Marg - All the Plants

Location Code: A (Aquatic) B(Semi-Aquatic, Bog), SM (Sunny Moist) SD (Sunny Dry) SHM (Semi Shade Moist) SHD (Semi Shade Dry)

Growing Tropical Vegetables in a Permaculture Garden

Plant Register:

Support Species


Thanks to Cristina for creating the table format ...

Plant Name: CassiaBotanical Name: Cassia AlataLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSD Large

ShrubFast growth Prefers close to

ph neutralBy seeds, germination is slow

When to Plant

When to Harvest

Food/nut value PerennialYes/No

Edible parts Other Facts

YesSupport plant for the Tropical Food Forest

Cassia Alata

Cassia Elata is a legume that when stressed by chop and drop will provide nitrogen to the soil. This plant is a large shrub or a small woody tree. It is used for Chop and drop and also good in the compost, the worm farm and for chicken food.

There is a version called the popcorn cassia which has an amazing smell of popcorn.


Plant Name: Queensland ArrowrootBotanical Name: Canna EdulisLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSM Very hardy Any soil Division of corms Sth AmericaWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Divide corms in the spring

For food 12-18 months

Cut corms and fry like potato. Cook 40 mins.

Yes Starchy tuber Chop n drop CompostChook food

:

Canna Edulis

When used for food the corms should be harvested at 12-18 months of age. After 18 months the starch in the corms turns to cellulose. So keep support plants for chop and drop separate from the food plot for harvesting.

As a chop and drop support plant it can be kept growing for years. This plant loves full sun to part shade and is OK with wet feet.

Arrowroot is amongst the most hardy and productive of all edible perennial plants. If you know the ornamental Canna lillies, then you’ll have a good idea about the growth habit of Arrowroot. It will grow to about 2m and produce lush green foliage for all but the coldest months of the year. Prefers full sun, but handles light shade well too.


Plant Name: ComfreyBotanical Name: Symphytum officinaleLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSHM 50cm Thick clumps

expand but roots don’t run.

Prefers a rich soil, slight alkaline

Root division Asia and Europe

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Divide root and plant in spring

Flowers & leaves when hot & wet

Good stock fodder, chicken food

Yes Young leaves

:

Comfrey

Comfrey is a perennial growing from a thick, fleshy, brown-skinned root system, that can delve deeply into the sub-soil in search of moisture and minerals. WExcellent plant for chop and drop, compost, worm farm, chickens. This plant also creates a valuable garden edge barrier, keeping grasses at bay. Under the leaves a wonderful microclimate exists with increased microbes , worms and soil improvement. Take care not to chop and disturb roots where you don’t want the clumps to expand too much.

To make a poultice, turn the leaf over and use a butter knife to scrape the centre ridge, and collect the mucilage without the hairy leaf matter.


Plant Name: CrotolariaBotanical Name: Crotalaria junceaLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSD Woody

shrubSeeds Tropics incl.

AfricaWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



No No No:

Crotolaria

The common name rattlepod or rattlebox is derived from the fact that the seeds become loose in the pod as they mature, and rattle when the pod is shaken. There are two versions and the big leaf version is edible for livestock. There are abundant seed pods. This plant is a legume that supports Nitrogen fixing bacteria. Used as a green manure and soil builder.


Plant Name: Lemon GrassBotanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus

Location Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of Origin

SM 1M Grass like clumps Prefers rich moist

Root division Ceylon

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring, wet season in the tropics

Cut in warm months

Good for Vit A Used in tea and thai cooking.

Yes Leaves stems

:

Lemon grass

Lemongrass is adapted to hot wet summers and dry warm winters, is drought tolerant and will grow on a wide range of soils but prefers rich, moist loams. It dislikes wet feet. If it is damaged by frost in cooler areas, the tops should not be cut until all danger of frost has passed. This helps to protect the centre of the plant from further cold damage.

Lemon grass makes an excellent home grown mulch and weed barrier border. very hay like. Use shears to cut as this is a type of cutty grass.


Plant Name: LeucaenaBotanical Name: Leucaena leucocephalaLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSD Tree Rampant - very

fast.Seeds Central

americaWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Yes No:

Leucaena

Leucaena is a legume with Nitrogen fixing properties. Can be used for chop and drop. It has been described as a "conflict tree" in that it is both promoted for forage production and spreads like a weed in some places. It grows quickly, and forms dense thickets which crowd out any native vegetation. Do not plant near bushland. The young pods are edible and are occasionally eaten in SE Asia.

