (Diospyros nigra) produces large, round, green fruit that turn black when ripe. The fruit is sweet and custardy with a texture similar to chocolate pudding. This tropical fruit tree grows up to 40 feet (12 m) tall in USDA zones 10b to 11

Several cacao fruit growing in tree.

Cacao

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is a small tree that can reach up to 20-30 feet (6-9 m) tall. The tree produces large, football-shaped fruits that contain cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate. The fruit can be eaten fresh, but the beans are usually fermented and roasted before being used to make chocolate. Cacao is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Five tamarillo fruit growing in tree

Tamarillo

Tamarillo (Solarium betaceum), also known as the tree tomato, is a fast-growing, small tree or shrub that can reach up to 20 feet (6 m) in height. The egg-shaped fruit is about 2-4 inches in length with juicy, slightly acidic flesh and filled with small edible seeds. Cook it in in jams, jellies, and chutneys. Tamarillo is relatively tolerant of colder temperatures and can be grown in USDA zones 9-11.

Bright yellow loquat fruit growing in  large tree.

Loquat

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 20-30 feet (6-9m) tall and wide. It produces small yellow-orange fruits that are sweet and juicy, and the flesh has a texture similar to apricots. The fruits are high in vitamins A and C and can be eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and pies. Loquat trees are hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

Edible tropical climbing plants

Pasisonfruit vine and flowers

Passionfruit

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a vine that can grow up to 20 feet (6 m) long and produces a sweet and tart fruit. The fruit is high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and is perfect to eat fresh or use it to make juice, jam, or syrup. Passionfruit are easy to grow in a tropical garden. They require full sun and a trellis for support in USDA zones 9-11.

Chayote hanging from trellis

Chayote

Chayote (Sechium edule) or choko vine is a fast-growing vine that can reach up to 30-40 feet (9-12m) long. The vine produces green, pear-shaped fruits with a mild, cucumber-like flavor. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of dishes. Chayote vine is hardy in USDA zones 8b-11.

Malabar spinach plant

Malabar spinach

Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) is a vining plant that can grow up to 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) tall. The plant produces large, dark green leaves that are used as a leafy vegetable in a variety of dishes. The leaves have a slightly bitter taste and can be eaten raw or cooked. Malabar spinach plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Three winged beans hanging from trellis

Winged bean

Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) is a fast-growing vine that can reach up to 13 feet (4 m) tall in USDA zones 9 to 11, producing edible leaves, flowers, and beans. The beans are the most commonly eaten part, with a slightly nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. In USDA zone 8 try growing it as an annual.

Purple sweet potato plant leaves and pink flowers.

Purple sweet potato

Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) produces a tuber with a deep purple flesh. The sweet potato can be baked, boiled, or mashed like traditional sweet potatoes. This vine can reach up to 10 feet (3 m) long in USDA zones 9 to 11.

Betel leaf vine growing on old tree stump

Betel leaf

Betel (Piper betle) leaf is a tropical plant that is commonly used in Asian cuisines for its aromatic and slightly bitter taste. Use it as a wrapping for other foods, such as meat or vegetables, or you can chew it as a stimulant. Betel leaf plants are easy to grow in USDA zones 10 to 11.

Medium height tropical edible plants

Miracle fruit berries on shrub.

Miracle fruit

Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) is a small shrub that grows up to 6-15 feet (2-4.5m) tall. The plant produces small, red berries that contain a compound called miraculin, which makes sour foods taste sweet. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used to sweeten sour drinks and foods. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Masses of coffee beans on stems of coffee plant.

Coffee beans

Coffee (Coffea arabica) is a small tree or shrub that can reach up to 6-15 feet tall (2-4.5 m). The plant produces small, red berries that contain coffee beans, which are roasted and brewed to make coffee. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Meyer lemon tree with masses of ripe fruit.

Meyer lemon

Meyer lemon (Citrus x meyeri) is a hybrid citrus fruit that is sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons. The fruit is commonly used in cooking and baking. It can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter in USDA zone 8. This small tree can reach up to 10 feet (3m) tall in USDA zones 9 to 11.

