Arid Orchard Plant List
Pomegranate
Punica granatum
Grows well in dry areas. In wetter areas, they can become prone to root rot infections. They are tolerant to moderate frost, down to -12ºC. The seeds are the edible part of the plant.
Goji Berry
Lycium chinense
A deciduous shrub flowering from June to August, it prefers well-drained moist soil, and tolerates nutrient poor soils. Requires full sun. Goji berries are sweet and soft, with many medicinal uses.
Jujube
Ziziphus jujuba
Domesticated in south Asia, the jujube grows well in a variety of climates, though it requires hot summers. The fruits are mildly sweet, and can be eaten fresh or dried.
Loquat
Eriobotrya japonica
Native to south central China, it is an evergreen shrub or tree with fruits that ripen from early spring to early summer. The yellow pear shaped fruits are succulent and tangy, with mild acidity.
Kei Apple
Dovyalis caffra
Native to south west Africa, this small tree usually has many sharp spines and is extremely drought resistant. The fruit is acidic and it is recommended to marinate it in sugar before eating.
Common Fig
Ficus carica
Native to the Middle East, this deciduous tree grows wild in dry and sunny areas. It requires well-drained soil and can handle poor nutrient levels. The deep-rooted plant is able to access groundwater.
Mandarin Orange
Citrus reticulata
An evergreen tree that requires full sun, mandarins are more cold hardy than oranges, and the tree is more tolerant of drought conditions.
Pineapple Guava
Acca sellowiana
Native to South America, this perennial evergreen shrub is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. It requires at least 50 hours of winter chilling to fruit, and is frost tolerant.
Macadamia Nut
Macadamia integrifolia
Native to Australia, macadamias are large, spreading evergreen trees reaching 30-40 ft. high. It prefers full sun and blooms in mid spring.
Strawberry
Psidium littorale
Native to Brazil, the strawberry guava blossoms in April-May, prefers full sun, and produces fragrant white spring flowers.
Black Mulberry
Morus nigra
A deciduous tree native to southwestern Asia, with edible dark purple fruit that grows year round in full sun to partial shade.