I don’t plan to use this one.


Plant Name: MucunaBotanical Name: Mucuna pruriensLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSM Vine S AmericaWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



no: Magic Bean

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume known as velvet bean or cowitch and is a widespread fodder plant in the tropics. Magic bean is grown amongst the maize crops in S America to aid in Nitrogen fixing and improve soil and crops. This is a vine and can be used as a cover crop.

The plant is infamous for its extreme itchiness produced on contact, particularly with the young foliage and the seed pods. It has value in agricultural and horticultural use and has a range of medicinal properties.


Plant Name: MugwortBotanical Name: Artemesia vulgarisLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSM 1-2 M FastWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Yes:

Mugwort is a natural vermifuge, but it is also ferocious pest. It makes good compost but it can outcompete lantana.

I don’t plan to use this plant.


Plant Name: PepinoBotanical Name: Solanum_muricatumLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSHM To 1 M Fast Fertile free

draining neutral ph

cuttings S America

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Yes Pepino melon fruit.

:

Pepino

Pepino is a food plant and also a support plant as a living ground cover that cover arond 1 SM. Closely related to the tomato this shrub grows in a sprawling habit and makes an excellent ground cover plant. It tends to fruit better when grown over a trellis.


Plant Name: Pigeon PeaBotanical Name: Cajanus cajan Location Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSD 1-4 M Wide range,

free drainageSeed Asia Africa

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Seeds Yes short lived. Seeds make dhal:

Cajanus Cajan

Pigeon pea is a legume grown from seed. It likes full sun and dry feet. Makes great livestock feed and the seeds can be used to make dhal. An erect woody, annual or short-lived perennial shrub or small tree, 1–4 m tall with a deep taproot (to 2 m). Good nitrogen fixation makes it a useful green manure.


Plant Name: Pinto PeanutBotanical Name: Arachis pintoiLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSHM Creeping ground

coverfertile cuttings

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Yes Hard wearing for pathways

:

Pinto peanut

Pinto peanut is a creeping perennial legume forming a dense mat. It is used as a live mulch for soil conservation and weed suppression, particularly in shaded situations such as under trees and vines. It is hard wearing for pathways but can be invasive if there are no barriers.

Pinto peanut grows best under irrigation or in areas with an annual average rainfall in excess of 1,500 mm. Although it can survive in areas of lower rainfall productivity is low. In dry open sunny conditions it does not spread. Pinto peanut is excellent under fruit trees.


Plant Name: Vetiver grassBotanical Name: Chrysopogon zizanioides


SHM 2m 3 M matted roots

wet Root division S E Asia

When to Plant

When to Harvest



No Yes No Stabilises dam walls

:

Vetiver Grass

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) is a densely tufted, perennial clump grass with stiff leaf bases which overlap. It is non-invasive, has no runners nor rhizomes, and only spreads by tillering. When planted in single lines along the contour, hedges of vetiver grass are found to be very effective in soil and moisture conservation. The stiff stems of the thick hedge slow the movement of runoff water and spread it out, trapping silt behind the hedge, (see Figure 1). This allows more water to be absorbed into the soil, thus reducing runoff and erosion. Vetiver can be used for chop n drop.

Vetiver has been used extensively in Asia to maintain the nutrient rich sludge in the rice paddies.



Plant Register:

Tropical Greens


Plant Name: AibikaBotanical Name: Hibiscus manihotLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSHM 2- 4M Fast, hardy Any soil Moist Cuttings PacificWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring folic acid, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and protein.

Yes Leaves

:

Aibika

Aibika is a tropical green leaf vegetable commonly known as Pacific cabbage. The green leaf of the Aibika has many varieties; is the most popular green vegetable eaten throughout Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. Aibika is easy to grow but is prone to insect attack, grasshoppers and leaf curl caterpillars find it particularly delicious. Grow with Perennial basil to deter grasshopper pests.

Like all hibiscus, Aibika should be mulched regularly with compost and pruned to keep it manageable. When you see new buds chop and prune low for a thick bush. Left to grow Aibika can reach a height of four metres. During the dry season water Aibika deeply twice a week, otherwise it will grow with the natural rainfall.

The large leaves and stalks can be harvested; the stalks have a crisp celery like flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves if overcooked are glutinous but this helps to thicken stews. Eaten alone as a spinach substitute cook the stalks in a little garlic butter and ginger, add ½ cup of coconut cream then add chopped Aibika leaves and cook for two minutes. Serve with fish or chicken or on a bed of brown rice. Aibika has high protein and is very nutritious. Wilt leaves in the shade for 30 mins to reduce mucilage.


