Top 20 Popular Fruits in Malawi

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Top 20 Popular Fruits in Malawi

Malawi's warm subtropical climate and fertile soils are highly conducive to the cultivation of a variety of local fruit plants. Important crops such as Common bean, Yellow oleander, and Tropical almond greatly benefit from the consistent rainfall and temperature patterns characteristic of the region. These fruit plants hold substantial cultural significance and are integral to the local diet, economy, and traditions, underscoring their prominence in Malawian agriculture.

Most Popular Fruits

Common bean

Common bean is one of the most widely produced cash crops in the world, with 23.6 million tons grown in 2016. China is the largest producer of common bean, accounting for 79% of the market share. While common bean is known as a staple food source, the leaves can be used to trap bedbugs and the beans are widely used in a type of fortune-telling called "pharmancy".

Yellow oleander

2. Yellow oleander

Yellow oleander is extremely toxic and many cases of accidental poisonings have been recorded. The toxic oils found in this plant are sometimes used in pest control measures. However, the Cascabela thevetia does have significance in some religious ceremonies, specifically the worshiping of Shiva, a Hindu deity.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter, Late winter

Madagascar periwinkle

3. Madagascar periwinkle

The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

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Tropical almond

4. Tropical almond

Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.

Egyptian starcluster

5. Egyptian starcluster

Egyptian starcluster (Pentas lanceolata) is a flowering plant native to Africa and Yemen. Egyptian starcluster is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens where it attracts butterflies.

Summer, Early fall

Royal poinciana

6. Royal poinciana

Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) is also known as the “peacock tree” or the “flamboyant tree.” It’s a Madagascar native and is known for its brilliant crimson or red-yellow flowers. It grows exceedingly fast, reaching its maximum height of around 12 m in a short amount of time.

Grow stick

Grow stick (Gliricidia sepium) is native to tropical areas such as Mexico and Central America where the trees were traditionally used to provide shade for cocoa plantations. As it is a legume, it fixes nitrogen in the soil. It provides fodder, firewood, live fencing, and green manure, and it is an ingredient in rat poison.

Winter, Spring, Summer

Golden dewdrops

8. Golden dewdrops

Golden dewdrops (Duranta erecta) is an ornamental sprawling shrub commonly found in subtropical and tropical gardens all over the world. Its gentle purple blossoms are often visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Golden dewdrops is considered a weed in Australia, South Africa and certain parts of East Asia.

Common lantana

9. Common lantana

The common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.

Paperflower

10. Paperflower

The paperflower is commonly used as an outdoor ornamental plant and thrives in warm climates. The genus Bougainvillea glabra is the official flower of many places, including Guam, Pingtung, Ipoh, Tagbilaran, San Clemente, Guangzhou, and Naha.

Indian shot

11. Indian shot

Despite its name, indian shot is a flowering perennial plant native to Central and South America. It has been naturalized in other parts of the world and has become a popular garden plant known for its large decorative leaves, fiery red blooms, and ease of cultivation. It is a traditional minor food for indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Guava

Guava (*Psidium guajava*) is a fruit-producing evergreen shrub that grows natively in the Caribbean region and South America. Guava attracts the honey bee and other insects, and guava fruit is edible. Additionally, guava wood is used for smoking meat.

Cape leadwort

13. Cape leadwort

Cape leadwort is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Its Latin name, Plumbago auriculata, is derived from the word auriculata meaning "with ears," referring to the shape of its leaves. The leaves serve as food for the caterpillar of the Hummingbird hawk-moth. The plant's sticky sepals, on the other hand, can grab animals as small as a housefly.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

Four o'clock flower

14. Four o'clock flower

Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as the marvel of Peru, is a perennial, herbaceous, bushy plant with fragrant, showy flowers, commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes. During bloom time, its flowers are closed most of the day; they open between four and eight o'clock, hence the common name four o'clock flower.

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Flamingo flower

15. Flamingo flower

Flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum) is an ornamental perennial plant, famous for its pink or bright red heart-shaped flowers with very prominent pistils. Aside from its decorative attributes, flamingo flower is said to have excellent air-purifying properties.

