The Casa Pastel Gardens
 And Other Tropical Plants On Isla Mujeres
Depending on the weather and season, flowers and fruit appear throughout the year on Isla Mujeres. We have a real 12 month growing season. Another reason gardeners in Isla call it Paradise!
 Starting with the front yard, oyster plants with their distinctive green and purple leaves, can be seen growing around the perimeter - along with coconut palms, pink plumaria, giant spider lilies, bougainville and hibiscus, a pear cactus, a Mexican lime tree, papaya, and a banana grove.
The legendary oyster plant is known for its medicinal properties since its leaves are boiled to make a poultice for skin infections. It really works! However, be careful when touching live oyster plants - they may cause skin rashes in those that are susceptible.
Every year, our banana trees can be counted on to give on or two bunches of fresh, sweet bananas. FUN FACT: Once banana trees have fruited, they must be cut down to make way for younger growth. Depending on when you visit, the grove may either include tall, stately trees or younger banana tubers that have begun sprouting to begin the cycle all over again.
Nearby, the Mexican lime produces smaller fruit that has a tart sweet aroma with a high acidity and thinner rind than more common limes.
The giant spider lilies seen growing close by the house are our most intense. They love the rain and will follow any overnight drenching with flowers that bloom almost 1-foot in diameter. They would make beautiful indoor arrangements but for the powerful aroma. It's heavenly to walk through the garden while they are showing off.
In the backyard you'll also find fresh aloe, a Seville orange tree, a pomegranate, a sapote or chicle tree, a stand of bananas and a tamarind tree.
The Seville orange is sour and acidic. It's a key ingredient in making marinades for Mexican barbecue. Sweetened with honey or agave, the juice makes a nice drink to cool off as you enjoy the Caribbean sun. The tamarind's sweet fruit is very popular in Mexico. It is used in making sweets and candy bars. The large chicle is known for its small, brown oval fruit called sapote. The tree branches contains a white sticky fluid used in making chewing gum.
About Casa Pastel ->
|