Plant Name: AmaranthBotanical Name: Amaranthus sppLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSM 2M Easy Prefers rich

moist seeds Central

americaWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring Young plants for leafy greens

Highly nutritious No Leaves, seeds

:

Amaranth

Amaranthis referred to as a grain, because of taste and cooking as a grain, but is actually a seed. Amaranth is highly nutritious, and is unusual in that it offers a complete form of vegetable protein. It is also a great source of dietary fiber, calcium and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese. Amaranth is a good source of all essential amino acids, in particular lysine, and has a strengthening, toning effect on the body. A gluten free food, amaranth is also easily digested, making it especially useful for very active people, vegetarians, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Growing amaranth is possible all year round in the tropics. That's one of the reasons it is an essential and ubiquitous plant in any permaculture garden. Like all fast growing leafy greens amaranth loves rich soil with steady moisture and a good supply of nutrients, especially nitrogen. But it isn't as fussed as spinach or silverbeet would be. Amaranth is much hardier. It can cope with heat and dry conditions a lot better than any other leafy green. (One more good reason for this lazy gardener to grow it!) If you are frustrated with trying to grow tasty, leafy greens in the tropic, amaranth is a plant you should start growing today. It has high oxasalic acid so too much may cause kidney stones. Best steamed. Takes less time to cook than quinoa.


Plant Name: Brazilian spinachBotanical Name: Alternanthera sissooLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginFull sun Ground

coverhardy Any Cuttings Brazil

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring Growing season

es leaves

:

Brazilian spinach

Brazilian spinach ( also known as Sissoo lettuce) is vigorous and spreading, but not considered invasive. It is easy to grow at home and survives both dry spells and heavy rain. This plant generally spreads to an average 1 SM. It is a perennial and well behaved border plant.

The leaves are crunchy, slightly more so than the temperate climate spinach and not slimy. They requi re steaming or boiling when served because of the presence of oxalates. Those that normally cannot stomach green vegetables usually do not mind this mild flavored green. It is eaten alone as a green or added to other dishes. Use the fresh young leaves Excellent raw and pick daily. Marinate in dressing for 15 mins to soften. It has a different texture to lettuce so best not mixed. Good in quiche.


Plant Name: Ceylon SpinachBotanical Name: Basella alba F. BasellaceaeLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSM 10 ft vine Fast sprawling Any seeds CeylonWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring Growing season

High Yes but best started annually

leaves

:

Ceylon Spinach

Ceylon Spinach ( also known as ) Malabar spinach is a perennial, soft-stemmed sprawler, which will climb if given something for support. It is a tender fast growing vine to around 10 ft. Lush-green, heart-shaped leaves, to 20cm in length, form alternately along the stem.

Leaves can be picked by nipping off individually or tips of stems with leaves can be cut. Pick as required for each meal for optimum freshness. It is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium; also a good source of chlorophyll.


Plant Name: Chop Suey Greens or Edible chrysanthemumBotanical Name: Chrysanthemum coronariumLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSMWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



:

Edible Chrysanthemum

Edible Chrysanthemum ( also known as garland chrysanthemum) grows very well in mild or slightly cold climates, but will go quickly into premature flowering in warm summer conditions. Seeds are sown in early spring and fall.

This is a leafy herb used in stir frys in SE Asia. Overcooking should be avoided and it is recommended to add it at the last moment to hot pot since it easily loses the structure. Yellow flowers are used as an oriental bitter tea for the liver.


Plant Name: Malu KhiaBotanical Name: Corchorus olitoriusLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

Origin

Full Sun 1.5 M Hardy Fast Rich soil, moist seeds Middle eastWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Germinates self seeds Nov.

Growing season

No leaves Woody seedlings

:

Malu Khia

Malu Khia ( also known as Egyptian spinach, Molokhia, Melokheya, Meloukia, Salad Mallow, Jew's mallow, West African sorrel) is an annual woody shrub and produces nutritious green leaves that are popular in middle eastern dishes. Young leaves are used in salads while older leaves are best eaten cooked. A fast growing annual that self sows easily.

This is a very hardy, fast growing annual to 1m. The young leaves used in salad, older leaves and the shoot tips cooked as spinach and are high in protein. It self-sows readily. Sow spring and summer. Self seeds germination Nov, seeds occur in May. Suitable for subtropical and tropical areas.