Chinese hibiscus

16. Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter, Mid winter

Burro's tail

17. Burro's tail

The stems of burro's tail grow upright at first, then bend when they reach a certain height and creep to the ground. This makes them perfect for planting in large hanging pots. Plant a hanging pot full of burro's tail seedlings and over time they will slowly form a "waterfall" shape.

Asian Rice

Asian Rice is one of the world's most important staple crops. This annual grass, which was first domesticated in China centuries ago, accounts for a significant portion of the diet of half of the world's population. Aside from food, this plant is grown for use in wines, medicines, and cosmetics. It is also used in crafts and religious ceremonies worldwide.

Blue jacaranda

19. Blue jacaranda

Blue jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is a plant species native to southern South America. Blue jacaranda grows in many cities around the world. Pretoria, South Africa is known as the Jacaranda City. The blue jacaranda is often referenced in songs and literature.

Devil's-backbone

20. Devil's-backbone

Devil's-backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a succulent species of spurge native to North and Central America. It has been planted in gardens since the 17th century and valued for its unique appearance and its habit of attracting hummingbirds. However, nearly all parts of this species are toxic and should not be consumed.

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

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More Plants in Malawi

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Malawi's warm, wet climate, interspersed with varied topography, creates an environment conducive to a range of flora, including toxic plants. The prevalence of such vegetation, like , , and , poses ecological and health risks. These species thrive amid Malawi's plentiful rainfall and rich soils, prompting vigilance in managing their spread and impact on local ecosystems and communities.

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Most Common Flowers

Malawi, with its warm climate and nutrient-rich soil, provides an ideal environment for various native flowers to flourish. Among them, the striking , , and hold great significance in the region. These flowers not only add to the visual charm of Malawi but also carry symbolic and ecological importance. Trustworthy sources reveal the resplendent beauty and ecological value of these indigenous blooms in the region.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Malawi embraces the transformative warmth of Spring, the land burgeons with life, coaxing a myriad of flowers into picturesque bloom. Standouts like , , and punctuate the landscape with vivacious hues, each symbolizing the nation's rich floriculture. These blooms not only signify the season's arrival but also play crucial roles in local ecosystems and cultural practices, marking a time of renewal and growth.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

With the rains subsiding, Spring in Malawi ushers a season of bountiful harvests, where warmth encourages ripening and the land is teeming with freshness. From this nurturing palette emerges , , and , each fruit bursting with seasonal vibrancy. These fruits are not just a testament to the region's fertile realms but are integral to local diets, economies, and traditions during the Spring rejuvenation.

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Most Common Trees

Malawi's climate and soil conditions are conducive to the growth of a variety of indigenous trees. Three emblematic trees found in the region include , , and . These trees hold great significance both culturally and ecologically. They provide habitats for a diverse range of fauna, contribute to the country's biodiversity, and have been used for various traditional practices and medicinal purposes. Their presence in Malawi's environment highlights the rich natural heritage of the country.

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Most Common Weeds

Malawi's warm climate, coupled with heavy seasonal rains, creates ideal conditions for rampant weed growth. Common garden weeds that challenge local green thumbs include , , and . These invasive species not only compete with cultivated flora for space, nutrients, and light but also pose trouble for farmers and gardeners striving to maintain biodiversity and productivity in their plots.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled in the warm heart of Africa, Malawi's predominantly subtropical climate and diverse landscapes, from mountains to woodlands, cradle an assortment of soaring arborescents. Among these, , , and represent the zenith of vegetative marvels, each piercing the heavens and sculpting the skyline. These titans anchor the ecosystem with their ecological gravitas, whispering tales of the land's verdant heritage.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Malawi may be cold and serene, but it is also the time when certain flowers brave the chill and bloom. Despite the frosty environment, , , and showcase their resilience and beauty. These winter flowers bring vibrant colors and symbolic depth to the landscape, proving that even in the harshest conditions, nature finds a way to thrive.

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Most Common Plants

In Malawi, you can find Common bean, Yellow oleander, Madagascar periwinkle, Tropical almond, Egyptian starcluster, and more! There are 50 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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