Ten exotic hardy fruit trees to plant in the garden

While global warming is a source of concern for us all, rising temperatures are already bringing variety to our gardens and orchards. In this article, we present ten varieties of hardy exotic fruit trees. From the Pomegranate tree, star of Mediterranean gardens since antiquity, to the little-known Chañar, they’ll delight your taste buds as well as your pupils.

1. The Pomegranate tree, a hardy exotic fruit tree that's not afraid of frost

Let’s start with Punica granatum. Commonly known as Pomegranate tree, this exotic, cold-hardy fruit tree is native to the region from Iran to northern India.

In Greek mythology, it is associated with the goddess Persephone and hell, while in Christian tradition, it represents fertility and resurrection. Since ancient times, it has been cultivated in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Asia.

It is prized as much for the beauty of its flowers as for the benefits of its fruit, which is rich in antioxidants, vitamins (notably C and K) and minerals (potassium, iron).

In traditional medicine, pomegranates are renowned for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving blood circulation. Easy to grow and resistant to heavy frosts, it’s well-suited to our gardens.

The Pomegranate tree is a hardy exotic fruit tree from the middle east

2. The Pineapple guava tree

Feijoa sellowiana, also known as Pineapple guava or Feijoa, is a plant native to the subtropical mountains of southern Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. It was discovered in the 19th century by the German explorer Friedrich Sellow. Since then, thanks to its resistance to frost, this hardy exotic fruit tree has been introduced to many parts of the world.

Feijoa is a medium-sized shrub, prized for its spectacular white and red flowers, which appear in spring. They are rich in nectar and attract many pollinators. The egg-shaped fruit has a rough green skin and juicy, sweet, slightly tart flesh, often compared to a mixture of guava, pineapple and mint.

In terms of virtues, Feijoa is a superfood. It is particularly rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, making it an ally in boosting the immune system and improving digestion. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Grown mainly in regions with subtropical climates, Feijoa has gained in popularity thanks to its nutritional and taste qualities, and is now used in a wide range of culinary preparations, from jams to desserts.

Coming from China, the Jujube tree is a frost resistant exotic fruit tree

3. The Jujube tree, a hardy exotic fruit tree you'll love

Ziziphus jujuba, also known as Jujube tree or Nashi, is a fruit tree native to Asia. Cultivated for over 4,000 years, it plays an important role in traditional Asian medicine.

The Jujube tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers, which turn into fleshy fruits, first green, then red or brown when ripe. Called jujubes, they resemble small apples, with a thin skin and sweet, crunchy flesh that becomes sweeter when dried.

As well as being delicious, jujube has many medicinal virtues. It is renowned for its calming and sedative effects, helping to combat insomnia, anxiety and stress. It is also beneficial for digestion, blood circulation and skin health. Enriched with vitamin C, antioxidants and flavonoids, jujube boosts the immune system and helps tone the body.

Thanks to its resistance to frost, cultivation of this hardy exotic fruit tree has spread beyond Asia, notably to the Middle East and the Mediterranean basin, where it is now widely grown for its multiple benefits. We also offer you its “cousin”, the Indian jujube.

Ziziphus jujuba is a frist resistant exotic tree coming from China

4. Kei apple tree

Dovyalis caffra, also known as Kei apple tree or Aberia caffra, is an exotic fruit bush native to southern Africa, mainly South Africa. Belonging to the Salicaceae family, this vigorous shrub is prized for its tart fruit and hardiness.

Dovyalis caffra is adapted to hot, dry climates and tolerates a wide range of soils, provided they are well drained. It is easy to grow, requiring little maintenance, and is drought-resistant once established. Although it prefers tropical and subtropical climates, it can tolerate temperatures close to -5°C, making it suitable for cultivation in Mediterranean or mild-winter regions.

The orange to yellow fruits have a juicy pulp with a tangy taste reminiscent of lemons or plums. Rich in vitamin C, they can be eaten fresh or processed into juices, jams and desserts. However, their high acidity may require the addition of sugar.

In short, Dovyalis caffra is an ideal plant for gardeners looking for a hardy, original fruit tree.

Dovyalis tree is a hardy exotic fruit tree

5. Brazilian cherry tree, a too little known hardy exotic fruit tree

Eugenia brasiliensis, also known as the Brazilian Cherry tree, is a tropical fruit tree native to the rainforests of South America, mainly Brazil. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which includes other tropical plants such as guava and jaboticaba.

This moderate-sized tree can reach 8 to 15 m tall. It thrives in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soils and a tropical or subtropical climate. Eugenia brasiliensis is cold-tolerant, down to around -5°C, which means it can be grown in regions with mild winters, such as the Mediterranean coast or certain protected areas.

Its fruit, Brazil cherries, are small, round, dark-red to purple berries with a thin, shiny skin. Their soft, juicy flesh offers a sweet, subtly tart flavor, reminiscent of a cross between the classic cherry and the plum. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, they can be eaten fresh or made into juices, jams and desserts.

