In this episode, Dr. Andre sits down with Thomas Huber , a man dedicated to transforming the Jamaican landscape into a self-sustaining "fruit forest". Following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, Thomas and Dr. Andre discuss the vital importance of food security, the resilience of indigenous and exotic plants, and why nature often provides exactly what we need—right under our feet.From the "Tree Cucumber" to the medicinal properties of local leaves, this conversation is a masterclass in shifting our mindset from scarcity to prosperity through the power of biodiversity.Key Takeaways• The Power of 11 Acres: Thomas manages 11 acres of land in Rastafari Herbal Gardens, Westmoreland, to grow a vast collection of exotic fruit trees.• Resilience Post-Melissa: While the hurricane took down many agricultural crops, nature continued to provide through resilient trees and underground food sources.• Biodiversity Loss: Thomas shares a sobering observation from Switzerland, where a thousand species of apples were lost in the last 50 years due to "progress" and machine-friendly farming.• Emergency Food vs. Real Food: Dr. Andre discusses the shift where shelf-stable "emergency food" has become a daily staple, leading people to ignore the fresh food readily available in their environment.• The "Micro-Government": A reflection on how Jamaican communities naturally cooperate during crises, with young people often stepping up to handle essential needs before formal government intervention.Featured Plants & Herbs• Bilimbi (Bibi): Also known as the "Tree Cucumber," this versatile fruit is used for seasoning, stews, salads, and wine.• Suriname Cherry: A hardy fruit tree that survived the storm and blossomed almost immediately afterward.• Thai Longevity Plant: A neutral plant that catches easily from cuttings and can be eaten in salads or used like spinach.• Miracle Fruit: A unique plant currently being nurtured in containers before moving to the garden.• Ram goat Dashalong: Used in Nigeria like "loo," this plant has a pleasant fragrance that some compare to gancho.• Medicinal Leaves: Discussion on how almost every fruit tree leaf in Jamaica, such as soursop or mango, can be used for teas or tinctures.