The Tropical Fruit Forum

I too had read that black zapote was dioecious, but when I asked the people-in-the-know at CATIE here in Costa Rica they told me is isn't true and that all of their trees bear fruit. BTW, just for kicks I have three black zapote trees planted in one hole for three years now, and all are doing great and growing like weeds....but no flowers yet.

I started some longon seeds six or seven months ago. They all sprouted fine and grew up to six inches or so very quickly. But, that's where they stayed. I saw some longon seedlings started from the same trees at about the same time at the CATIE nursery the other day, and they all seemed to be stuck too. Any ideas?

Is nance tree self-fruitful?

A week or so ago my good neighbor sprayed a section of his farm which borders a section of my place with glyphosate ("Round Up" weed killer). Some Costa Ricans use the damn stuff like water. Within days the weeds and brush on his place were dead. But, it was a relatively breezy day when he sprayed the stuff, and I'm wondering if some of my fruit trees were affected.

I don't see much damage to the grasses about, but I noticed a couple of days ago new growth on three young mammon chinos (Rambutan) in that section of my farm is dead, and one very tall flowering ornamental tree called llama del bosque is yellowing and losing its leaves. I have always used organic growing principals both here and in the states, and so I have been aware for many years of the environmental concerns about the wide popular usage of this powerful poison...and of course I never have used it.

I have searched for info on the possible dangers to some types of trees, but I can't find any. Maybe this is a stretch, but have any of you growers had personal experience with glyphosate? BTW, my concern is more about my fruits and veggies actually CONTAINING glyphosate, which studies have proved is the case when they're exposed. If possible I would like to be sure of my facts before I visit my good neighbor to "kindly encourage" him re-learn the traditional skill of using a machete! LOL.

Ahhh...please provide some contradicting evidence that apple seeds can be eaten.
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Do you mean provide evidence that apple seeds CAN be eaten? Evidence: I'm alive!

But, why would you need to strip the leaves off a biriba tree? I let the trees do what they naturally do...sometimes they drop some, sometimes all...and they always do well. In my so-called "latter years", I'm heavily into minimalism when it comes to gardening and orchard work. Mamma Nature does have a tendency to support the life of the tree, if it's in the correct environment.

Thanks for your ideas and theory. But, after a lot of experience trying to grow avocado trees, I also have a theory...avocado trees are simply a complete pain in the ass to grow!

That is remarkable! Just curious, but aren't there abiu trees in Argentina that you can get seeds from?

Biriba is right above a.reticulata as the worse anona except for Hunucma amarilla here is the mother tree in hunucma Yucatán

Well, I suppose this proves that taste, as well as beauty, is in the mind of the beholder. My durian-loving friend proves the adage as well. I have four biriba trees here in my farm, and I cherish every single fruit I can get my mouth on. To me they are simply wonderful....the epitome of sweet tropical flavor and uniqueness. Super easy to grow and very productive trees.

How safe is it to travel around?

Is there a reliable public transport system or is it better to rent a car and use maps/GPS?quote]


I live here and have a car, but I mostly use the bus system, which is very modern and efficient and cheap. If I were visiting here and just going to one popular easy-to-get-to spot for the duration of the trip, I'd definitely use the buses. Traveling off the main roads would be another matter, of course. Four wheel drive vehicles are common and recommended. But, driving a car here can be risky!

I'm not concerned about you, Mr. Fruitarian. You'll do OK anywhere in CR. But, what about your dear 86-year-old mom. What does she want to do and eat? Kudos to her! She must be a very special lady! I'm 13 years younger than her and I don't ever want to get on an airplane. LOL. Anyway, you can find small fruit/veggie stores (verdurias) everywhere in the country. But here's my suggestion . . . If you want to be near beaches, lots of nature, have many choices of unusual and eclectic restaurants and places to stay, I don't think you can beat the rather funky small town of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side right on the ocean. It's a very busy and interesting place with lots of very interesting residents and tourists from the EU and the States as well as Ticos. Surrounded by LOTS of nature. Finca la Isla (on tropicalfruitforum) is nearby...growing damn near every tropical fruit you can think of. My favorite place to visit here is the great national seashore park located a short drive away in Cahuita. Monkey heaven! I think you and your mom would find it very enjoyable with little effort. Buen vieje!

2nd for cutting it down and getting something in the top tier. What do you have access to?

In my part of CR it's all but impossible to grow mangoes. Too wet! TA seems to at least survive here so I planted them. Fruit is lousy but the birds and jungle critters like them. I'm gonna follow some of the good advice here and give it a shot. Thanks all!
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