Green Palm South Sea Salad Tree (Bele Tree)
The Abelmoschus Manihot, a salad tree from the Malvaceae family, is a large tropical plant known for enhancing food forests and weatherproofing gardens. Growing up to 4m, these robust plants thrive despite droughts, developing larger leaves and brilliant colours. Their expansive foliage offers a refuge for less heat-tolerant plants, contributing to their practicality as a low-maintenance feature for all-size gardens.
Green Fingers Leaf South Sea Salad Tree
These plants experience minor pest issues, primarily from snails, but their fast growth rate allows quick recovery. It’s recommended to grow more than one plant and keep them trimmed to 2.5 meters due to shallow roots. Propagation from cuttings is advisable as seeds are rare in their pods. Regular weekly watering, with thrice-yearly composting, is preferable. Protection from pests, especially snails and slugs, can be achieved through traps or pallets, which is particularly important when the plants are small or in the shade.
Purple Leaf South Sea Salad Tree
The leaves and flowers of the three varieties of plants in question are edible, either raw in salads or lightly cooked. They could also be dressed with various ingredients, such as ginger, garlic, or onion chives vinaigrette. Similar to spinach, these leaves are tender and should be lightly cooked. They are rich in essential nutrients, including iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, and protein. In addition, they provide vital fibre during drought periods while contributing to shade, aesthetic appeal, and soil health to prevent barren land during harsh weather conditions.
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