Native Semihumid tropical plants grown in Temporate climate ?

ines871
ines871 Posts: 1,283 ✭✭✭✭✭

The usual gardeners always Stick with what grows in their 'climate', end of story. - Then again some of us are explorers... venturing forth even in a Temporate climate, wondering about native Semihumid tropical plants, aka Cold hardy tropical plants.

Since in 2016 succeeded with several African flowers like the gorgeous Agapanthus (Nile blue love lily) 3+ ft. tall in my rainbow:

a few years ago, I also succeeded in sprouting a Haas avocado. Tenderly nurturing the cute little tree, it did grow into a over two-foot tree. - (Alas neighbor with a greenHouse that we can't afford yet, offered I will help it grow, only to then totally neglect it & so it died), along with a bit more faith in humanity.

What Cold hardy plants have you too tried growing in a Temporate climate? - & dare we ask also harvested?

Comments

  • ines871
    ines871 Posts: 1,283 ✭✭✭✭✭

    as 1 example, banana trees can even be grown in large containers. Cold hardy banana cultivar called “Musa basjoo” can be grown in USDA Zones 5-11. - However since an Avocado has far more & greater Nutritional benefits, it is the better choice.

    Unfortunately Fungus is the most prone disease in avocado trees, & this guide addresses remedies for that


    in 1st. post did not repeat that we are mostly in zone 8A. - And looking to move to zone 7b hopefully sooner. Plans include the most optimal greenhouse there.

  • ines871
    ines871 Posts: 1,283 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2019

    People living in Texas & other southern states are blessed growing as many nutritional avocados as they want. I wonder how many in the Forum here do enjoy... eating a bit of 1 daily ? ---- Others may not be aware just how Nutritious is an Avocado :

    Pregnancy & preventing birth defects -> great choice for moms-to-be, as Avocadoes contain Folic acid, essential to preventing birth defects such as neural tube defects & spina bifida.

    Heart -> high in mono- & polyunsaturated fats, helping reduce blood cholesterol levels & decrease risk for heart disease.

    High levels of the amino acid homocysteine are associated with a higher risk of heart disease, but the vitamin B6 and the Folic acid in avocados can help regulate it. 

    A seven-year study published in 2013 found that avocados were associated with reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of symptoms increasing the risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, & diabetes.

    Increases Good cholesterol -> not only lower bad cholesterol, they also increase levels of good cholesterol. A 1996 study in the journal Archives of Medical Research found that patients with mild hypercholesterolemia high cholesterol, who ate avocados for merely one week had a 22% decrease in bad cholesterol & triglycerides, and 11% increase in good cholesterol. Avocados can help in this way because of their high amount of the beta-sitosterol compound.

    Regulating blood pressure -> Avocados’ high levels of potassium can help keep blood pressure under control. Potassium helps regulate the effects of salt, which can increase your blood pressure.

    Regulating blood sugar -> high levels of monounsaturated fats can help stop insulin resistance which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the soluble fiber in avocados can help keep blood sugar levels steady. In comparison to other fruits, the low carb & sugar levels in avocados also help maintain blood sugar.

    Vision -> Fresh avocados contain potent carotenoid antioxidants: beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin & vitamin E which lower the risk of cataracts & macular degeneration. The highest concentration is located in the darker green flesh closest to the peel, according to the California Avocado Commission. Antioxidants help reduce cell damage.

    Digestion -> The fiber in avocados helps keep digestion on track, healthy microbiome/gut flora, thus encouraging regular bowel movements, & a healthy weight.

    Immune system -> Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant associated with immune system health. A 2000 report in the journal Proceedings of the Nutrition Society stated, “The immune system works best if the lymphoid cells have a delicately balanced intermediate level of glutathione.” Avocados are a good source of Glutathione.

    Anti-inflammatory agent -> great anti-inflammatory properties: carotenoid antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, phytosterols, & polyhydroxolated fatty alcohols, able to help both osteoarthritis, & rheumatoid arthritis. Avocados also contain some of the highest concentrations of L-glutathione the “master antioxidant” which allows all other antioxidants to function. The L-glutathione in avocados supports healthy inflammation as well as supports gut health. Due to its high antioxidant value, the avocado helps protect cells against free radical damage and detoxifies the body of pollutants and other toxins.

    Skin -> vitamin C & vitamin E in avocados help keep skin nourished and glowing, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Avocado and B12 cream may be useful in treating psoriasis.

    Cancer -> “Avocados have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers, including of the mouth, skin & prostate, due to the unusual mix of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.” Furthermore, a 2007 study in the journal Seminars in Cancer Biology found that the phytochemicals in avocados encourage cancer cells to stop growing and die.


    One of the best age-busting superfoods -> you would like this, right ? against wrinkles and skin aging due to a healthy sugar called D-manno-heptulose in avocados that improve skin by boosting collagen formation. Avocados’ amino acid content and carotenoid antioxidants also combine to combat age spots, inflammation, scars and burns.

    It also has a higher % of protein than other fruits. In fact did you know that botanically, an avocado is a Berry 🤩 with sugar levels also comparatively low. - Not making this up, but let's explain about berries in a separate discussion.

    Micronutrients -> a single serving won't provide substantial vitamins or minerals simply because the amount eaten is very small. But a whole avocado is a good source of Folate, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, & vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K.

    Minerals in a whole avocado include copper, magnesium, manganese, & even more potassium per gram than bananas.

    Okay, clearly with nearly 20 vitamins, minerals & phytonutrients per 50g serving -> https://loveonetoday.com/nutrition/nutrient-dense-nutrient-booster/ avocados are an obvious ideal nutrient choice. And too recall its great Taste ! Beyond guacamole, they can be added to soups, salads, sandwiches, mousse, smoothies, as a base for puddings, healthy brownie recipes, creamsicles & much more.

    So, get creative and add the amazing ! avocado to your menu 😀