In this episode of the Food Forest Podcast, Eric Toensmeier talks about perennials, and the value of edible leaves from trees. Here is the full episode: Food Forest Podcast: Eric Toensmeier – The Power of Perennials
AT FINCA MILAGROS
What trees have edible leaves on Finca Milagros? I am just aware of a few: Chaya (Tree spinach), Moringa, and Maya nut (Guáimaro). Above is a picture of Moringa and Chaya leaves from Milagros. The Maya nut trees are still too young for harvesting.
I am sure many other trees have leaves that can be used medicinally, but I am thinking of the ones that can easily be included in a meal.
I want to find more, so I asked ChatGPT 5 for info about trees with edible leaves from different climate zones, and then specifically for Finca Milagros in a dry tropical forest zone. See below.
TREES WITH EDIBLE LEAVES
Tropical / Dry Tropical
- Moringa (Moringa oleifera) – Árbol de la vida
Superfood tree; fast-growing, drought-hardy; leaves very high in protein, vitamins, minerals; eaten fresh, cooked, or as powder. - Maya nut (Brosimum alicastrum) – Guáimaro, Ramón
Native to the Americas; staple food tree; leaves edible (especially for forage, also for humans), nuts highly nutritious. - Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) – Tree spinach, Chaya
Hardy shrub/tree; leaves rich in protein, iron, calcium; must be cooked to remove toxins. - Nacedero (Trichanthera gigantea) – Nacedero, Oreja de ratón
Colombian native; often used as forage; young leaves edible, mild flavor, also medicinal. - Baobab (Adansonia digitata) – Baobab, Pan de mono
Iconic African tree; leaves rich in calcium and iron, eaten as greens or dried powder. - Katuk (Sauropus androgynus) – Katuk
Popular leafy vegetable in SE Asia; high in protein; eaten raw or cooked; thrives in tropical food forests. - Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and relatives) – Cayena
Ornamental but edible; young leaves tangy, used in salads or cooked. - Mulberry (Morus alba / Morus nigra) – Mora
Fruit tree; young leaves edible cooked, also used for teas; good drought tolerance.
Temperate
- Mulberry (Morus alba / Morus nigra) – Mora
Same as tropical; highly versatile tree with edible leaves, fruit, and forage uses. - Linden (Tilia cordata / platyphyllos) – Basswood, Tilo
Young leaves edible raw (mild, lettuce-like); also famous for calming teas from flowers and leaves. - Beech (Fagus sylvatica) – Haya
Very young spring leaves edible raw or cooked; slightly tangy flavor. - Oak (Quercus robur and other Quercus spp.) – Roble
Very young leaves edible in small amounts; more survival food than regular diet. - Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis, Celtis australis) – Almez
Young leaves edible, mild; fruit also edible. - Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) – Ginkgo
Young leaves used in teas (mostly medicinal, for circulation and memory).
Boreal / Cold Temperate
- Birch (Betula pendula / pubescens) – Abedul
Very young leaves edible raw or brewed as tea; mild, slightly bitter. - Alder (Alnus glutinosa) – Aliso
Young leaves edible in small amounts; mainly survival food. - Aspen (Populus tremula) – Álamo temblón
Very young spring leaves edible; mild bitterness. - Willow (Salix spp.) – Sauce
Young leaves edible in moderation; bark and leaves used as tea for pain relief (natural aspirin).
Arid / Semi-Arid
- Moringa (Moringa oleifera) – Árbol de la vida
Same as tropical; excellent drought-resistant leaf crop. - Baobab (Adansonia digitata) – Baobab, Pan de mono
Same as tropical; highly drought-resistant. - Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) – Algarrobo
Young leaves edible sparingly; more important for nutritious pods. - Acacia (Acacia spp., e.g. Acacia tortilis)
Some species have edible young leaves (often cooked); commonly used as fodder. - Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) – Azufaifo
Fruit tree; young leaves edible sparingly; mostly valued for fruits.
Subtropical / Mediterranean
- Mulberry (Morus alba / nigra) – Mora
Same as tropical/temperate; very adaptable. - Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) – Laurel
Leaves used dried as flavoring herb, medicinal teas. - Olive (Olea europaea) – Olivo
Leaves used for teas and extracts; medicinal (antioxidant, lowers blood pressure). - Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) – Algarrobo europeo
Young leaves edible in moderation; tree mostly valued for pods. - Fig (Ficus carica) – Higuera
Very young leaves edible when cooked; sometimes used in traditional recipes. - Citrus (Citrus spp.) – Cítricos
Leaves used for aromatic teas, flavoring.
