Bahrain’s warm climate and arid soil provide a unique environment that is surprisingly conducive to the growth of certain fruit plants. Water conservation techniques and salt-tolerant rootstocks have enabled the cultivation of Madagascar periwinkle, Chinese hibiscus, and Tomato, which are prominent in local horticulture. These fruits hold a special place in Bahrain’s culture and cuisine, reflecting the nation’s agricultural adaptability and heritage. Their cultivation not only supports local
1. 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.
Harvest Time:
Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter
2. 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.
Harvest Time:
Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter, Mid winter
3. Common fig
Ficus carica, colloquially known as the common fig, is a deciduous small tree or shrub widely known for its sweet, chewy fruits. This shrubby plant has a very, very long cultivation history. The earliest evidence of its cultivation was found in the Jordan Valley and go all the way back to the tenth millennium BC.
Harvest Time:
Summer, Fall, Early winter
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4. 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.
Harvest Time:
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
5. 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.
Harvest Time:
All year round
6. Oleander
Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.
7. 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.
Harvest Time:
Early summer
8. Sea hibiscus
Sea hibiscus (Talipariti tiliaceum) is a flowering plant species commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. The flowers of sea hibiscus are bright yellow with a red center. As the blossoms age, the flowers turn to a darker orange before falling off the plant.
Harvest Time:
All year round
9. Manila tamarind
While the Pithecellobium dulce has pods that closely resemble tamarind, they actually peel away easily. The edible flesh is then separated and eaten on its own or prepared in dishes. Also known as manila tamarind, it has a spiny tree that can grow up to 20 m tall.
10. Watermelon
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a flowering plant with a vine-like appearance native to Western Africa. Watermelon bears fruit that are widely cultivated and consumed across the world. Watermelon grow in tropical and temperate climates and requires warmth to grow. There are 1000 varieties around the world.
Harvest Time:
Late summer, Early fall
11. Desert rose
Desert rose is widely cultivated as a houseplant or as bonsai for its beautiful flowers. As a succulent plant originating from the Sahara and tropical Africa and Arabia, it requires a minimum temperature of 10 ℃ to survive. Its sap was used to poisoning arrows in Africa.
Harvest Time:
Mid spring, Early summer
12. Chaste tree
The chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a flowering shrub that thrives in subtropical regions. While it prefers full sun, it can grow with partial shade and tolerate temperatures as low as -23 ℃. The chaste tree has been cultivated in Europe dating back to Ancient Greece. Modern use focuses on creating essential oils from the leaves and fruits.
Harvest Time:
All year round
13. Common purslane
Portulaca oleracea, colloquially known as common purslane, is an annual succulent species with reddish stems and tiny yellow, five-petal flowers. It is used for culinary purposes in various parts of the world, most often raw, in salads. Common purslane is also a good companion plant for crops that thrive in moist soils.
Harvest Time:
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
14. Date palm
Date palm (*Phoenix dactylifera*) is an evergreen tree with a strong, upright trunk and gracefully arching, feather-like fronds. It is drought tolerant and suitable for escaping. It is fire retardant, has pale yellow blooms, and produces an abundance of edible, orange fruit. This tree can live up to 75 years and grow to 24 m tall.
Harvest Time:
All year round
15. Olive
Olive (Olea europaea) is an evergreen tree or shrub with great agricultural importance, especially in the Mediterranean. Its fruits are edible and widely used for making oil. Olive has acquired quite a few symbolic meanings during its long history of cultivation. The most popular symbol would probably be the olive branch, which represents peace and glory.
Harvest Time:
Summer, Fall
16. Peacock flower
The peacock flower, Barbados’ national flower, is a striking ornamental plant commonly grown in public and private gardens. Although the seeds of this flower are toxic if consumed, the fruits are edible. Some parts of this plant are used as medicine by Indonesians and West Indians. This plant is toxic to dogs and cats but provides food for butterflies and bees.
17. Moss rose
Moss rose is an ornamental flowering semi-succulent plant native to South America. Gardeners can cultivate this easy-to-grow plant in annual flowerbeds, in containers, or in hanging baskets because of its trailing habit. Different cultivars have been selected and propagated for achieving striking variations in color, shape, and petal number of the flowers.
Harvest Time:
Mid summer, Late summer
18. 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.
Harvest Time:
All year round
19. Pomegranate
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.
Harvest Time:
Summer, Fall
20. Salt heliotrope
Salt heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum) is a low-growing perennial herb that spreads along the ground. Salt heliotrope is considered a weed and is commonly found in damp, disturbed areas. Salt heliotrope grows in alkaline and saline soils.
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