

OUR PLANTATIONS

Organic farming is a holistic production system that promotes and improves the health of the agricultural ecosystem, by promoting biodiversity, biological cycles and biological activity of the soil. It favors the use of good agricultural management practices, instead of using external factors of production, bearing in mind that production systems must be adapted to regional conditions. This is achieved, whenever possible, through the use of cultural, biological and mechanical methods to the detriment of the use of synthetic materials.
In your stays you will be able to learn and experience all the techniques and secrets of our plantations which will make your experience in Roça Maria Helena unforgettable.

Principe Natural Park
01
The Príncipe forest is part of the African dense forest that is concentrated mainly in the Guinean-Congolese zone, which in turn is part of the dense tropical humid forests that cover about 7% of the planet's surface and host at least 50% of living beings .
The greater part of the current area of the PNP (Príncipe Natural Park) generally coincides with the Primary Rainforest. This results from woody formations with flowers, brenches, scrub and scrub, occupying an area of approximately 4,500 hectares (45 km²)

02
Vanilla
Climbing plant, originally from tropical regions of the American continent. From the orchid family, it is also used as an ornamental plant, with yellowish-green flowers, and whose fruit is an elongated pod.
Chili
03
Black pepper (Piper nigrum), also known as round pepper, is one of the oldest and best known spices. It is the agricultural product of greatest influence in historical events and a parallel can be drawn with the importance of oil in modern times. [ Its grains, dried and ground, are widely used in the cuisine of several countries. It has a strong, slightly spicy taste, derived from a chemical compound called piperine.

Cocoa
04
The cacao tree originates from rainforest regions in Tropical America, where it is still found in the wild today, from Peru to Mexico. It is classified in the genus Thebroma, family of the Esterculiáceas. It was first cited in botanical literature by Charles de l 'Ecluse, who described it under the name Cacao fructus.


Coffee
05
The plant was cultivated for the first time by the Arabs - hence the name "Coffea arabica", scientific name of the most important species of coffee but it is native to Africa. In Ethiopia, it is still found in the wild. African tribes, who have known coffee since antiquity, milled its beans and made a paste used to feed animals and increase the strength of warriors. Its cultivation extended to the Arab countries and, from the 16th century onwards, in the region where Iran is today, the drink as we know it today emerged.

06
Pineapple
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a semi-perennial plant that reaches one meter in height. First it produces a fruit located at the top. later, with lateral branches of the stalk, other fruits appear, so that the productive phase can last for several years.
The pineapple in our garden is juicy, sweet and with an acid touch.
Pitaya
07
Pitaya or pitaia is a species of epiphyte cactus that is known as 'dragon fruit' because of its scaly exterior. Native to Central America and Mexico, it has been grown in São Tomé and Principe since 1999.
Pitaya has a little sweet but tasty flavor and a very pleasant texture.
It is used in the manufacture of wines, juices, smoothies, jams, ice creams, salads and teas.

Hibiscus
08
Hibiscus (vinegar) or Roselle, "Hibiscus sabdariffa" medicinal and ornamental plant, measuring about 70 cm.
Popularly known as rosélia, vinagreira, caruru-sour, sorrel, okra-sour, okra-pinkish, okra-purple, it is a semi-woody shrub, biannual or perennial, erect or branched according to the conduction. With a controversial origin (Africa or Asia), it can reach 3 meters in height. It is grown commercially due to its medicinal properties, but it also has ornamental, textile and culinary uses. Its flower is used in the preparation of sweets, jellies and syrups. The fruit is a red capsule.
We are a family owned and operated business.


Flowers
09
The scientific name for porcelain roses is Etlingera elatior.
They originate in Southeast Asia, and are also known as emperor's bat or surrender flower.
The spectacular inflorescence leaves the rhizome between a height of 60 centimeters to more than one meter.
The individual flowers appear from the middle of the knots, resembling a pine cone, above the wax lines.
The leaves grow in separate stalk rows along the rhizome.
Leafy stems grow between 4.5 to 6 meters.

10
Vegetable garden and orchard
Our garden is completely organic, free of pesticides. We grow vegetables, legumes, herbs and fruits. Guests and volunteers are welcome to help and enjoy a real connection with agricultural activity.