Plant Name: Kang KongBotanical Name: Ipomoea aquaticaLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSM Trailing

vineDies off in cold and regrows

Moist Cuttings, will root in water

SE Asia, India

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring + Growing season

Yes leaves

:

Kang Kong

Kangkong (water spinach, water convolvulus, swamp cabbage) is a perennial semi-aquatic plant producing long vine like hollow stems that trail over the soil or float on water. Roots develop at the nodes when in contact with wet soil or water. The stem tips and foliage are succulent and light green, leaves are arrowhead shaped and narrow. It prefers lowland humid tropics with stable high temperatures above 23ºC, and short day conditions. Soils with a high organic content and a high soil moisture level, and clay soils are generally suitable.


Plant Name: Lebanese CressBotanical Name: Aethionema corditloumLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSHM Ground

coverEasy, suckering Moist, fertile root division Lebanon

When to Plant

When to Harvest




Yes Leaves stems

:

Lebanese Cress

Lebanese Cress ( also known as ( Upland cress) is an attractive, fern-like perennial herb which is very easy to grow. This plant enjoys moist conditions and semi-shade, especially through the summer season. It can grow to about 15cm (6 inches) tall in really good conditions and will quickly spread along the ground, putting down roots where it's nodes touch the ground. It makes an attractive ground cover and is delicious in a toss salad, sandwiches or as a garnish.

Grow Lebanese Cress in rich, moisture retaining soil in semi-shade (under a shady tree or shade-cloth is ideal) and keep moist as much as possible. If it does become heat stressed you can usually revive it with a good watering.


Plant Name: MitsubaBotanical Name: Cryptotaenia japonica


SHM 30cm moist Self seeds JapanWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Raise in pots, plant summer

Growing season

Usually annual, fails in cold.

leaves

:

Mitsuba

Mitsuba ( Japanese wild parsley) is commonly cultivated as a vegetable in Japan and there are some named varieties. It does not always survive the winter and so it is usually grown as an annual. The main problem with growing it is that the plant is adored by slugs and snails and must be protected when small or when new growth is emerging in the spring.

This delicate herb is high in carotene and vitamin C .


Plant Name: Mukuna WennaBotanical Name: Alternanthera versicolorLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginAny 1M

ground cover

vigorous Any Suckers

When to Plant

When to Harvest




Yes

:

Mukuna Wenna

Mukuna Wenna is a vigorous ground cover, It is OK in wet and in droughts. Can be used as a green but is best as hardy ground cover. It will last many years. Plant around 1 M apart as it does not spread a great distance. Propagation is easy by root division, It suckers. Do not walk on it as it wears down. It is related to Brazilian spinach.

Mukuna Wenna is extremely easy to grow and will handle almost any conditions. Like many other plants described here, it can tend to become a weed. It’s a spreading perennial plant to about 40cm that seems to handle sun or shade equally well. If you have cold winters it may die back and reshoot, but elsewhere it will grow all year round. Definitely more vigorous in wet or boggy soils, but it’s also quite drought tolerant.


Plant Name: Tahitian spinachBotanical Name: Xanthosoma brasiliense


SHM 1-2 M Perennial clumper Moist, fertile Suckers, tuber division

Pacific

When to Plant

When to Harvest



When rain is due

Young leaves

Yes Leaves tubers

:

Tahitian spinach

Tahitian spinach (Taro) Native to Indo-Malaysia and the Pacific, taro is widely grown throughout the tropics for its edible corms and stems. This particular taro was developed for its yield of edible leaves and stems rather than its roots. Taros are adapted to flooded environments and, like rice, can be grown in paddy culture. Under paddy they are grown in all soil types. They can also be grown in dry, upland areas if water is provided by irrigation or rainfall, mulching helps. Grown "dry" the best results are obtained on deep, well-drained friable loams.

Food; the leaves and leaf stems are eaten as a cooked, green vegetable; the stems are widely used as a celery substitute in tropical areas. Taro should never be eaten raw. Leaves have oxalates. They provide protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and vitamins A, B, and C. The leaves can be harvested all year round. Leaves require a rolling boil for 20 mins. Use only young fresh leaves from centre of plant.

Note the leaf attachment is interior to identify close related species. It has a scalloped edge and is a mid green colour. Taro has a 10 “ leaf, Tahitian spinach is much larger.


