Brigitte MarsLitchis, also spelled lychee, and lichi (Litchi chinensis) are members of the Sapindaceae (Soapberry) Family. When dried, they are then called lychee nuts. The genus name is from the common Chinese name and the species name, chinensis, means that...
Pumpkins (Curcurbita pepo) are members of the Curcurbitaceae (Gourd) Family, and a relative of melons and squash. Their genus is from the Latin for gourd and species name is derived from the Greek word for “Sun ripened.” Originating in...
Lycii berries (Lycium chinense), pronounced Lee-Chee, are members of the Solanaceae (Nightshade) Family and also known as Wolfberry and Goji Berry. Properties: They are considered sweet and neutral. Lycii helps remove toxins from the blood by...
Radish (Raphanus sativus) is a member of the Brassicaceae (Mustard) Family and originated from western Asia. The genus name Raphanus is derived from Greek, meaning, “easily raised.” The word radish comes from the Latin radix, meaning...
Mango (Mangifera indica) is a member of the Anacardiaceae (Cashew) Family, making it a relative of cashew, pistachio and poison ivy. The Latin name translates to “the great fruit bearer of India.” Considered one of the planet’s...
Okra (Hibiscus esculentus) is also known as gumbo and lady’s fingers. It is a member of the Malvaceae (Malva) Family, which makes it a relative of cotton, hibiscus and hollyhock. Okra is native to Africa, probably near Ethiopia. The word okra...
Onions (Allium cepa) are members of the Liliaceae (Lily) Family, making them relatives of garlic and leeks and scallions. The genus name cepa, is from its old Latin name. Native to Asia, they are one of the planet’s oldest cultivated foods...
Oranges (Citrus sinensis, C., aurantium, C. reticulata (Tangerine), are native to Asia. They are native to the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family. Some authorities believe the English word orange is from the Sanskrit nararunga, meaning, “fruit favored...
Papaya (Carica papaya) is a member of the Caricaceae (Paw Paw) Family and native to Central America. In Cuba “papaya’ is slang for “female fruit” or “female genitalia,” as the shrub, resembling a palm, has male...
Peas (Pisum sativum) are members of the Fabaceae (Pea) Family, making them relatives of beans and peanuts. The genus name, Pisum is from the ancient Greek and Latin word for this vegetable. Sativum, the species name, means “with a long history...
