Author Archives: Canarius

The exotic red Atemoya

Canarius | Thursday February 2nd, 2017 |

This superior quality, hybrid Atemoya surprises us by its intense red color, resistance, and exquisite flavor.

Atemoya: The best of the Anona and the Cherimoya

The Annona x atemoya, also known as atemoya, is a hybrid between the Annona squamosa and the Annona cherimola (Cherimoya). In fact, the name of this exotic hybrid comes from combining “ate”—the old Mexican name for sugar-apple— and “moya”—from cherimoya—.

Both the Annona squamosa (anona, sugar-apple) and the Annona cherimola (Cherimoya) are subtropical crops originating in Central and South America, which generate large fruit with pulp sprinkled with large seeds.

The atemoya inherits the characteristics of the annona and the cherimoya, presenting an extremely adaptable and robust plant.

The red hybrid Atemoya from Israel

This particular hybrid comes from Israel and has a striking red skin. Although this crossing could remind us to the “big red” Annona squamosa; The “red Israel” is not an A. squamosa, but an atemoya, that is, that has a part of cherimoya as well.

Texture and color

The atemoyas usually have a heart or oval shape and are pale green. However this hybrid has a more rounded shape and its skin is a spectacular reddish color, as its name suggests.

Usually the atemoya has a very rough skin in the part of the stem, very similar to the Annona squamosa, with fleshy protuberances similar to scales. As we move toward the base, the texture softens and looks more like a cherimoya. In this case, the skin texture of the Red Israel Atemoya is slightly rougher and even reminiscent of that of an artichoke.

Undoubtedly, the most striking visual feature of this hybrid Atemoya is its attractive red color, which arouses the appetite by just looking at it.

Atemoya it’s an extremely adaptable and robust plant.

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Pulp and flavor

The atemoya does not have the pulp divided into sections as occurs in the A. squamosa, but it is homogeneous. In this sense, the atemoya looks more like a cherimoya. The pulp is white, although sometimes it may have a slight pinkish hue.

The flavor of this “Red Israel” hybrid is exquisite: it is quite sweet but with a slight acid touch. It has tastes of pineapple, vanilla and blueberry. Also, its texture is very soft, succulent, and watery.

In addition, besides its exquisite flavor, the atemoya has fewer seeds than the cherimoyas. They have a dark brown color and are not edible.

Cultivation of the “Red Israel” Atemoya

At Canarius, we offer a potted graft of about 30 to 60 centimeters within 4 to 18 months old. We graft Annona x Atemoya adult cuttings in Annona cherimolas to improve the cold resistance of its roots.

The result is a robust plant, which has a cold hardyness similar to an A. cherimola and adapts itself very well. It does not need manual pollination and is very productive: it usually ripens from 4 to 6 months after flowering.

Enjoy this striking and tasty hybrid of Atemoya and many more exotic fruits that you will only find in Canarius.

Tenerife, a dream place for exotic fruits in Europe

Canarius | Tuesday December 13th, 2016 |

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Scientists working at the Canary Islands Institute of Agricultural Research (ICIA), an autonomous body attached to the Minister for Agriculture, Stockbreeding, Fisheries, and Food in the Canary Islands Government, continue to analyze the enormous possibilities of growing exotic fruits in the Canary Islands to explore new marketing opportunities.

To this effect, researchers focus their analysis on the farm Cueva del Polvo (Guía de Isora, Tenerife) with a collection of recent exotic fruit species in the Archipelago, such as Mamey Colorado or Jackfruit.

Particular attention in this field should be made to the lychee trials

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Particular attention in this field should be made to the lychee trials, also known as litchi, carried out with different varieties and which have shown the interest of this fruit of appreciated taste qualities to the point that, in ancient times, it was reserved for the emperors.

To these studies are added those developed in Papaya, aimed at identifying the best varieties of this exotic fruit to determine the most outstanding aspects of each of them.

We also seek to clarify whether, in the future and using innovative breeding techniques, crossbreeding could be achieved with plants considered more optimal to obtain better-adapted varieties in the medium term.

