Skip to main content

Posts

Otaheite gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus)

Otaheite gooseberry ( Phyllanthus acidus ) is a plant species in the Phyllanthaceae family. It is a shrub or small tree that can reach a height of up to 9 meters, characterized by low, sparse branching. Its simple, ovate leaves—measuring 2–7 cm in length with pointed tips—are arranged along the twigs in a manner that resembles a pinnately compound leaf. P. acidus produces red, four-parted flowers arranged in panicles up to 12 cm long. The fruit is round with 6–8 ridges; it has a waxy, whitish-yellow appearance and a diameter of up to 2.5 cm, hanging either singly or in clusters. The flesh is whitish, juicy, and sour, containing a hard core with 4–6 seeds. The fruit is often eaten fresh—seasoned with sugar or salt, or prepared as rujak (a spicy fruit salad)—and is frequently candied, boiled, or used to make refreshing beverages. The young leaves are consumed raw as a side dish ( lalapan ). The tree is commonly planted for shade or as an ornamental feature in yards and gardens. It thr...

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum)

Garden cress ( Lepidium sativum ) is a plant species in the Brassicaceae family. It is an annual herb that grows up to 60 cm tall, featuring numerous branches in its upper section and a green appearance. Its small, elliptical flowers—ranging in color from white to bright red—measure 2 mm in diameter and grow in branched clusters. The seeds are enclosed within a covering. L. sativum is widely cultivated, both on a mass scale and by individuals, using methods such as hydroponics or growth in slightly alkaline water. When consumed raw, this species is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as various dietary minerals. The shoots are typically harvested 1–2 weeks after planting, when they reach a height of 5–13 cm. Known for its sharp, pungent flavor, the plant is often added to soups, sandwiches, salads, boiled eggs, and mayonnaise. It is also consumed in the form of sprouts, while its seed pods—whether fresh or dried—are used as a piquant seasoning. Medicinally, the plant has been used ...

Granadilla (Passiflora quadrangularis)

Granadilla ( Passiflora quadrangularis ) is a plant species in the Passifloraceae family. It is an herbaceous or shrubby vine with slender, long, and flexible stems that are quadrangular (four-sided) in cross-section, featuring spiral-shaped tendrils. The fruit is oblong, reaching 20 cm in length and 15 cm in diameter, with a weight of 3–5 kg. Inside, the fruit contains a cavity filled with numerous seeds. When ripe, the fruit has a fragrant aroma and a pleasant taste. It is rarely eaten on its own; instead, the flesh is typically cut into pieces and used in syrups, fruit cocktails, or juices. The leaves are used medicinally to treat high blood pressure and diabetes. TAXON Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Subphylum: Angiospermae Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Malpighiales Family: Passifloraceae Subfamily: Passifloroideae Tribe: Passifloreae Genus: Passiflora L. First published in Sp. Pl.: 955 (1753) Subgenus: Passiflora Section: Quadrangulares Species: Passiflora quadrangularis L. i...