| Tropical fruit trees make wonderful additions to any | | | | cross-section slices produces a perfect star shape |
| South Florida landscape. Combine plants with lush | | | | – hence the name. The trees are considered small |
| green foliage, brightly colored flowers of all shapes and | | | | to medium in height (35 feet max), with dark green |
| sizes to create an low maintenance, attractive outdoor | | | | leaves and flowers. |
| design. Get creative and intersperse your fruit trees | | | | Star fruit is great served in salads or as an iced juice |
| with other native tropicals and add a water feature or | | | | drink, canned, dried or preserved. Not advised for |
| secluded seating area. The choices are endless, but | | | | people with kidney disease due to high concentration |
| the best part comes with the harvesting of this edible | | | | of oxalic acid. |
| landscape. | | | | Growing Conditions: Sunny location with protection |
| Here is a list of some of the tropical fruit trees you're | | | | from the wind. Season: July-September, |
| most likely to have success with in the South Florida | | | | November-February. |
| climate. In an effort to inspire you, we've, also included | | | | Mango: Native to Asia and India, mango trees have |
| some of the more exotic varieties you may never | | | | been growing in Florida for at least 100 years. These |
| have heard of. | | | | medium to large trees (up to 100 feet) have a number |
| Avocado: Introduced to the area in 1833, the South | | | | of varieties and produce a hearty crop of tasty fruit. |
| Florida climate is ideal for growing this nutritious fruit. | | | | When first picked, mangoes are light green, but are |
| There are over 56 different varieties with summer, fall | | | | best eaten when the fruit softens slightly and and skin |
| and winter growing seasons. The thick skin is green, | | | | takes on a yellow, red, or orange color. The fruit is a |
| and can be smooth or rough textured, and teardrop, | | | | good source of vitamins A and C and tastes great in |
| round or football shape, depending on the species. | | | | salads, breads, or pureed. |
| Avocados have more fat than most fruits, but they | | | | Growing Conditions: These trees are tough and easy |
| are an excellent source of potassium and Vitamin A, | | | | to grow. Season: May-October. |
| and are used in salads, guacamole, and taste great | | | | Passion Fruit: This vine produces purple, yellow or |
| scooped right out of the shell. | | | | reddish colored fruit surrounded by an sweet, orange |
| Trees are 40-60 feet in height and produce large | | | | pulp. The juice makes a wonderful punch. |
| quantities of fruit that do not ripen until they are picked | | | | Growing Conditions: Passion Fruit vines should be |
| or fall to the ground. | | | | planted in an area where they can be supported by a |
| Growing Conditions: Sunny location with well-drained | | | | fence or trellis in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. |
| soil. Season: January-June. | | | | Season: June-December. |
| Caimito - Star Apple: This is an ornamental evergreen | | | | Tamarind: This is a large tree (up to 80 feet), with |
| tree with sweet purple or green fruit and shiny green | | | | rough bark, twisting branches and evergreen foliage. |
| leaves with a brown underside. The fruit is sweet and | | | | Flowers are a pale yellow with red veins that appear |
| gelatinous.The trees range from 25 to 100 ft in height. | | | | in early summer. The fruit is hidden in brown pods and |
| Growing Conditions: Well-drained soil with no chance of | | | | contain large seeds in a sticky, brown edible pulp. The |
| flooding.. Season: Late May-March. | | | | "molasses like" pulp can be used to flavor sauces and |
| Carambola - Star Fruit: Plant produces a large fleshy | | | | steak sauce. Season: April-June. |
| berry, 2-6 inches in length, with a waxy, yellow skin. A | | | | |