Dragon fruit growing on cactus.

Dragon fruit

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) is a cactus that can grow up to 20 feet (6m) tall with full sun and well-drained soil. With its bright pink skin and white flesh speckled with black seeds, dragon fruit is a unique tropical fruit. Eat it fresh or use it in smoothies and desserts. Dragon fruit thrives in USDA zones 10-12.

Large pineapple guava plant

Pineapple guava

Pineapple guava (Feijoa sallowiana) has a sweet and tangy flavor that tastes like a combination of pineapple and guava. They are high in vitamin C and fiber. Eat pineapple guavas fresh or use them in desserts or jams. A mature pineapple guava plant can reach a height and width of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) in USDA zones 8-10.

Clusters of sea grapes hanging from tree.

Sea grapes

Sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera) are a type of tropical edible that features in Caribbean and Southeast Asian cuisines. They have a unique, briny flavor and a buttery texture that makes them perfect for salads or as a snack. The tree grows up to 30 feet (9 m) tall you can prune it to a smaller size. Best in coastal areas and is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11.

Low growing tropical edible plants

Small pineapple plant

Pineapple

Pineapples (Ananas comosus) are a tropical fruit that is delicious fresh or cooked. They are not only delicious but also high in vitamin C. Pineapple plants are small and bushy and can grow up to 5 feet tall. They grow well in full sun and are easy to care for. The fruit is ready to harvest when the center leaves turn brown and the fruit smells sweet. Suitable in USDA zones 10-12.

Roselle flower buds

Roselle

Roselle, (Hibiscus sabdariffa) grows up to 7 feet (2 m) tall and has green leaves and reddish stems. The flowers are deep red and have a unique flavor that is tart and slightly citrusy. They can be used to make a refreshing drink known as hibiscus tea. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Mass planting of Taro

Taro

Taro, a starchy root vegetable, is a popular ingredient in tropical cuisine due to its versatility and nutritional value. It is rich in fiber, vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. Prepare it as you would potato. You can boil, bake or mash it, or use it in soups and stews. Taro is a staple ingredient in many traditional Polynesian dishes. It is easy to grow in USDA zones 8-11.

Grove of Naranjilla trees

Naranjilla

Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) is a small shrub that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall in USDA zones 9b to 11. It produces a fruit that looks like a small orange with spiky skin. The fruit has a tart flavor that gives some zing to fresh juices and desserts.

Overhead view of Okinawa spinach

Okinowa spinach

Okinawa Spinach (Gynura crepioidesis a low-growing herb that can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall in USDA zones 9b to 11, producing edible leaves that are slightly bitter and have a texture similar to spinach. The plant is a great addition to stir-fries and soups. It can tolerate light frost and may be able to survive in USDA zone 8.

Large lemongrass plants

Lemongrass

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is highly valued for its fragrant, lemony leaves which are used to flavor soups, teas, and curries. It grows in clumps up to 6 feet (1.8m) tall and 4 feet (1.2 m) wide, and prefers warm, humid climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, or you can grow it in USDA zone 8 as an annual.

Planting and maintaining your food forest.

Once you have selected your tropical edible plants, it’s time to start planting and maintaining your food forest. Begin by preparing the soil and creating a planting plan that takes into account the size and spacing requirements of each plant. Regular watering and fertilization will be necessary to ensure healthy growth, and pruning and harvesting will help keep your food forest in top shape. Consider using organic and sustainable gardening practices to minimize your environmental impact and maximize the health and flavor of your tropical edible plants.

Harvesting and enjoying the fruits of your labor.

After months of hard work, it’s finally time to reap the rewards of your food forest. Harvesting your tropical edible plants at the right time is crucial for optimal flavor and nutrition. Some fruits, like papayas and bananas, will ripen on the tree, while others, like pineapples and passion fruit, will need to be picked when they are still slightly underripe. Once harvested, experiment with different recipes and cooking methods to fully enjoy the unique flavors of your tropical food forest.


Bettina Christensen wearing a straw hat and blue and green shirt

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