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Plants of Little Hills

Scan throughout the farm to discover tropical fruits, herbs, flowers, and native Caribbean plants growing across the property.

acerola
ACEROLA
Barbados Cherry
Malpighia emarginata
Acerola is a small tropical fruit known for its exceptionally high vitamin C content and bright red cherries.
🍃 Uses
• Fresh fruit
• Juices & smoothies
• Wellness drinks
• Homemade jams
🌴 Origin
Native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.
🐦 Wildlife
Birds are often attracted to the bright fruit.
🌸 Fruiting Season
Can fruit multiple times a year in tropical climates.
At Little Hills
Seasonally harvested for fresh juices and tropical breakfasts.


AGUACATE
Avocado
Persea americana
Avocado trees produce creamy nutrient-rich fruits widely used throughout tropical and Caribbean cuisine.
🍃 Uses
• Fresh eating
• Toast & salads
• Dips & spreads
• Smoothies
🌴 Origin
Native to Central America and Mexico.
🐦 Wildlife
Its dense canopy provides habitat for birds and pollinators.
🌸 Fruiting Season
Typically fruits during warmer tropical months.
🍽️ At Little Hills
We have new avocado trees, hopefully in the next 2-3 years we get to harvest.

 
Guineo
Banana
Musa acuminata
Banana plants are one of the most iconic tropical crops, producing sweet soft fruit year-round in warm climates.
🍃 Uses
• Fresh eating
• Smoothies
• Banana bread
• Desserts
🌴 Origin
Originally from Southeast Asia.
🌿 Plant Character
Banana plants are technically giant herbs, not trees.
🍽️ At Little Hills
Used seasonally in breakfasts and baked treats.

CALABAZA
Pumpkin / Tropical Squash
Cucurbita moschata
Calabaza is a traditional Caribbean squash valued for its sweet rich flavor.
🍃 Uses
• Soups & stews
• Roasting
• Traditional Puerto Rican dishes
🌴 Origin
Native to tropical regions of the Americas.
🌱 Growing Style
A fast-growing vine that spreads across the ground.
🍽️ At Little Hills
Part of the farm’s edible seasonal crops.
CARAMBOLA
Starfruit
Averrhoa carambola
Carambola is a juicy tropical fruit known for its star-shaped slices and refreshing flavor.
🍃 Uses
• Fresh fruit
• Juices
• Fruit platters
• Tropical desserts
🌴 Origin
Originally from Southeast Asia.
🐦 Wildlife
Birds and pollinators are attracted to its flowers and fruit.
🌸 Fruiting Season
Can fruit multiple times throughout the year in tropical climates.
🍽️ At Little Hills
Occasionally shared fresh during harvest season.
CHINA AGRIA
Sour Orange
Citrus × aurantium
Sour orange is a fragrant citrus traditionally used in Caribbean marinades and cooking.
🍃 Uses
• Mojo & marinades
• Traditional cooking
• Citrus drinks
🌴 Origin
Believed to have originated in Southeast Asia.
🌸 Fruiting Season
Typically fruits during cooler tropical months.
🍽️ At Little Hills
Used in traditional tropical recipes as a marinade for pork.
CHINA DULCE
Sweet Orange
Citrus sinensis
Sweet orange trees produce one of the world’s most popular citrus fruits.
🍃 Uses
• Fresh juice
• Snacks
• Desserts
🌴 Origin
Originally from Asia.
🐝 Pollinators
Its fragrant blossoms attract bees and pollinators.
🍽️ At Little Hills
Fresh oranges are occasionally enjoyed seasonally.

COCO

Coconut

Cocos nucifera

Coconut palms are one of the defining trees of the tropics, producing refreshing coconuts and dramatic scenery.

🍃 Uses

• Coconut water
• Coconut milk
• Desserts
• Tropical cooking

🌴 Origin

Believed to have originated in the Indo-Pacific region.

