Ankara, Zone 7B - Yuccas and Alstroemerias pictured
Primarily South American edibles, superfoods, and ornamentals. Tea alternatives. Hardy cacti, colorful potatoes, and Andean tubers.
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These are Cannas (varieties ‘Cleopatra’, ‘Stuttgart’, and ‘Bengal Tiger’). Some varieties are purely ornamental, and others have a history of consumption and have benefited from selection. They have been grown successfully around the world for generations, with breeding programs in the US, Italy, Japan, Australia, and Peru. Sign up for the mailing list for updates and to reserve yours for next year in Turkey.
Luma apiculata and Peumus boldo - two Chilean plants with edible fruits that are used in tea and South American medicine.
Yerba mate (Ilex paraguayensis) is a caffeinated holly that makes an excellent tea that is especially popular in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It is relatively hardy and propagated easily. Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) and Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) are also caffeinated and make less-known but still delicious and functional teas. I am propagating and trialing all of these in Turkey.
I am also propagating Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and looking to test this in Turkey. Please message me if you are interested.
Araucaria and Chilean Berberis
Araucaria araucana has found popularity around the world for its dramatic appearance and easy growing. Araucaria angustifolia is popular in south Brazil, and produces big, tasty nuts. The one in this picture has survived a bite from a curious puppy. I am working to bring named cultivars of both Araucaria to Turkey and am hoping to trial them in different regions (please email me if interested!).
Berberis microphylla (called Calafate in Chile) is a tasty berry with high antioxidant levels. The cuttings have grown rapidly under full sun. I plan to have more varieties and volume of Chilean berries for next year. I am most excited about Maqui, which is known for its health properties and should do well in cultivation here.
Colorful Potatoes and Peruvian tubers
Inspired from my grandfather, who came from the Cusco area of Peru, I grow a variety of red-fleshed (Crimson King, AmaRosa, All Red, Adirondack Red, Red Thumb) and purple-fleshed potatoes (Purple Fiesta, TerraRosa, Purple Majesty, All Blue, Adirondack Blue), and have made relationships to import seed potato to Turkey for the 2022 growing season. Chefs, processors, and growers, contact me if you are interested in growing or preparing these next year.
Ficus sycomorus and Ficus austrocaledonica