[MPWG] caribean lowlands

[David Bruce Leonard]

I'd consider Polygonum multiflorum. It likes shade and moisture, is a
prolific climber, and should merit quite a good price for organic.

David


> Hello Friends,
>    I am seeking advice regarding two botanical collections I am helping to
> establish in Honduras.  One will be located at a rural clinic site about 45
> minutes outside of the capital city of Tegucigalpa (tropical temperate
> highland), the other will be located at a botanical garden on the north coast
> (caribean 
> lowland).  The climate zones are distinct though many of the same plants
> would I am sure do well at either site.  The main difference, though, is that
> the 
> caribean lowland site gets plenty of rain, while the number one challenge for
> garden caretakers at the temperate site will be getting enough water to the
> plants.  So, probably arid-land-loving plants would be best choices for that
> particular garden.
>    If you're willing, any suggestions of plants to include in our
> collections would be welcome.  Both gardens are specifically medicinal plant
> collections, an emphasis will be placed on local plants though we are not
> necessarily 
> closed to exotic ideas.  We are especially interested in selecting a few key
> cash crops, to develop market support that would generate enough income to
> keep 
> the gardens going.  This could be an export crop of seeds, or dried herbs, or
> a 
> value-added product if we could handle producing it, ornamentals, spices, or
> flowers for a local market... basically we want to pick whatever will work.
>    We are also asking for direct market support, for market contacts who
> would be willing to support our gardens by contracting some crop from us
> specifically as a means of supporting the clinical and educational aspects of
> our 
> work.  Both gardens are managed under a cooperative alliance between
> non-profit 
> Honduran agencies and my agency, Herbalists Without Borders.
>    Thank you in advance for your ideas,
>    Jennifer Chesworth
> FYI Here are a few descriptive paragraphs taken off the web about the
> climatic conditions:
> Tropical temporate highlands have an average high temperature ranging from
> 30° C in April, the warmest month, to 25° C in January, the coolest.  The
> interior highlands have a dry season, known locally as "summer," from November
> to 
> April. Almost all the rain in this region falls during the "winter," from May
> to 
> September. Total yearly amounts depend on surrounding topography;
> Tegucigalpa, in a sheltered valley, averages only 1,000 millimeters of
> precipitation.
> The Caribbean lowlands have a tropical wet climate with consistently high
> temperatures and humidity, and rainfall fairly evenly distributed throughout
> the 
> year, with daytime highs averaging between 28° C and 32° C throughout the
> year.  In the Caribbean lowlands, the only relief from the year-round heat and
> humidity comes during December or January when an occasional strong cold front
> from the north (a norte) brings several days of strong northwest winds and
> slightly cooler temperatures.  Rain falls year round in the Caribbean
> lowlands.  
> Amounts are copious along the north coast...Near San Pedro Sula, amounts are
> slightly less from November to April, but each month still has considerable
> precipitation
> 
> _______________________________________________
> MPWG mailing list
> MPWG at lists.plantconservation.org
> http://lists.plantconservation.org/mailman/listinfo/mpwg_lists.plantconservati
> on.org
> 

*************************
David Bruce Leonard, L.Ac.
Medicine at your Feet
'Awapuhi Health Sanctuary

http://www.medicineatyourfeet.com
http://www.awapuhihealth.com