There are some truly spectacular tropical flowering plants in our Mérida garden. No scent at all, but incredibly dramatic shapes and forms. They’re mostly Macaw-flower Heliconia and Shell Gingers in deep reds, offset by the vivid green of the palms and fruit trees. 

There are also massive native trees such as the Mamey Sapote (Red Mamey) – with its large orange red/brown berries (yes, a berry, not a fruit as one would think) that has a velvety smooth cantaloupe-like texture on the outside, and a fleshy inside that’s easy to scoop out as you would a ripe avo. It has a sweet taste reminiscent of marzipan, apricot and perhaps… sweet potato? Perfect for breakfast (for those of you who have marzipan and sweet potato for breakfast). It’s delicious with granola and yoghurt. 

Unfortunately the Mamey tree hangs directly over the pool, so during the night you occasionally hear a loud “plop” as a large oval “berry” plunges into the water. When we fish them out, they’re often rather nibbled or even half eaten – by whom or what we’re not sure. Perhaps by the many parrots, but most likely the nocturnal local Opossums that creep around the garden at night.