Additional tasks have also been developed related to the mango fruit aimed, among other aspects, to analyze the evaluation of plantations and the development of new cultivation techniques.

All these investigations allow to diversify the agricultural activity and that the farmers have a greater variety of the crop as a complement to the traditional ones; As well as obtaining better commercial-quality fruits.

The exotic plants we have at Canarius are grown within greenhouses in different areas of Tenerife, where the use of chemicals is kept to a minimum. Some of our nurseries are completely organic, and others are energetically self-sufficient.

In the Canary Islands, we enjoy a subtropical climate with a cool winter. However, our nurseries are not air-conditioned to produce robust and resistant plants that can be grown in colder climates.

Succulent plants grown in the Canary Islands

Canarius | Monday November 7th, 2016 |

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The so-called succulent plants include thousands of species located in arid zones around the planet. The Canary Islands are a clear example of the ideal place for these succulent species to grow, thanks to their unique climatic conditions: warm, arid, and windy environment.

The succulent plants or “fat plants” are water retention species, which are adapted to drought conditions. These plants store succum (juice, water) in their leaves, stems, or roots, and often show a thick and fleshy appearance.

The Weather in the Canary Islands

EUPHORBIA MILII CV. MINI

In the Canarian archipelago, there is a Mediterranean-subtropical climate. This means that during the coldest months of the year, the species take a “winter break”. Also, the sun and wind prevailing in the Islands help to keep under control and naturally the fungus or other diseases that could affect these plants.

Typically, the oceanic volcanic islands, arising from the bottom of the sea, are home to unique floras and faunas as a consequence of their development in small enclosures and areas isolated from direct contact with the continent.

In this sense, and at least as far as plants are concerned, in the Canary Islands, there are abundant cases of so-called adaptive radiation or insular differentiation, with flourishing endemic species.

The vegetal landscape of the low zone of the Canary Islands is characterised by the abundant presence of succulent and semi-succulent plants, dominating within them the species of the genus Euphorbia, that come to give a name to the main communities of vegetables. Plants of this type of vegetation have developed strategies to support the arid and semi-desert climate of these areas.

Succulent plants in the Canary Islands are grown mainly outdoors and in full sun

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The origin of most of the species that we can find here is North African and to a lesser extent Mediterranean, among the most common succulent plants belonging to the Euphorbiaceae (Euphorbia), Asclepiadoideae (Ceropegia, Caralluma), Crassulaceae (Aeonium, Monanthes), and Asteraceae (Kleinia) families.

Succulent plants in the Canary Islands are grown mainly outdoors and in full sun. Most of these plants are exported to continental Europe; others end up in the most famous natural parks of the Islands.

In our online store of succulent plants, you can find the most outstanding species of this family. Canarius offers a selection of succulent plants endorsed by the highest quality since they have been grown outdoors and under the full sun of the Canary Islands.

Wrapping Banana Tree in an Exotic Garden

Canarius | Monday October 17th, 2016 |

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The banana or plantain tree requires warm weather and constant humidity in the air. They need an average temperature of 26-27 °C, with prolonged and regularly distributed rains.

For the cultivation of banana trees is preferable humid plains near the sea, sheltered from the winds and irrigable zones. Also, their growth stops at temperatures below 18 °C, resulting in damage to the trees at temperatures below 13 °C and higher than 45 °C.

That is why our archipelago in the Canary Islands has become the ideal place to cultivate this tropical fruit species. In this location, the Canarius plants are being grown for the past years.

In tropical conditions, the natural light does not have much effect on the development of the plant as in subtropical conditions. Although by decreasing the intensity of light, the growth cycle is lengthened. Even the development of the offsets is also influenced by the light quantity and intensity.

The Canary Islands has become the ideal place to cultivate this tropical fruit species

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The lack of water at any time can cause the reduction of the banana trees in number and size of their fruit, and in the final return of the crop itself.

Wind effects can vary: from causing an abnormal perspiration due to the reopening of the stomata to the laceration of the leaf blade, (most widespread damage) producing losses in the final return of up to 20%. Also, high winds break the petioles of the leaves and the pseudostems, which could result in the rooting out of the whole plant.

