It's hot and buggy, but it's peak season for the tropical fruits at Redland Fruit & Spice Park. You can sample lychees, longans, jackfruit, cinnamon apple, ice cream bean, carambola, mangoes and other fruits that the park staff cut up and set out, and you're allowed to eat any fallen fruit you find as well.

But no picking fruit still on the tree!

The botanical garden has more than 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and nuts from around the world, with 150 varieties of mangoes alone. The park is laid out in geographical regions, including Asia and Africa, and has an extensive herb garden. Construction of a garden lake is almost complete.

You can wander through the 37 acres of trees on foot or you can take a tram tour through the park, which is owned and operated by the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department.

This time of year, the sun is intense and it doesn't take long to burn, so don't forget the sunblock, the bug repellent and shoes sturdy enough for uneven terrain.

Redland Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead; 305-247-5727; www.fruitandspicepark.com. Admission is $7, $1.50 per child 6-12, and children under 6 are free.

For a map of other attractions in the Homestead area: www.redlandtrail.com.

-- MARJIE LAMBERT

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