Ornamental and productive, Eugenia brasiliensis is appreciated for its evergreen foliage, fragrant white flowers and delicious fruit, making it an attractive choice for tropical or Mediterranean gardens.

Eugenia brasiliensis is a hardy exotic fruit tree

6. Toad tree

Tabernaemontana elegans, also known as the Toad Tree, is a tropical tree native to southern Africa. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family, characterized by plants with flowers that are often highly ornamental. And with this tree, you won’t be disappointed by its spectacular flowering!

This medium-sized tree, reaching 5 to 10 meters in height, is prized for its evergreen foliage and magnificent starry white flowers that exude a delicate fragrance.

Its fruit is delicious, with an orange pulp like a passion fruit, very juicy and reminiscent of citrus fruit. Its bark is useful against heart disease, and its roots and fruit against cancer. It adapts well to well-drained soils and tolerates moderate periods of drought. It’s ideal for tropical gardens, but thanks to its hardiness of -4°C, it’s a cold-hardy fruit tree and has everything it takes to become the star of Mediterranean gardens.

This tree is cultivated above all for its ornamental appeal, generous flowering and ease of care in mild climates. It is perfect for embellishing an exotic garden or creating a tropical atmosphere.

The Todd tree is a hardy exotic fruit tree

7. Paw Paw, a hardy exotic fruit tree from America

Asimina triloba, also known as Pawpaw or Paw paw, is an exotic hardy fruit tree native to the USA. It grows mainly in the eastern forests of the country, from Florida to Indiana, and is the only member of the Asimina genus to be found in temperate zones. Its fruit, the Pawpaw, is a fleshy berry with a sweet taste reminiscent of mango, banana and papaya. When ripe, it is green in color and oval in shape. Its unique taste and creamy texture make it a sought-after fruit.

Pawpaw is rich in nutrients, including vitamins C and A, antioxidants and fiber. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities and may have beneficial effects on digestion. In terms of resistance, Asimina triloba stands out for its ability to withstand fairly cold temperatures, down to -25°C, enabling it to grow in more northerly regions than most other tropical fruits.

Because of its poor resistance to transport, its development in agricultural cultivation remains limited, but it is attracting growing interest because of its taste potential and frost resistance, opening up new opportunities for gardeners.

Fruits of a pawpaw tree cold resistant exotic fruit tree

8. Chagnar, a surprising hardy exotic fruit tree

Geoffroea decorticans is a fruit tree native to Argentina, Paraguay and southern Bolivia, where it grows mainly in semi-arid regions of the subtropical zone. This tree produces an edible fruit which resembles a small pod containing a sweet, nutritious pulp. The fruit is particularly appreciated for its mild taste, rich in natural sugars and proteins, making it an important food resource in rural areas.

Geoffroea decorticans is known for its nutritional qualities: it is rich in carbohydrates, fiber and minerals such as calcium and iron, making it an excellent dietary supplement in areas where food is sometimes scarce. It also has medicinal properties, notably against digestive problems.

As for its resistance to the cold, this tree is quite tolerant of climatic variations. Although adapted to a hot, dry climate, it can withstand colder temperatures than other subtropical species, proving capable of withstanding frosts.

Fruits of the Chañar, a hardy exotic fruit tree

9. Ice-cream bean

Thanks to our friends at Orchard of flavours, we discovered the Inga edulis, also known as the Ice-cream bean. It’s a tropical fruit tree native to Central and South America, notably Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador. It grows mainly in tropical rainforests and can reach heights of up to 20 meters. The tree is particularly prized for its edible fruit, which takes the form of long green or brown pods containing a sweet white pulp. The fruit has a soft, creamy texture, with a sweet, slightly vanilla taste, earning it the nickname “ice cream” for its pleasant flavor.

Inga edulis fruit is not only delicious, but also highly nutritious. It is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium and iron. It also contains dietary fiber and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, balanced diet.

In addition to its nutritional qualities, Inga edulis is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which improves soil fertility. It is therefore beneficial for both human consumption and sustainable agriculture. It grows very fast, bears fruit as early as the third year and can withstand light frosts.

inga-edulis-fruit

10. Yellowhorn tree, a hardy exotic fruit tree with spectacular flowers

Let’s end this list of hardy exotic fruit trees with an unjustly overlooked splendor, the Xanthoceras sorbifolium, also known as the Yellowhorn tree. Native to China, it belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is particularly appreciated for its spectacular spring flowering. Its white flowers, tinged with pink, form fragrant clusters that attract numerous pollinating insects.

In summer, Xanthoceras sorbifolium produces capsule-shaped fruits containing hazelnut-like seeds. These edible seeds are rich in oil and can be used in a variety of culinary applications.

This fruit tree is known for its medicinal virtues, notably its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is sometimes used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, such as digestive disorders.

A hardy fruit tree, Xanthoceras sorbifolium can withstand severe frosts down to -20°C, making it well suited to cold climates. Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring well-drained soil and full sun for optimum growth and flowering.

Xanthoceras-sorbifolium

Find our growing tips for exotic fruit trees  heavy frosts (here) and light frosts (here).