Stealth Gardening 4.....Spiny Hackberry

As I have mentioned before, there are not a lot of sugars available in arid regions so these type of resources become important.

One of my favorite berries in the south Texas region are those of the Spiny Hackberry bush. I have not had to water these, as they are naturally drought tolerant, and appear to thrive in hellish heat. One should be keenly aware of the thorny nature of the branches. Also as the branches die and drop off the main bush and fall to the ground, the thorns can puncture through most sandles and shoes. Propagation should be done in a manner aware of foot traffic.

It is hard to describe the taste of the orange colored berries, they are almost like a mild cantelope or watermelon, with no tartness at all (which is really distinct for a berry). Admittedly they are mostly seed with little flesh surrounding the seed.

I don't really propagate these as much as selectively allow some to thrive and prune others back in areas where they are to be avoided.