edible

Sea Purslane

Sesuvium portulacastrum

Sea purslane is a salty, crunchy trailside nibble. One hundred grams of raw sea purslane has 32 milligrams of vitamin C, 267 milligrams of potassium, and 69 milligrams of calcium. It’s also a good source of antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Click here for a sea purslane chimichurri recipe.

Ubiquitous Fruit

Chrysobalanus icaco

Cocoplum shrubs are everywhere in Southwest Florida, and the fruit is high in vitamin C.

Chrysobalanus icaco

Tasty trailside nibbles, cocoplums are often found near water. Click here for a cocoplum jam recipe.

Naples Botanical Garden Littoral Zone

Brazilian Pepper

Schinus terebinthifolia

After foraging in Punta Gorda with Green Deane, Brazilian pepper seems to pop up everywhere (as invasives do). The plan is to roast and grind the sweet and spicy berries, then sprinkle over popcorn.

Schinus terebinthifolia

Click here for more about a storied ornamental listed on the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed List.