Plant Name: CocoYamBotanical Name: Xanthosoma sagittifolium


SHM 1.5 M Perennial clumper Fertile Moist Oot division PacificWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Warm spring

Young leaves

Yes All of plant if cooked

:

CocoYam

CocoYam in many ways is similar to Taro – except the leaf is more arrow shaped, and connects to the stalk at the base of the leaf – not from the centre as in Taro. It is grown extensively in tropical areas of the world as a food plant Though it does best in the tropics, it will also do well in cooler areas provided there’s no heavy frost. In cooler areas, it will die back & reshoot in spring. Grows well in sun or shade. Unlike Taro, it prefers soil that drains – stagnating or dying in boggy situations. Deeper, more fertile soils will produce bigger tubers. Regular watering is still essential for healthy plants. For best growth, mulch & fertilise well. The leaves can get very large & attractive – an excellent ornamental plant.

Leaves are high in protein & contain vitamins A, B, & C, calcium & potassium. Good source of fibre. Tubers are rich in easily digestible carbohydrates, and also contain good amounts of Vitamins A & C, protein, magnesium, potassium & phosphorous. All parts of Coco yam need to be well cooked before eating as they are toxic raw. The toxins are destroyed by cooking. Corms should be peeled first.

Note stem meets leaf at outer edge - end of leaf.


Plant Name: Vegetable pepperBotanical Name: Location Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSHM Ground

coverInvasive Any Root division SE Asia Pacific

When to Plant

When to Harvest



:

Vegetable Pepper

Vegetable Pepper ( beetle [ betel ?] pepper) is an invasive ground cover, woody when established and hard to pull out, Do not plant in the garden beds.


Plant Name: Vine tips( Pumpkin, Choko, Sweet potato)Botanical Name: Location Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

Origin

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Leaves stems:

Vine tips

Vine tips from pumpkin, sweet potato and choko can be used as steamed greens when very young in the growing season. Remove tendrils.


Plant Name: Warrigal Greens ( NZ spinach)Botanical Name: Tetragonia tetragonioides


SHM Ground cover

Easy Fertile, moist Suckering Root division

NZ

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring+ All times Yes, if no frost Leaves stems:

Warrigal Greens

Warrigal Greens ( NZ spinach) is a low growing perennial which is very hardy & produces good spinach leaf crops in the warmest of weather It’s also very salt tolerant and can be grown close to the beach. It will handle full sun or shade equally well and prefers free draining soils, but it still grows in a subtropical climate’s wet season. Will hang in there with less plant growth in drought periods. Propagation is very simple – just pull up some plants roots and all & replant them into their new position.

Leaves are a good source of protein with vitamins A, B, & C, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous & potassium. Warrigal greens leaves are thought to be relatively high in oxalates, which means if you’re going to be eating a lot of them, they should be blanched & rinsed in cold water. If you go to this trouble, the leaves can be used in salads or cold dishes – very nice.


Plant Name: Winged beanBotanical Name: Psophocarpus tetragonolobusLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSM VIne seeds Pacific PNGWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Yes Whole plant:

Winged bean

The winged bean is a strong growing, twining perennial legume with large beautiful pale blue flowers. The plant is thought to have originated along the east coast of Africa, although the center of diversity has now shifted to the islands of the South Pacific, and especially to Papua New Guinea. Used for leafy green potherbs, fresh pods, dried beans, edible tubers, animal fodder and forage, green manure, and cover crops; winged beans are the ultimate multi-purpose crop. They are a climbing plant well suited to incorporation into agroforestery or multi-story farming systems. Though it has many advantages, winged beans are currently a food crop of commercial value only in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Tasty, mild flavored greens

Fresh leaves are 5-7% protein which is exceptionally good for tender leafy greens. Not only are winged bean leaves high in protein but the quality of that protein is superior to that in most leaves. Strong nitrogen fixing legume with unusual number of nodules. Tolerates heat . Tolerates acid soil. Winged beans are very susceptible to frost and cold weather. Seeds are difficult to germinate. They should be scratched or soaked in hot water before planting. Tubers are 8-10% protein and are the generally preferred winged bean product in much of the Pacific.


Plant Name: Horseradish tree – Drumstick treeBotanical Name: Moringa oleiferaLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSD 10M Small woody tree cuttingsWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Excellent Yes Leaves seeds:

Horseradish tree

Horseradish tree ( drumstick tree) should be lopped often to keep it small and leaves easily reached.

Drumstick tree is a leguminous tree to 10 m which originates in Asia but is grown around the world in subtropical/tropical climates. It is very hardy – particularly to drought and grows in a wide range of soil types. Does far better in full sun. Propogation is by seed or limb cutting – just cut a 1-2m limb off when the plant goes dormant in winter & put it upright into the ground. Once the weather warms up the limb will shoot and you’re on your way to another tree.

