Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - April 26, 2011
From: Sorrento, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Edible Plants
Title: Identification of a plant with bumpy red fruit
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a bush with red berry like pods on it. They are about 3/4 of an inch bumpy round with a big seed inside. The leaves are smooth and oval shape. Please let me know if it is poisonous or not, and what it might be. Thank YouANSWER:
This sounds like Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree). It is native to Europe. Here is more information from University of Florida IFAS Extension. It apparently is not poisonous since it is reported as being edible but not very flavorful. You can see more photos and find more information at this UBC Botanical Garden site and by searching on the internet using its botanical name.
More Edible Plants Questions
Looking for a supplier for Mustang Grape vine in Austin, TX>
April 02, 2012 - I'm looking for a supplier in Austin that will have a Mustang Grape Vine seed or plant for purchase. I found Natives of Texas in Kerrville, but if you know of a supplier in Austin, that would be pre...
view the full question and answer
List of plants native to the Abilene, Texas area
September 15, 2011 - Am looking for direction to a complete list of plants native to the Abilene, Taylor County, Texas area (trees, shrubs, grasses, cacti and other plants that grew here before cultivation, eradication or...
view the full question and answer
Identification of tree with strawberry-like fruit in North Carolina
September 24, 2011 - While visiting Boone, North Carolina we walked the Greenway in town. There were a few trees with a round red fruit similar to a strawberry. They were about the size of a penny and a dull red color dot...
view the full question and answer
Are there edible nettles native to the Austin, TX area?
September 13, 2011 - Are there any nettles native to this area? I would like to cook with them (if there is a good substitute, please advise). Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Are flower petals poisonous?
December 01, 2008 - Is it toxic to eat the petals on a flower?
Ashley
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |