Top 20 Popular Fruits in Nigeria

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Top 20 Popular Fruits in Nigeria

Nigeria's warm climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil create ideal conditions for the cultivation of local fruit plants. Prominent among these are Earleaf acacia, Sweet basil, and Pepper, each holding significant cultural and economic value. These fruit plants not only reflect Nigeria's rich agricultural heritage but also contribute to its food security and indigenous cuisine, symbolizing the country's biodiversity.

Most Popular Fruits

Earleaf acacia

1. Earleaf acacia

Earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) is an evergreen tree that can grow from 20 to 27 m tall. It is a fast-growing tree with a gnarly trunk and is often multi-stemmed. It blooms in spring with yellowish-orange spiked clusters. Each tree produces about 47,000 seeds per year. It is becoming an invasive tree, displacing vegetation and native plants.

Late fall, Early winter

Sweet basil

Sweet basil is a species of mint plant native to Asia and Africa. It is a popular houseplant, and thrives when it receives plenty of regular sun and water. This plant is also easy to transfer from one soil environment to another. The edible sweet basil leaves can be eaten fresh or dried with pizza, salads, soups, teas, and many other dishes.

Late spring, Mid summer, Late summer, Fall

Neem tree

Neem tree (*Azadirachta indica*) is a flowering tree species related to mahogany and with an appearance similar to that of the chinaberry tree. For centuries, it has played an important role in Indian culture. Commercially, the neem tree is used to produce neem oil, pesticides, and cosmetics.

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Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Maize

Maize (Zea mays) is a well known domesticated cereal grain first domesticated in Mexico. In much of the world it is also called corn. Worldwide cultivation of maize surpasses other prominent grains like wheat and rice. Maize must be planted in the spring due to its intolerance for cold weather.

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Garden croton

6. Garden croton

The garden croton is a showy tropical display that does well indoors or in warm climates. Known for its attractive foliage, this plant can have both color and structural variations in its leaves. Leaf colors can include orange, yellow, scarlet, white, and green, and many times all are present on one plant.

Mango tree

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Moringa

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach impressive heights. In its native country of India, the moringa is popularly cultivated and harvested for its fruit and leaves. These components of the tree are then used as a source of food and oil extracted from the tree can be incorporated into cosmetics.

Summer, Fall, Winter

Sugar apple

Sugar apple (Annona squamosa) is a deciduous tropical tree that can grow to be 3 to 6 m tall. It has small, pendulous flowers that bloom in spring and range in color from yellowish-green to white. The fragrant, sweet, juicy fruit ripens in late summer and early fall.

Golden dewdrops

10. 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.

Chinese hibiscus

11. 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

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Cassava

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) comes from South America but has become a major source of carbohydrates for many peoples around the world. This is especially true in low-income areas since it is cheap to grow. Only when properly cooked the starchy root of it is edible. The rest of the plant is poisonous if eaten. Cassava's natural starches are also useful in laundry products, and it is under investigation as a source of biofuel as well.

Life plant

Life plant is a succulent plant from Madagascar remarkable for its ability to generate small bullets on the edges of "leaves." Actually, these thick, fleshy "leaves" are not true leaves but flattened shoots instead. Life plant is easy to grow and used as a potting or hanging plant indoor.

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Jewels of Opar

16. Jewels of Opar

Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum) is a succulent shrub species native to North and South America, as well as the Caribbean islands. After its introduction, though, it became culturally important in some East Asian regions. The jewels of Opar grows and spreads quickly because any part of its root can sprout into a full plant once it's in the soil.

Goosegrass

When there is a famine or a lack of food, the seeds of goosegrass are eaten. This agricultural weed is utilized for cultivated crops, animal feed, and golf courses. It is classified as an environmental weed in various nations. Some Asian countries employ parts of this plant as herbal medicine.

Okra

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a nutritious, edible vegetable that contains folate, vitamins, and antioxidants. Okra is native to Ethiopia, but now grows commonly throughout the world. Okra is commonly prepared by frying, stewing, roasting, and grilling.

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Madagascar periwinkle

19. 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

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.

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More Plants in Nigeria

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Nigeria's warm climate, abundant rainfall, and diverse ecosystems present ideal conditions for the proliferation of various plant species, including toxic varieties. Concerns arise regarding human and animal exposure to such plants. Specifically, the presence of , , and highlight the need for awareness and caution in both rural and urban areas of Nigeria, where these plants may thrive unchecked.

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Most Common Flowers

Nigeria's diverse climate and soil conditions provide an ideal environment for a variety of indigenous flowers to flourish. Among these, , , and stand out as notable representatives of Nigeria's floral beauty. These flowers are not only visually striking, but also hold cultural significance and contribute to the ecological balance of the region. Reliable sources confirm the presence and importance of these flowers in Nigeria's natural landscape.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring unfolds in Nigeria, the landscape transforms with the burst of life. The season carries an environmental shift that nurtures vibrant blossoms. Flowers like are among the first to announce Spring's arrival, symbolizing new beginnings. The colorful adds to the spectacle, representing the country's rich flora. Meanwhile, emerges, further underscoring the season's essence with its unique beauty. These blossoms mark the time for renewal and growth in this dynamic region.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

In Nigeria, Spring is marked by a refreshing wet season, breathing life into lush landscapes and nourishing a myriad of fruit plants. Among the abundance, begins to flourish, reaches its juicy prime, and bursts into ripe splendor. This period is critical for local agriculture, with these fruits heralding a season of freshness and nutritional richness, central to both local cuisine and economies.

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Most Common Trees

Nigeria's climate and soil conditions create a favorable environment for native trees to thrive. Among the emblematic local trees, , , and stand tall. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value in the region. They contribute to Nigeria's rich biodiversity and provide various benefits such as shade, timber, and medicinal properties. With their unique features and distinct roles, these trees exemplify the beauty and importance of Nigeria's natural heritage.

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Most Common Weeds

Nigeria's tropical climate and abundant rainfall create a hospitable environment for a variety of garden weeds. Among these, , , and are particularly prevalent. These weeds, adept at exploiting the fertile soils and warm temperatures, often compete with cultivated plants, posing continuous challenges for gardeners and landscapers who aim to maintain aesthetically pleasing and healthy gardens.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nigeria's humid tropical climate and varied terrains, including rainforests, savannahs, and montane landscapes, nurture some of the world's most majestic trees. Towering above the diverse canopy, species like , , and stand as natural skyscrapers. Besides their grandeur, these colossal trees play pivotal roles in ecological balance and harbor rich historical narratives, testifying to the country’s verdant heritage and the resilience of nature.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Nigeria may bring a serene cold, but it is also a haven for certain flowers. Despite the chill, there are three specific blooms that brave the winter months: , , and . These resilient flowers not only add beauty to the frosty environment but also symbolize strength and perseverance.

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Most Common Plants

In Nigeria, you can find Earleaf acacia, Sweet basil, Neem tree, Pepper, Dieffenbachia, 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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