Advocates of the Drumstick Tree claim that it has 7 times the Vitamin C in oranges, 4 times the calcium in milk, 4 times the Vitamin A in carrots, 2 times the protein in milk, and 3 times the potassium in bananas! The raw leaves aren’t especially tasty (nor are they disagreeable), but given their extraordinary nutrition, they could be added to salads & sandwiches with other greens on a regular basis. The young seedpods can be cooked like green beans – he flavour’s quite simliar actually, and the dried beans can be cooked into stews and casseroles or fried or roasted like nuts.

The leaves have strong antimicrobial value. Add to cooking but shake don’t stir.



Plant Register:

Tubers


Plant Name: Qld ArrowrootBotanical Name: Canna EdulisLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginAll 1-1.5 M Hardy Any Divide roots AustraliaWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring Starchy corm Yes Corm:

Qld Arrowroot

his plant is both a support plant offering potential for chop n drop and Weed barriers, and also excellent food value in the starch tuber. As a food this is also good for livestock, especially pigs and chickens love the leaves.


Plant Name: CassavaBotanical Name: Manihot esculentaLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginDry / Any 2 M Small tree Any Cuttings PacificWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring is best

Around 11-12 months old

Starch tuber Yes Tuber See below for important preparation notes

:

Cassava

Cassava is also known as Yuca, Tapioca, and mandico. There are several varieties. It is a short lived perennial bush grown extensively in the tropics. It likes full sun and a well drained location. The Cassava plant can provide a large starchy tuber as a food source. Preparation of the tuber is very important as it can be toxic without the correct process. Air and light on a fresh tuber root will discolour and it creates cyanide, purple grey discolouration shows this. Peel the tuber right after harvest, and ensure you remove all the outer layer with purple colouring. You peel down to a shiny white layer. Cut the cassava longways in quarters and remove stringy centre of tuber. At this stage you can freeze the tuber in plastic bags. To cook the tuber, cut and toss into boiling water – cook until somewhat translucent. Pieces can then be fried like potato.

If cassava is eaten after it produces cyanide the disease is called Konzo. It causes paralysis.

Cassava can also be rendered neutral with fermentation. Put the cassava tuber through the food processor grater function. Put the gratings back in the food processor on Process mode and render to a fine breadcrumb look. Then squeeze through butter muslim to extract all the moisture into a large shallow bowl. Pack the dry cassava in a tub and add some whey ( from top of yoghurt) to assist in fermentation. Leave the bowl of moisture to sit overnight and then decant off the fluid. You are left with pure cassava starch which you can dry and keep for thickening starch.


Plant Name: CocoYamBotanical Name: Xanthosoma sagittifolium


Not boggy, some shade OK

1.5 M Clumping moist Divide the root stock

Pacific

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring End of 2nd summer

Starchy tuberProtein in leaves

Yes All of plant if green

:

CocoYam

Cocoyam is similar to Taro but the leaves are more arrow shaped and connect to the stem at the leaf base. With the red / brown coloured variety, do not eat the leaves and stalks. All parts of the CocoYam are toxic when raw. The green cocoyam you can eat the leaves which are high in protein, but they require around 30-40 mins boiling to neutralise toxins. Peel and boil tubers also before eating, you can peel after boiling. They can then be roasted or fried. Corms are food source for pups. Harvest corms when young pups have no more than 3 leaves.


Plant Name: GalangalBotanical Name: Alpinia galanga


Full sun, dry

To 2 M Hardy Any Divide rhizomes

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring Use rhizome for flavouring in cooking

Yes Rhizome

:

GalangalGalangal is also called Thai ginger and has many medicinal uses. It is easy to grow and adds a distinctive flavour to asian cooking. In deep loose soil the rhizomes will grow well.


Plant Name: Jerusalem ArtichokeBotanical Name: Helianthus tuberosusLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginFull sun 2M Hardy perennial Well drained

fertileRoot division Not Jerusalem

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Early spring

When tops die down

Rich in Inulin Yes, but best grown as annual in subtropics.

Tuber Also called Farti chokes

:

Jerusalem Artichoke

Delicious tubers, easy to grow in our hot summers. Has high potassium requirements so provide wood ash and comfrey mulch.


Plant Name: Sweet PotatoBotanical Name: Ipomea batatasLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginFull sun, not fussy

Large vine Sprawling vine Well drained loose is best.

