Native Plants
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Friday - January 30, 2009
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Leaves on non-native Rose Cactus
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a Rose Cactus (Pereskia grandifolia). The leaves have all dropped off. I was wondering if this is normal in the winter. Also, is the pear shaped fruit edible.ANSWER:
Pereskia grandifolia (Rose cactus) is native to Brazil, and therefore not in our area of expertise at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. We did learn that the leaves normally drop off in Winter, but could not find any reference to the edibility of the fruit. It apparently is very fast-growing and can be invasive. We found this website, Rose Cactus from Desert Tropicals, which might give you more information.More Non-Natives Questions
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Non-native, invasive rescue grass in meadow garden in Smithville TX
September 20, 2012 - Despite numerous efforts, a solid field of cool weather rescue grass keeps desired wildflower and grass seeds from successfully growing on my "vacant" lot in town. I plan to I put out a 6 ml plasti...
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