🌊 Tropical Character

Thrives in warm coastal climates.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Part of the farm’s tropical landscape and edible garden.

COCO FILIPINO
Dwarf Coconut
Cocos nucifera
A smaller coconut palm variety valued for easier harvesting and sweet coconut water.
🍃 Uses
• Fresh coconut water
• Tropical landscaping
• Fresh coconut meat
🌴 Origin
Cultivated tropical coconut variety.
🌊 Tropical Character
Ideal for compact tropical gardens.
🍽️ At Little Hills
Grown as part of the tropical fruit collection.

GUAYABA

Guava

Psidium guajava

Guava is one of the most loved tropical fruits in Puerto Rico, known for its sweet aroma and soft fruit. At Little Hills, guava is occasionally used in homemade jams and seasonal breakfast offerings.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh eating
• Juices & smoothies
• Homemade jams
• Pastries & desserts

🌴 Origin

Native to tropical America and widely grown throughout the Caribbean.

🐦 Wildlife

Birds and pollinators are often attracted to the fruit and flowers.

🌸 Fruiting Season

Typically fruits during warmer tropical months.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Occasionally featured in homemade jams or sweets.

MANGO

Mango

Mangifera indica

Mango trees are one of the iconic tropical trees of Puerto Rico, producing sweet juicy fruit during the warmer months. Their large canopy also creates beautiful shade throughout the farm.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh fruit
• Smoothies & juices
• Desserts
• Tropical sauces

🌴 Origin

Originally from South Asia, now deeply rooted in Caribbean culture.

🐦 Wildlife

Birds and insects are commonly attracted during fruiting season.

🌸 Fruiting Season

Usually fruits in late spring and summer.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Seasonal mangos are sometimes shared fresh with guests.

CACAO

Cacao

Theobroma cacao

Cacao trees produce the pods used to make chocolate. These tropical understory trees thrive in warm humid climates like Puerto Rico.

🍃 Uses

• Chocolate production
• Cacao drinks
• Educational experiences

🌴 Origin

Native to Central and South America.

🐦 Wildlife

The tree supports tropical biodiversity and pollinators.

🌸 Fruiting Season

Can produce pods multiple times throughout the year in tropical climates.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Part of the farm’s tropical edible landscape.

JENGIBRE

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Ginger is a fragrant tropical root known for its warming flavor and traditional wellness uses.

🍃 Uses

• Herbal teas
• Cooking
• Wellness tonics
• Fresh juices

🌴 Origin

Originally from Southeast Asia.

🌿 Traditional Uses

Traditionally used in teas and wellness remedies.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Occasionally used in fresh juices and teas.

ROMERO

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

Rosemary is a fragrant Mediterranean herb valued for both cooking and aromatherapy.

🍃 Uses

• Culinary herb
• Herbal teas
• Aromatic gardens

🌴 Origin

Native to the Mediterranean region.

🐝 Pollinators

Its flowers attract bees and pollinators.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Grown as part of the farm’s herb garden.

MALAGUETA

West Indian Bay Tree

Pimenta racemosa

Malagueta is a Caribbean aromatic tree known for its fragrant leaves and traditional uses.

🍃 Uses

• Herbal teas
• Essential oils
• Caribbean seasoning

🌴 Origin

Native to the Caribbean region.

🌿 Traditional Uses

Traditionally valued for aromatic and wellness preparations.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Part of the farm’s medicinal and aromatic plant collection.

OREGANO

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Oregano is a fragrant culinary herb valued for its earthy aroma and flavorful leaves.

🍃 Uses

• Cooking
• Herbal teas
• Seasoning blends
• Aromatic herb gardens

🌴 Origin

Native to the Mediterranean region.

🌿 Traditional Uses

Traditionally appreciated in herbal teas and home cooking.

🐝 Pollinators

Its flowers attract bees and beneficial insects.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Part of the farm’s edible herb garden and seasonal kitchen harvests.

