Ti Leaf, Green


Ti leaf is used for making leis and for wrapping food in for flavor while cooking.  These ornamental plants come in a variety of shapes and colors.  The ones we received were like these, approximately 2-3 feet long and green throughout.  Sun or partial shade, average water.  These plants are hardy and somewhat drought tolerant.

Cholesterol Spinach


Purchased at Home Depot as “Cholesterol Spinach,” this most closely resembles Ganura Procumbens. It is also known as the wonder plant, anti-cholesterol plant and longevity spinach.  It grow rapidly and well in the sun.  Propagates by slip.  It is edible and said to be healthy.  It can be used in place of kale or spinach, best in soups or smoothies.

Desert Rose, Pink solid


Desert Rose, also known as adenium, is an ornamental with a variety of blooms.  (image color is close to the one brought in as a sample with the starter plant) Native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, daily light watering is recommended.  Adenium is a popular bonsai plant because it is beautiful and can thrive for many years in a container.  The sap is poisonous and precaution should be taken.

Garlic, Society Garlic (like chives)


This plant is often confused with chives because it looks similar and can be used in the place of it. Originating from South Africa, the plant is often used in Chinese or Malay cooking.  The flavor and scent is reminiscent of garlic and the flavor is more potent than chive.  The lily relative is often used as an ornamental for its flowers and propagates in clumps. Thrives with moist soil.



Lemongrass is a tropical herb used in Asian cooking, as well as in teas, sauces, and soups. In the garden, lemongrass forms a tall, grassy clump 3 to 6 feet tall. Lemongrass can be grown in containers but must occasionally be split into new ones as the clump expands. The plant likes moist soil and thrives in Hawaii’s tropical climate.

Oregano (Cuban)

Cuban oregano, a succulent herb, is native to India and not a “true oregano.”  However, it can be used in place of oregano in cooking and is a hardy plant requiring not much more than sunlight, scant water and an occasional treat of fertilizer.  The plant grows upward and can reach several feet tall.  The exchange has received two different types of Cuban oregano, one with solid green leaves and other with white-trimmed green leaves.