The Suriname cherry (aka Brazilian cherry) is considered invasive to Florida and people generally consider that to be a bad thing, but we’ve been experiencing drought since 2023 and I think we should reevaluate our feelings towards plants that produce food without human intervention or even rain.
We should consider the Suriname cherry a miracle food. They are rich in Vitamin A & C, potassium and antioxidants. All this from sandy, nutrient-poor soil and little hydration. The ones in this photo are from the hedge between mine and my neighbor’s yard. You’ll see this plant randomly in neighborhoods, along the sidewalk.
Pigeon peas, mangos, chaya and papayas are other edible plants that require little to no care, are drought tolerant, and give us nutrient-rich food. We struggle to grow “conventional” foods in our gardens, yet nature provides with ease. Lean into it.
#Florida #InvasivePlants #Gardening #TropicalPlants #Nature #MotherNature #FreeFood #EdiblePlants #WildFood #foraging
A larvae of goat moth. 