PIÑA

Pineapple

Ananas comosus

Pineapple is one of the most recognizable tropical fruits, appreciated for its sweet refreshing flavor.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh fruit
• Juices
• Desserts
• Tropical dishes

🌴 Origin

Native to South America and widely cultivated across the tropics.

🌸 Fruiting Season

Typically harvested during warm tropical seasons.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Seasonally grown on the farm.

PAPAYA

Papaya

Carica papaya

Papaya is a fast-growing tropical fruit rich in enzymes and commonly enjoyed fresh at breakfast.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh fruit
• Smoothies
• Breakfast dishes
• Juices

🌴 Origin

Native to tropical America.

🐦 Wildlife

Its flowers attract pollinators and insects.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Often shared fresh during harvest season.

Passion Fruit

Passiflora edulis

Parcha is a tropical climbing vine known for its aromatic fruits and dramatic flowers. Its sweet-tart flavor is widely loved throughout the Caribbean.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh juices
• Desserts
• Smoothies
• Cocktails

🌴 Origin

Native to South America and widely cultivated across tropical regions.

🐝 Pollinators

Its unique flowers attract bees, butterflies, and pollinators.

🌸 Fruiting Season

Typically fruits during warmer tropical months.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Seasonally harvested for fresh juices and tropical drinks.

PETREA

Queen’s Wreath / Sandpaper Vine

Petrea volubilis

Petrea is a tropical flowering vine admired for its cascading purple blooms and romantic garden appearance.

🍃 Uses

• Ornamental vine
• Pergolas & trellises
• Garden entrances
• Pollinator gardens

🌴 Origin

Native to tropical Central America and the Caribbean.

🐝 Pollinators

Its flowers attract butterflies and pollinators.

🌸 Flowering Season

Usually blooms heavily during warmer months.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Used to create lush tropical pathways and hidden garden spaces.

TAMARINDO

Tamarind

Tamarindus indica

Tamarind trees produce tangy pods used throughout tropical cuisine and beverages.

🍃 Uses

• Juices
• Candies
• Sauces
• Marinades

🌴 Origin

Originally from Africa and naturalized throughout the Caribbean.

🌳 Tree Character

Known for its large shade canopy and long lifespan.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Part of the farm’s mature tropical tree collection.

Jazmin Estrella

Star Jasmine

Trachelospermum jasminoides

Star jasmine is a climbing vine known for its fragrant white flowers.

🍃 Uses

• Fragrant landscaping
• Trellises & entrances
• Pollinator gardens

🌸 Flowering

Produces fragrant blooms during warmer seasons.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Used to create lush tropical pathways and garden spaces.

LIMÓN CRIOLLO

Lime 

Citrus limon or Citrus aurantiifolia

Limón is a fragrant citrus fruit commonly used throughout the Caribbean for drinks, marinades, and fresh tropical cooking.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh juices
• Marinades
• Seafood dishes
• Teas & tropical drinks

🌴 Origin

Originally from Asia and now widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions.

🐝 Pollinators

Its fragrant blossoms attract bees and pollinators.

🌸 Fruiting Season

Can produce fruit multiple times throughout the year in tropical climates.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Used seasonally in fresh drinks and farm-style cooking.

MANDARINA

Mandarin

Citrus reticulata

Mandarina is a sweet citrus fruit loved for its bright flavor, juicy segments, and easy-to-peel skin.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh eating
• Juices
• Desserts
• Citrus snacks

🌴 Origin

Native to Asia and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates.

🐝 Pollinators

Its flowers attract bees and beneficial pollinators.

🌸 Fruiting Season

Typically fruits during cooler tropical months.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Enjoyed fresh when in season.

TORONJA

Grapefruit

Citrus × paradisi

Toronja is a refreshing citrus fruit known for its sweet and slightly bitter flavor.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh juice
• Breakfast fruit
• Salads
• Citrus drinks

🌴 Origin

Believed to have originated in the Caribbean.

🐝 Pollinators

Its fragrant flowers attract bees and pollinators.