A gardener wrapping his banana tree

At Canarius, thanks to our experience in tropical plants, we suggest that, during the winter months and under the threat of frost, it is essential to take precautions for the crop’s protection.

The most common mechanism to do this is to use some coating, such as sheets, blankets, or tarps to protect them from the cold, expressly designed for gardens during the winter.
Below we shared the time-lapse of a gardener wrapping his banana tree ready for winter in his garden in England:

Timelapse: Wrapping the bananas in the Exotic Garden from Chris Ridley on Vimeo.

Aechmea blumenavii in the Garden

Canarius | Wednesday September 28th, 2016 |

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Beautiful Aechmea from the outskirts of a city named Blumenau, in the cool, wet South East of Brazil. Aechmea blumenavii is a rare, cold hardy bromeliad. It is endemic to Sierra de Santa Catarina, by the city of Blumenau in SE Brazil.

Aechmea blumenavii is an endangered species and it is classified as Rare by the IUCN. This is the TRUE blumenavii, not the many mislabelled specimens in the trade. That’s why it is a rare endangered species in habitat. It is a tropical looking species which is highly sought after for gardening in non tropical countries because it is able to stand freezes to about -8 C.

Aechmea blumenavii in the Garden

Aechmea blumenavii is very easy to grow in cultivation. Leaves are green and show the typical blue tip. Spikes of yellow flowers are produced in the cooler months, followed by pink-red fruits. Fruits will stay colourful for months.

As time passes it grows as a mat-forming ground cover. As a bromeliad, it will need a draining substrate, with sand, compost or similar. It will enjoy growing on a raised bed or a rockery. It can also be grown on trees or rocks.

It grows as a house plant because it takes shade and dry air, so growers can take it indoors in the winter months to enjoy the flowers.

Frost-hardy Aechmea with blue-tipped green leaves, from the outskirts of a city named Blumenau

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Our Shop

Please visit the Bromeliad Section of our Shop and check back often, because we offerent different bromeliads at different times of the year. We ship bromeliads to anywhere in Europe. Our bromeliads are already growing in many European countries, such as Spain, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Germany.

All bromeliads in catalogue are sold as bare-rooted “pups”, which are the robust basal suckers produced after blooming. Our pups are very easy to root – some will already show some roots when you open the box.

The Practice of Lateral Grafting at Canarius

Canarius | Friday September 9th, 2016 |

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When we talk about grafting in plant fields, we refer to the combination of two different species, joined so as to continue their growth together as a single plant. Grafting produces a ‘chimera’, i.e. a plant with two different genes: one in the roots and another in aerial parts.

Grafting is carried out by making cuts in the rootstock in order for it to receive the scion, so that the joining occurs between the two plants.

For the joining to take place, it’s necessary that certain conditions are met: we call those that depend on the nature of the plant, ‘internal conditions’; and the inherent requirements of the environment where the new species is developed, ‘external conditions’.

Grafting between plants of the same variety or gender are almost certain to happen. However, when grafting between different species, there is a much lower percentage of probability.

The cuts made in both the rootstock and scion must be clean. Both parts should join intimately and remain linked with a tie, until the grafting is attached and set.

‘Chimera’, i.e. a plant with two different genes: one in the roots and another in aerial parts

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Types of Grafting

As for the types of grafting, they’re varied, some more advisable than others for certain plants or times of the year in which they’re carried out. With lateral grafting -one which is practised at Canarius farms- it’s carried out in late winter, when the bark can be peeled off the rootstock with ease.

With lateral grafting, a T-shaped cut is made in a smooth area of the rootstock’s bark and then peeled. Additionally, the cutting below the raised bark is introduced.

After the bud has sprouted from the cutting, the top part of the rootstock is cut off so that all the sap goes to the graft and grows strong. After approximately 15 days, the raffia tie is removed so not to strangle the graft.

This type of graft is valid for all trees and shrubs, both deciduous and perennials. At Canarius we also carry out other practices of grafting which we’ll explain in later posts.

