The Tropical Fruit Forum

Yeah I had a feeling this guy was hyping up random fig trees he found instead of actually growing out seedlings and cultivating new varieties. Yes there are some fig seedlings in the wild but it’s hard to tell that they are really that much different from varieties that are already named. Lots of people want to think the fig tree they found is special. I also get excited to find a wild seedling

The whole plant seems to go completely dormant. It will look like it’s dead but it will grow from the roots in spring

This guy in Modesto has some really cool mature plants.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HVbqS8OhavM&pp=ygUbR3JvdyB0cm9waWNhbCBmcnVpdCBtb2Rlc3Rv
Pretty sure he’s fruited Kwai muk and lychee which is not common in north California. My climate in Dublin is a little different but I’m also having success with those unprotected in winter

The lemon drop mangosteen would probably appreciate a nice windowsill or greenhouse for this coming winter

I'm growing Eugenia pyriformis (which im co-opting the common name as Sun Drop), which is cold hardy and remniscent of the Eugenia stipitata/victoriana.  I think victoriana is too cold sensitive to do well for me in 9b but E. pyriformis totally rocks it and produces great fruit

Just curious what other rare Eugenia’s you’ve tested outdoors or maybe ones that haven’t done well? Only one that’s died on me so far is rainforest plum. Did fine almost all winter and then died early spring. I’m going to try again though

I’ve been selling trees so I can have room for all my new stuff from you haha

What kind of things did you find at the places you listed?

The flavor is very strong to me. Almost like condensed canistel. I feel like I don’t want to eat anymore after just 1 but that’s a good thing. If my tree makes 2 fruits a year I’ll be happy. I’m wondering if some varieties are pretty hardy. Last winter I lost a canistel tree but olosapo looked fine. Does grow slow though.

Can’t find any info on this?

 It’s an elongated fruit and the 2 seeds are  about as long as the fruit. Slight latex in cut rind and pulp is kind of cottony. Pretty good flavor

Quote from: BayAreaMicroClimate on January 20, 2023, 04:00:11 PM

Quote from: elouicious on January 20, 2023, 03:14:12 PM

fwiw Arrayan is another name for Luma apiculata according to Ben Kamm of Sacred Succulents

Quote

Luma apiculata  “Arrayan”
Myrtaceae. Highly ornamental evergreen shrub or tree, from 5–30’+. Smooth red and brown mottled bark, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. 1/2″ edible black berries, sweet with a slight aromatic aftertone. Native to Chile and southwest Argentina. Extremely generous with blossoms and fruit. The fruit is traditionally eaten fresh and made into a chicha, we find it makes an excellent preserve or cordial. Sun to part shade. Drought tolerant when established, but does best with regular irrigation. Z8a–b

Fruits look the same but from my experience the seed and growth of seedling are different

Fruits also look very similar to the Eugenia sp. arrayana on your website

Could be named because the fruits look similar or could actually be a Luma spp.

From my experience the seeds and seedlings are very different. The fruits do look the same though

Do the plants look like Eugenia?

not suggesting it is L. apiculata, but could be another Luma spp.

Leaves are very unique actually. Bigger than apiculata and with purple veins. Could be Luma Spp or myrceugenia

Oooh A. rugulosa sounds tough if it's native to the Araucaria forests.

I had a Rugulosa die this winter but it was 1st year seedling. Another one is still doing good in a more protected location