🌸 Fruiting Season

Usually harvested during cooler tropical seasons.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Part of the farm’s tropical citrus collection.

CAÑA

Sugar Cane

Saccharum officinarum

Sugar cane is a tall tropical grass prized for its naturally sweet juice and historical importance across the Caribbean.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh cane juice
• Syrups
• Traditional drinks
• Sugar production

🌴 Origin

Originally from Southeast Asia and widely cultivated throughout tropical regions.

🌿 Plant Character

One of the world’s oldest cultivated crops.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Occasionally used in fresh juice experiences on the farm.

PLÁTANO

Plantain

Musa × paradisiaca

Plátano is a staple Caribbean crop valued for its versatility and rich texture in savory cooking.

🍃 Uses

• Tostones
• Mofongo
• Boiled dishes
• Traditional Puerto Rican cuisine

🌴 Origin

Originally from Southeast Asia and cultivated throughout the tropics.

🌿 Plant Character

Plantains are larger and starchier than dessert bananas.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Grown as part of the farm’s traditional edible landscape.

MELÓN DE AGUA

Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus

Watermelon is a refreshing tropical fruit known for its juicy red flesh and hydrating sweetness.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh fruit
• Juices
• Fruit bowls
• Summer drinks

🌴 Origin

Originally from Africa and now cultivated worldwide in warm climates.

🌸 Fruiting Season

Typically harvested during warmer months.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Sometimes used in refreshing seasonal farm drinks.

LAVANDA

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender is a fragrant flowering herb admired for its calming aroma and soft purple blooms.

🍃 Uses

• Aromatherapy
• Herbal teas
• Pollinator gardens
• Garden fragrance

🌴 Origin

Native to the Mediterranean region.

🐝 Pollinators

Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and pollinators.

🌸 Flowering Season

Typically blooms during warmer sunny months.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Part of the farm’s aromatic herb garden.

OLIVES

Olive Tree

Olea europaea

Olive trees are elegant Mediterranean evergreens known for their silvery leaves and edible fruit.

🍃 Uses

• Olive oil
• Table olives
• Mediterranean cooking
• Ornamental landscaping

🌴 Origin

Native to the Mediterranean region.

🌿 Tree Character

Known for longevity and drought tolerance.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Grown as part of the edible and ornamental plant collection.

PEACH

Peach

Prunus persica

Peach trees produce soft sweet fruits and delicate seasonal blossoms.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh fruit
• Desserts
• Jams & preserves
• Baking

🌴 Origin

Originally from China and cultivated worldwide.

🌸 Flowering Season

Produces beautiful blossoms before fruiting season.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Part of the farm’s fruit tree collection.

FIG

Fig

Ficus carica

Fig trees produce sweet soft fruits with a rich flavor enjoyed for centuries throughout Mediterranean and tropical regions.

🍃 Uses

• Fresh fruit
• Preserves
• Desserts
• Cheese boards

🌴 Origin

Native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia.

🐦 Wildlife

Birds are commonly attracted to ripe figs.

🌸 Fruiting Season

Typically fruits during warm seasons.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Seasonally enjoyed fresh or preserved.

BATATA

Sweet Potato

Ipomoea batatas

Batata is a nutritious tropical root crop valued for its sweet earthy flavor and edible vines.

🍃 Uses

• Roasted dishes
• Soups
• Mashed preparations
• Baking

🌴 Origin

Native to Central and South America.

🌱 Growing Style

A spreading vine grown for its underground tubers.

🍽️ At Little Hills

Grown as part of the farm’s traditional root crops.

avocado
banana
calabaza
carambola
china agria
china dulce
coconut
Coco filipino
guayaba
mango
cacao
jengibre
romero
malagueta
oregano
piña
papaya
passion fruit
petrea
tamarindo
jazmin
limon
mandarina
toronja
sugar cane
plantain
melon
lavanda
olives
peach
fig
batata
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