Ficus carica and its rich fruit: the fig

Canarius | Monday August 22nd, 2016 |

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Ficus carica, also popularly known as fig tree, is a small tree or shrub (about 5 metres high) belonging to the family of Moraceae (Moraceae). Ficus carica is one of the variants of the Ficus genus, whose original cultivation occurs in western Asia. However, it now grows spontaneously in some regions of the Mediterranean and other parts of the world.

The shrub has a smooth, greyish bark and is heavily branched. Its leaves are deciduous, green and consist of 3 to 5 lobes.

Common fig (or just the fig)

It also produces a fruit known as figs: medium fruit the size of a light bulb or a little smaller. Some figs have a clear green colour and others are black or purplish.

Figs have a rather sweet taste and are noted for their high fibre content, higher than many fruits. They also provide a considerable amount of minerals and vitamins such as iron and magnesium.

The fig (Ficus carica) usually grows in rocky terrain, and even walls, from sea level to 1700 metres high. Its roots are quite vigorous and can sometimes move the ground under which they grow.

They are shrubs very resistant to adverse conditions and are grown primarily as second-class fruit trees. Some fig trees, called breveras, produce two crops a year: brebas in June (older than figs) and figs, between late August and early September.

The fig (Ficus carica) usually grows in rocky terrain, and even walls, from sea level to 1700…

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As well as seasonal fresh fruit, figs have traditionally been consumed after undergoing the drying process, this has been the most common way to preserve the fruit.

“Dry” or “overripe” fruit, especially figs, was a food that was especially valued. The process allowed to delay their consumption and covered times when food shortage was notorious. Their leaves have been used for animal feed.

Hoya, ‘wax plant’ or ‘porcelainflower’

Canarius | Friday July 29th, 2016 |

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Hoya,-wax-plant

The name refers to the genus, Hoya, in honor of Thomas Hoy: gardener to the Duke of Northumberland at Syon House in Middlesex in the UK (eighteenth century). Although the species is also known as ‘wax plant’ or ‘porcelainflower’.

Hoyas are climbers, often with showy and exotic flowers, from the rain forests of Asia and Oceania. Most species need a dim light, but can also be grown as house plants.

They’re succulent plants that are very suitable for hanging baskets and trellises. They tolerate a few weeks of drought, but are sensitive to frost and cold.

This species includes more than 200 varieties of climbing plants of tropical origin (India, Malaysia, China, Australia…). The main species are: Hoya pauciflora, Hoya glabra, Hoya australis, etc., most of which we have on our online store of exotic plants: Canarius.

There are more than 200 different species of Hoya

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Hoyas are twining vines with showy exotic flowers

Hoyas are thin stemmed shrubs. Their leaves are perennial, fleshy, dark green and oval. Furthermore, they have rather small scented flowers, white or pink with a red centre, displayed in compact hemispherical umbels and with a waxy appearance (hence its popular name).

Usually, these succulent plants bloom from spring to summer and the flowers last for quite a long time on the plant.

Hoyas usually live in tropical forests, and specifically in the trees. Most species are easy to grow, as they can grow in disparate and diverse conditions. These species can also grow in spongy soil organic matter, sand or other drainage materials.

Succulent plants at Canarius: Hoya

At Canarius, we have numerous hoya species, we pack and ship them safely to anywhere in the world. See below some of our hoyas:

: HOYA KERRII

: HOYA DANUMENSIS

: HOYA AUSTRALIS ‘LISA’

The commonly named ‘wax plant’ or ‘porcelainflower’ needs good light exposure, without receiving direct sunlight. They don’t resist cold, even less frost; the environment must be warm and the temperature no lower than 10 °C in winter.

Know all the benefits of pineapple

Canarius | Thursday July 14th, 2016 |

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Pineapple is considered one of the most popular tropical fruits in the world. Its sweet and refreshing taste makes the pineapple, also known as Ananas, a common food in the homes of many families.

It is a tropical fruit that contains lots of vitamins -such as vitamin C, B1, B6, B9 (folic acid) and some vitamin E- and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iodine, copper and manganese.

In addition, the pineapple has diuretic and detoxifying properties that boost elimination of all those substances that can affect health if not properly removed.