By tubers, or tip cuttings

Many

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Early spring

End of summer to winter early spring, at least 5 months.

Vit A B C Protein Yes, but start new annual beds for food tubers – better size.

Starch tuber, young growth tips

:

Sweet Potato

This vine works well as a support plant providing ground cover, living mulch and also starting annual beds for harvesting large tubers for food. Young leaf tips can be steamed in the growing season as an additional green vegetable also.


Plant Name: TaroBotanical Name: Colocasia EsculentaLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginWet Clumping Root division PacificWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



From Sept. End of winter

Yes Tuber

:

Taro

The taro plant has high nutrient and water requirements. Plant in Spring and always harvest at the end of winter when there are only about 3 leaves left on the plant. If left in the ground the corm won’t increase in size. When harvesting the tuber keep a small part of the corm with original plant attached in moist soil in a pot ready to replant in Sept. A taro corm will also produce small plants from eyes around the tuber. Taro can be distinguished from cocoyam by noticing that the leaves do not join the stem at the leaf base but rather within the leaf. Taro leaves are smaller and darker than Tahitian spinach. Taro tuber will keep for several weeks in the fridge.


Plant Name: TurmericBotanical Name: Curcuma longaLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSun or shade

1M Hardy clumping perrenial

Moist but drained

Root division

When to Plant

When to Harvest



spring Any time Potassium, calcium, Vit A C,

Yes Rhizome used for cooking

:

Turmeric

Turmeric has many medicinal uses, as an anti inflammatory, and good for digestion. Plant turmericx when the ground has warmed. One small peice of the tuber will grow a new plant. Mature turmeric has a beautiful white flower. Harvest corms when plant tops die off. You will generally leave some corm in the ground which will regrow.


Plant Name: Water chestnutsBotanical Name: Eleocharis dulcisLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

Originswamp grass Sedge grass wet root divisionWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



spring When tops die down

Carbohydrate, Vit B potassium, manganese copper.

Yes but best as annual

corm

:

Water Chestnuts

Can be grown in an old bathtub, with 30 cm soil covered with 10 cm of water. Prepare soil with compost and lots of manure, plant corms 2-3 per Sq M in wet but not flooded soil. 3 per bathtub. Once the shoots have appeared and grown up then add more water. Harvest all of them each year when aerial parts die down to keep corm size large. As a perennial each corm will get smaller as space in the tub tightens.

Keep corms large as they are finicky to prepare. Peel corms removing dark brown skin. Cut off top and base then peel the rest., Can now be eaten fresh, raw in salads, with a sweet nutty and crunchy appeal. When cooked they also stay crunchy and are good in stir fries. Boil corms at harvest for a few minutes, drain and cool, then freeze on trays to keep separated, Bag in usable lots.


Plant Name: YakonBotanical Name: Polymnia sonchifolia


Not boggy 2 M Perennial tuber any Root divisionWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring When foliage dies in the winter.

Vit A B C potassium, calcium magnesium iron

yes tuber Two sets of tuber, planting material and eating tuber below.

:

Yakon

Also known as Peruvian ground apple, or apple of the earth. The Yakon tuber has fructose and inulin instead of starches. The tubers are sweetest if left in the ground till the end of winter. Yakon will ferment easily for wine. They can be eaten fresh or baked.

Yakon responds well to fertiliser and mulch.


Plant Name: YamBotanical Name: Dioscorea speciesLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginAny 2M Perennial tuber

that grows an aerial vine.

Any Root division

When to Plant

When to Harvest



spring When plant dies back for winter.

Vit A C Phosphorus calcium magnesium

Yes Tuber only Some varieties can become invasive.

:

Yam

There are many varieties of Yam. The aerial vine produces edible tubers below ground.



Plant Register:

Beans Gourds and Fruit


Plant Name: Bitter MelonBotanical Name: Momordica charantiaLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginLoves heat seed SE Asia

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring Young fruit

No fruit

:

Bitter Melon

The Bitter Melon will ripen fast and become too mature to eat. When the melon splits and reveals red flesh inside it is now toxic to eat. It is widely prized as a medicine food in SE Asia. It loves the very hot weather. It is difficult to germinate and fragile as a young vine, but when established produces lots of bitter melons. Pick your fruit while still very young 3-4 inches in size, and to encourage more fruiting. They like lots of water.

If you cut in half and scoop out the young seeds the melon will be a bit less bitter,. It can be spoicy and tasty in a stir fry. The seeds do not last long. You can get the seeds by buying bitter melon at an asian supermarket.


