Peggy Chin

Momordica charantia commonly called Carilla, bitter melon or bitter gourd originated from the Indian sub-continent.

Portulaca grandiflora commonly called Jump-up-and-kiss-me is native to South America and the Caribbean.

Last week I wrote about the magnificent Mussaenda in colours of red, white, pink and dark pink.

Mussaenda erythrophylla, commonly called Ashanti blood or Red mussaenda originated from West Africa.

Pruning can improve the look of your plants. Most plants grow better and stay healthier with a little pruning.

Part 2 A single tree yields approximately 50 to 200 breadfruit per season.

Dwarf ambarella commonly called Dwarf golden apple originated in the South Pacific and spread throughout the Caribbean, Florida South and Central America.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) originated from India and Iran. Basil found its way into Italy brought by early travelers via the Mediterranean.

Celery originated from the Mediterranean. It was originally used for medicinal purposes as the seeds contain oil.

Coriander, commonly called dhania on the Indian subcontinent and cilantro or Chinese parsley in Europe and the Americas, originated from southern Europe and the Middle East.

Mentha, commonly called mint, originated from the Mediterranean and belongs to the Lamiaceae family.

Have you ever thought of growing your own kitchen herbs in pots or window boxes?

Cassia fistula commonly called Golden Shower tree or Indian Laburnum as its name suggests, originated from the Indian sub-continent and South-east Asia.

Brunfeisia pauciflora commonly called ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ originated from Brazil, and is found throughout South and Central America.

The most amazing Gladioli corms (bulbs) are available on the market now.

We are well into the season of annuals, seeds and bulbs.

Flowers are loved for their beauty. There are simply beautiful shades of yellow, pink, salmon, blue, white, red, orange and purple blooming everywhere as the Easter season is upon us.

Caladiums commonly called Angel’s wings or Lucky originated from Brazil and Central America.

Just look at the beautiful flowers in bloom and you can tell it is that time of the year – Easter or Spring as they say in northern climates.

Over the past few weeks I have spoken about several species of Bromeliads as decorative potted plants and pineapples which are planted for their commercial value and because they are rich in Vitamin C.