Pineapple fruit has diuretic and detoxifying properties

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Much of the pineapple’s composition is water and a lot of fiber. That, together with it being very low in calories, makes it an ideal diet fruit.

Most of the benefits of pineapple is due to the presence of an enzyme called ‘bromelain’. An enzyme that improves digestion and has the ability to destroy intestinal parasites.

What is ‘bromelain’?

The ‘bromelain‘ in the pineapple has anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, anti-edema and fibrinolytic properties. In fact, the pineapple’s antiinflammatory action could be useful in treating diseases involving inflammation. Such is the case of acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis or gout.

This enzyme present in said fruit also acts as a natural anticoagulant besides causing beneficial changes in white blood cells.

At Canarius we have pineapple!

We offer certified living plants of pineapple. MD-2 is the famous Del Monte “Gold Extra Sweet“, the best commercial cultivar of pineapple.

This supreme hybrid was developed by the Pineapple Research Institute in Hawaii (dissolved in 1986), which conducted research on behalf of the major pineapple companies. Del Monte released it later, in 1996.

It tastes twice as sweet as the former commercial varieties, and has a very high content vitamin C. This selection has been a revolution in the worldwide market of fresh pineapple (non-canned). In just ten year from its relase, it has taken up more than 50 percent of the global market, being the commercial pineapple of top quality.

The plant we offer was originally raised in vitro in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Then it was rooted and grown for months in a greenhouse, in order to achieve robust plants of a good size.

Our plants are 20-30 cm in diameter. Size in cm is variable, but we will always choose one well-rooted robust specimen.

When will it bloom and fruit?

Pineapples grow fast in full sun and hot weather. Our plant will take just one year to bloom if kept in a warm environment. On the other hand it can easily take three or more years in a weakly heated greenhouse in Europe. Pineapple is a tropical plant. It is sensitive to frost and cold weather in general. Keep above 10º C in Winter.

Some Kinds of Litchi Chinensis in Tenerife

Canarius | Wednesday July 6th, 2016 |

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Lychee is a subtropical evergreen tree native to eastern China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. The tree has a medium size reaching up to 2-3 m (6-8 ft).

Its fruit is smooth, aromatic and juicy inside the thin, rough, slightly spiky and leathery pink to red shell. Litchi chinensis has a small inedible brown seed. Rich in vitamin C, it is available mainly in mid-summer. Eaten fresh, used in fruit salads, also bottled, canned, frozen and dried (lychee nuts).

At Canarius we have Litchi chinensis. This variety thrives and fruits regularly in the warmer coastal Mediterranean. It does not grow well in the tropics, because it needs cool winters, with temperatures below 12º C in order to induce flowering. It only takes short, light frost.

LITCHI CHINENSIS KWAI MAI PINK

The “cold-hardy” lychee tree. This Chinese lychee variety produces fruits in cooler locations and and fruits very late, in mid-summer. Fruits are greenish-pink and quality is very good.

LITCHI CHINENSIS EARLY LARGE RED

The variety “Early Large Red” has a fruit slightly more than 2,5 cm (1 “) long, usually obliquely heart-shaped, crimson, with green interspaces, very rough, skin very firm and leathery, adhering slightly to the flesh. Flesh greyish-white, firm, sweet and flavourful. It is a moderate bearer, early in season.

LITCHI CHINENSIS TAI SO

“Tai-so” is a vigorous chinese cultivar of Lychee. It produces regularly and abundantly. The fruit is sweet, pink to red. It is also called Mauritius Lychees in the western trade, but also Hong Huey or Hong Huay, Da Zao and Tai Tsao in Asia.

LITCHI CHINENSIS KAIMANA

One of the best tasting large lychees. It is a subtropical perennial tree native to eastern China where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. The tree has a medium size reaching up to 2-3 m (6-8 ft). Its fruit is smooth, aromatic and juicy inside the thin, rough, slightly spiky and leathery pink to red shell.

The variety “Kaimana” has a large fruit, deep-red, of high quality, and the tree is a regular bearer. Lychee thrives and fruits regularly in the warmer Mediterranean. It needs cool winters, with temperatures below 12º C.

Here we present some of the newest in our online shop: