Acai berries are a member of the family Arecaceae or Palm family of the genus Euterpe Mart., commonly known as palm P, containing the species Euterpe oleracea Mart. or Assai palm P. The plant is native to the Amazon jungle and the people of the area have used the berries for medicinal purposes for millennia.
Carambola is a member of the family Oxalidaceae or Wood-Sorrel family of the genus Averrhoa Adans, also known as averrhoa P, containing the species Averrhoa carambola L. or carambola P. The plant is known in the United States as star fruit. The nomenclature carambola was a Portuguese interpretation of the Sanskrit word for the fruit “karmaranga” which means “food appetizer.”
Guava is a member of the family Myrtaceae, commonly known as the Myrtle family of the genus Psidium L. or guava P, containing the species Psidium guajava L. or guava P. The plant is thought to be native to Mexico and Central America but it is not certain because of the widespread and longtime seed disbursement by man and animals.
Pedicu-what??? This plant is a bit off the beaten path for many folks. The name “Pedicularis” is from Latin, meaning “lice.” Yum. Commonly known as Lousewort, the plant was thought to cause a lice infestation if ingested. But, not to worry! I’ve been using it for years and so far no lice.
Coconut water comes from the immature fruit of the coconut palm. The coconut palm is a member of the family Arecaceae or Palm family of the genus Cocos L., commonly known as coconut palm P, containing the species Cocos nucifera L. or coconut palm P. The tree has its origins in the region known as Indian Malay.
Pineapple is a member of the family Bromeliaceae or Bromeliad family of the genus Ananas Mill, also known as pineapple P, containing the species Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. or pineapple P. The plant is native to Brazil where it is known as ananas, the Brazilian Tupi Indian word meaning "excellent fruit"—this term is used throughout the world.
Green beans are a member of the family Fabaceae ⁄ Leguminosae, commonly known as the Pea family of the genus Phaseolus L. or bean, containing the species as identified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as Phaseolus vulgaris L. or kidney bean. The plant is native to the Americas and was documented in Mexico, parts of Central America, and regions of South America.
Pomelo is a member of the family Rutaceae, also known as the Rue family of the genus Citrus L., commonly called citrus P, that contains sixteen species. The fruit is also known as Chinese grapefruit, shaddock, pumelo, pommelo, and pompelmous. It is native to the southeastern regions of Asia and Malaysia and grows wild on the river banks in Fiji and Friendly Islands.
When I’m sad and at a loss for what to do, I’ll often head to the high country outside of Durango, Colorado. If my energy is too low to wander in the woods, I may simply park in a pull-off to sit and “check in” with Twilight Peak or Engineer Mountain. Nothing like a giant rock that’s been there for tens of millions of years for a bit of perspective and support.
Pitaya is a member of the family Cactaceae, commonly known as the Cactus family of the genus Hylocereus (A. Berger) Britton & Rose or nightblooming cactus P and contains three species, the Hylocereus costaricensis (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose or Costa Rica nightblooming cactus P, the Hylocereus trigonus (Haw.) Saff. or strawberry-pear P, and the Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose, also known as the nightblooming cactus P.