• A semi-tropical, or subtropical, plant is a plant from the subtropical region 20 to 40 degrees north or south of the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. A subtropical region is defined as having at least eight months with an average temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. There are many fruits that grow in a semi-tropical environment. Although most semi-tropical or subtropical fruits grow on trees, some do grow on plants or shrubs.
  
  

Bananas

• Even the tallest banana "tree" is really a plant. Bananas grow on perennial plants that grow from underground rhizomes. A rhizome is the horizontal stem of a plant that grows underground and sends out roots and shoots. Bananas prefer full sun and warm weather, although weather above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental. They will flower approximately 10 to 15 months after being planted. The growth of the plant will slow down around 60 degrees and stop at 50 degrees. Damage to the plant occurs at temperatures below 32 degrees.
  
  

Pomegranates

• Pomegranates are native plants in southeast Europe and Asia. There is a dwarf version of the pomegranate tree, a shrub that grows between 4 and 6 feet high. The pomegranate has narrow, green leaves and red flowers that produce an orange/red fruit. Pomegranates are tolerant of frost, in some cases down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and are self-pollinating.
  
  

Papaya

• Native to Mexico, Central and South America, papaya plants are a short-lived plant. Living just one to threeyears, the papaya plant grows easily from seed, enjoys full sun and a well-drained soil. Papayas can grow to be small or large, have a sweet orange/pink-colored flesh with black seeds and are a year-round fruit.
  
  

Kiwi

• Kiwis, also known as a Chinese gooseberry, is a vine-growing subtropical fruit commonly grown in California, China and New Zealand. They do not thrive in a salt environment. Kiwi is a vigorous climbing vine and requires a long growing season, up to 240 days, and cannot be hampered by cold weather.