Overstory #26 - Fast Food (Part 2 of 2)
This issue of The Overstory is the second in a special two-part series on creating food abundance quickly using perennial plants. Unlike an annual garden, perennials can be integrated in agroforestry systems to provide a relatively stable supply of nutritious food--usually with less work than establishing and maintaining a large garden of annuals.
"Fast Food" perennials can have a place in any agroforestry planting, but are especially valuable in the following situations:
- after a disaster (mud slide, hurricane, etc.) when conventional food supplies are diminished for months or years
- for people who have recently moved or relocated
- for people who do not have time or resources to maintain annual gardens, but want to grow a dependable supply of fresh, nutritious vegetables and fruits.
In the last edition (Overstory #25), we looked at perennial vine crops that can be used to make use of horizontal space (ground cover) and vertical space (trellis). This edition covers quick and abundant perennial shrubs and trees which can be used in hedges, living fences and shelter belts, or as part of a stacked system.
As a reminder from Overstory #25, in order to get the highest return from the least amount of effort, use plants that can:
- produce abundantly even in poor site conditions
- can compete with weeds
- resist pests and diseases
- thrive with minimal care
- provide multiple edible parts such as leaves, fruits, flowers and tubers
- contribute important nutrients to diet
- provide multiple functions in the landscape such as ground cover, hedge, animal fodder, etc.
- enhance other parts of your landscape
- make use of wasted spaces
- begin producing for you within a 3-12 months
- continue producing for more than a year, some for 10-20 years
- be propagated easily and are widely adapted to a range of climates and soils.
The example species below are appropriate for a range of tropical and subtropical conditions. As with any new plantings, consult with others who have experience in your area to help you select the best species and varieties. There are thousands of edible and useful plants--these are just a selection to inspire you to seek out the best for your situation and tastes.
Some Perennial Trees and Shrubs for Fast Food
Moringa (Moringa oleifera or M. stenopetala) is a tree which can be kept bushy by continual tipping of the new branches. The new leaves and tips are used in stir fries and soups. The African variety (M. stenopetala) has a wonderful nutty flavor. Both species are drought tolerant, and have many other uses, such as medicine, water purification, etc.
Chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa) is a very prolific plant that has highly nutritious leaves. Two or three of these plants will supply greens for a family 2-3 times a week. Tolerates drought very well, although requires regular watering for good leaf production. Spineless and high nutrient selections have been made. (Note: leaves must be cooked to deactivate toxins!)
Katuk (Sauropus androgynus) produces leaves with a wonderful nutty flavor. The branch tips are often steamed and eaten in stir fries or like asparagus. This plant is very prolific in hot and humid conditions.
Cassava, manioc, tapioca (Manihot esculenta) is very easy to grow from stem cuttings, and is a prolific source of carbohydrates from its edible tubers. The cooked leaves can be eaten as a nutritious green vegetable. All parts of this plant must be carefully cooked to remove toxins. This plant is very hardy and grows in a wide variety of conditions with little care.
Pacific spinach (Hibiscus manihot) is an okra relative, grown for its large tender leaves which are eaten throughout the tropics. This plant is very adaptable, but thrives in hot and humid conditions.
Pigeon pea, gandul, dhal (Cajanus cajan) is a remarkably useful and productive shrub or small tree. The young pods are used as a vegetable, and the mature seeds as a grain legume. Produces well even in dry conditions. Long-lived agroforestry selections have an upright form and high vegetative growth, and can be used for fodder and green manure banks, as well as hedges and quick windbreaks.
Sissoo spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) has edible leaves and stem tips and is a very productive creeping shrub which also does well as a ground cover. It holds its own well against weeds, and tolerates drought.
Papaya (Carica papaya) develops fruit rapidly, usually within a year if well mulched and watered. Fruits can be eaten green or ripe. Young leaves can also be used as a vegetable, and the plant has medicinal properties.
Banana (Musa spp.) is remarkably productive and useful, providing fruit, fodder and mulch material. Many varieties perform well in partial shade, and can be integrated into a stacked system.
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is an easily grown source of sweetener. Heritage cultivars are especially easy to process or eat out-of-hand. The plants also make a good component in a living fence or wind break.
Martin, Franklin W. and , Ruth M. Ruberté. 1978. Survival and Subsistence in the Tropics. Contact Agroforester at if interested in this title.
International Institute of Rural Reconstruction. 1993. The Bio-Intensive Approach to Small-Scale Household Food Production, IIRR, Room 1270, 475 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10115
Martin, Franklin W., R. Ruberté, and L. Meitzner. 1998. Edible Leaves of the Tropics, 3rd Edition. Available from ECHO, 17430 Durrance Rd., N. Ft. Myers, FL 33917, U.S.A.,
Bailey, John M.. 1992. The Leaves We Eat, South Pacific Commission, B.P. D5, Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia
Facciola, Stephen. 1990. Cornucopia: A Source Book of Edible Plants, Kampong Publications, Vista, California.
About the Authors
Kim M. Wilkinson is the Education Director for Permanent Agriculture Resources and editor of The Overstory. She has B.A. degrees in Anthropology and Ecology from Emory University.
Craig R. Elevitch is an agroforestry specialist with more than ten years of public and private sector experience in tropical agroforest and forest management. He has a M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering (Dynamical Systems) from Cornell University.
Related Editions to The Overstory
- The Overstory #71--Nontimber Forest Products (Temperate)
- The Overstory #64--Homegardens
- The Overstory #54--The Agroforester's Library Part Two-Species References
- The Overstory #25--Fast Food (Part 1 of 2)
- The Overstory #12--Perennial Leaf Vegetables
- The Overstory #5--Start Small