Plant Name: ChilacyoteBotanical Name: Cucurbita ficifoliaLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginAny Vine Hardy vine Any Self seedingWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Late summer

Early spring

Yes Young Fruit Productive , bountiful

:

Chilacyote

This is a hardy vine known also as the fig leaf gourd, the leaf is more like a fig leaf than a pumpkin leaf. It grows like a weed. It is perennial and will grow through summer but fruits in winter. Eat the young fruit, later they are full of seeds and there would be lots of seed scooping. It is like spaghetti squash when older. Fruits keep up to a year. It is high in pectin – use the seeds in a jam.


Plant Name: JackfruitBotanical Name: Location Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginOpen sunny

tree Large tree any seed

When to Plant

When to Harvest



Yes Fruit:

Jackfruit

Jackfruit is closely related to breadfruit which does not grow in our climate. The mature fruit tastes like a vanilla banana. Immature seeds make a great curry. This one grows well in a sub tropical climate. The fruit must be very ripe. It has a white sticky latex that will be minimised as the fruits mature. When cutting the fruit open take the encapsulated seed away from the fruit as this is the part of the fruit to eat. Take care to cut the inner core away & discard as latex is still present here. When ripe it can smell like pineapple or rockmelon. It is ripe when the possums show interest. The tree takes 8 years to bear fruit.


Plant Name: Madagascar BeanBotanical Name: Phaseolus lunatasLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSunny vine VIne Fertile, moist

earlyseed Madagascar?

When to Plant

When to Harvest



spring Late autumn

Yes Beans, seeds

:

Madagascar Bean

The Madagascar Bean is a very productive bean that will last up to 5 years if you continue to add mulch and compost to feed the vine. The Madagascar bean is closely related to the Lima bean and is used in the same way. Leave pods on the vine until the pod has dried and the bean rattles inside. Soak and cook and make patties. If oicked green can be boiled straight off. If picked dried, must rehydrate for 4 hours in water.


Plant Name: New Guinea BeanBotanical Name: Lagenaria siceraria Location Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginFULL SUN Large vine vine Any fertile seed PNGWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Spring At 18” FRuit:

New Guinea Bean

The New Guinea Bean is really a gourd. It grows on a vine that needs strong support. Plant in spring and the vine will produce many latrge gourds. Gourds can be eaten very young if you wash the hairyness off. . Harvest the gourd no bigger than 18 inches. At this stage it is very similar to a large zucchini. At maturity a gourd can be up to a metre long. Don’t eat the skin.

This plant will suffer from powdery mildew if grown in the shade.


Plant Name: PepinoBotanical Name: Solanum muricatum aitLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSunny Small

bushy ground cover 1M

Low growing small bush

Rich fertile cuttings

When to Plant

When to Harvest



spring When fruit is ripe

Yes Fruit

:

Pepino

The Pepino is used as both a support plant for ground cover and also for producing edible fruit. It makes and excellent ground cover or trellis crop. Will operate as ground cover in the garden bed without being invasive. It likes rich soil, mostly sunny and minimal irrigation.

When propagating cuttings work fast as if the leaves wilt you will most likely lose the plant.

This is an excellent fruit available spring and autumn but not summer or winter.


Plant Name: Pit PitBotanical Name: Location Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginAny 60 cm Clumping grass Any Root division PNGWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



spring Yes Stem:

Pit Pit

Pit Pit comes in two varieties, tall and short. The short pit pit is very much favoured in PNG. The stem produces harvest very like asparagus. Peel back the layers and eat the inner part of the stalk as asparagus spears. Harvest a peice, the first three nodes near the roots ( feel them) are new planting material, the next section is to peel for food and tops are mulch. If you eat too much you’ll get a bellyache.

Pit Pit is a perennial but when it goes to seed the structure changes so it is best as an annual.

Leaves look daggy all winter then you can propagate at signs of spring growth.


Plant Name: Winged BeanBotanical Name: Psophocarpus tetragonolobusLocation Size Growth Habit Soil Type Propagation Country of

OriginSunny Vine Vine Moist fertile seedWhen to Plant

When to Harvest



Early spring

When beans are ready

No fruit

:

Winged Bean

Winged Bean is King of the green beans. This vine is fussy in early life needing wet fertile moist soil as a youngster. Seeds can be bought at Green harvest. The vine will grow all summer and then flower - harvest is for about 5-6 weeks in Autumn. It needs strong support and good watering in early life.

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Marg - All the Plants