From this whole list, the best everyday edible-leaf trees (nutritious, tasty, and safe) are:
Moringa, Guáimaro (Maya nut), Chaya, Nacedero, Mulberry, Linden, Katuk, and Baobab.
This list was generated by ChatGPT 5.
EDIBLE-LEAF TREES FOR FINCA MILAGROS
1. Guáimaro / Maya nut (Brosimum alicastrum, Ramón)
A keystone native of Central America, also found in Colombia. Extremely resilient in dry tropical forests. Its seeds are a traditional staple, and the leaves are edible — mostly used for forage, but humans can also eat them cooked in stews or teas. The leaves are protein-rich and can supplement nutrition during dry seasons. Guáimaro also creates shade, builds soil, and supports wildlife, making it one of the most important regenerative species you can plant.
2. Moringa (Moringa oleifera, Árbol de la vida)
Originally from India but now naturalized worldwide, moringa thrives in poor soils and drought. The leaves are among the most nutrient-dense of any plant: rich in protein, vitamins A & C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried and powdered. It’s fast-growing and coppices well, so you can harvest continuously. On Milagros, it can provide a near year-round supply of leafy greens when other crops fail.
3. Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Tree spinach)
A hardy shrub-tree from Central America, perfectly suited to hot, dry climates. The leaves are very nutritious, with high levels of protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins. They must always be cooked (boiled or fried) to neutralize toxic compounds, but once prepared, they’re delicious — often compared to spinach. Chaya is also used as a living fence or hedge, and once established, it requires almost no care.
4. Nacedero (Trichanthera gigantea, Oreja de ratón)
Native to Colombia and widely planted as a forage tree. It thrives in the tropics and tolerates dry spells once established. The young leaves are edible for people — mild tasting, often used in soups or as spinach substitutes — and very nutritious. It’s especially valuable because it resprouts vigorously after cutting, so you can regularly prune it for mulch, animal fodder, and food.
5. Mulberry (Morus alba / Morus nigra, Mora)
Although not native, mulberries grow well in Barichara’s climate with some water support during establishment. The young leaves are edible, cooked or used in teas, and are rich in protein and antioxidants. The fruits are, of course, a delicious bonus. Mulberries are also excellent for silkworms, birds, and other wildlife, making them a multi-use addition to your food forest.
6. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and relatives, Cayena)
Often planted as an ornamental hedge, hibiscus also offers edible young leaves with a pleasantly tangy flavor. They can be eaten raw in salads or lightly cooked in soups and stir-fries. In addition, the flowers can be used for teas (similar to hibiscus sabdariffa / “agua de Jamaica”). Hibiscus provides beauty, food, and pollinator habitat.
7. Katuk (Sauropus androgynus, Katuk)
An Asian species that adapts well to tropical agroforestry systems if it has some partial shade. Leaves are very high in protein and have a nutty, pea-like flavor, eaten raw or cooked. In very dry spots it may struggle, but planted in more shaded, moist niches of Milagros, it could become a steady leafy green source.
Summary for Milagros:
The most reliable and high-priority edible-leaf trees for your dry tropical forest are Guáimaro, Moringa, Chaya, and Nacedero — all hardy, nutritious, and multipurpose. Mulberry, Hibiscus, and Katuk can supplement diversity, with mulberry also offering fruit, hibiscus adding beauty and pollinator support, and katuk providing protein-rich greens where moisture allows.
This list of trees for Finca Milagros was also generated by ChatGPT 5.
A NOTE ON USING AI
How do I use AI in this context?
I use it to generate ideas for what we can do on Finca Milagros. It’s not the final word, and I don’t rely on it to make decisions. For that, I talk with local experts and sometimes use other reliable sources.
Sometimes, it’s all in alignment. (Which makes the decision easier, although it doesn’t mean the info is 100% reliable or appropriate for our situation.) Sometimes, there are discrepancies and I take a closer look and consult other sources.
In general, it’s good to use AI with caution and always consult experts before making decisions. In this case, when it comes to plants and ecology, it’s wise to consult local experts familiar with the local conditions.