Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa)


I'm putting in about ten Roselle plants for tea and flavoring. This is a fun plant to grow as it gets big fast with the right conditions. It is an annual that requires replanting but you can collect the calyces and store them.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Eugenia stipitata / Araca-boi



From the western Amazon, an interesting fruit. Tried some today in smoothy and frosty. On its own its a little sour but a few tablespoons of pulp to the blender and a very refreshing flavor. High in vitamin C too.

Pitaya in Bloom



Day and night photos from yesterday.
This Yellow Pitaya is close to the fruitstand and is blooming here for the first time.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Badilla Sugar Cane


Got some of this cane from a friend and will be planting some. Its a old fashioned soft type that is great for chewing or juice. Very pretty colors too.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Achiote Fruit and Flower


Achiote bush is blooming now.
We've used the seed to make rubs for cooking meats.
This year we're going to try some other recipes.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

New Growth on Vanilla Orchid cuttings




I've been propagating vanilla and placing them throughout orchards. The vines are finally showing some new growth with branches and aerial roots at the nodes

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Pitaya Flower Progress













Follow up photo of the progress of the Yellow Pitaya.
Last photo was in July 29th blog

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Drought in Hawaii

A little less than two inches of rain for July spells drought for this area. We have been lucky to have had some rain but trees and crops don't flourish without irrigation.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Durian in Flower


One of our oldest Durian is flowering. This tree survived Hurricane Iniki and grew back from the roots. Its had a few fruit over the years but unfortunately its low stature makes it vulnerable to the depredations of wild pigs, so none have fully matured. Its been shade out that last few years so I've cleared out around it to let in more sun giving it a good growth flush. I hope this year some fruit will be able to mature.