This post is for future reference. I know I live in a place where berries thrive.

NOTE:With the varieties I'm looking for, the one thing I don't want is 'wild' berries. This is because with their growth habit they sprawl all over the place.

However I'd like to be able to grow a garden in a southern area of the United States; this would include berries.

Since berries don't tend to grow well in southern climates, I'm wondering if there any tropical berries that are native

to areas that are hot and dry that would be adequate substitutes.

As long as they're similar in appearance and flavor to traditional berries, I don't mind. The thing that is most important is

that these berries, don't compensate on flavor.

By traditional berries, I'm referring to blueberries, raspberries, grapes, strawberries, and blackberries.

NOTE: With grapes, I know there is a variety native to FL, known as muscadine; however it's used for making wine.

This is NOT what I'm looking for. I just want red and green grapes suitable for eating.

For blueberries, I've found something called rabbit eye blueberries, native to Georgia. Also, high bush blueberries.

For raspberries, I've found something called 'mysore raspberries' which are native to India.

Unfortunately I haven't had success locating blackberry and strawberry varieties.

Also, I'm wondering if there are varieties of currants and cranberries that are similar in flavor in appearance that

are native to tropical climates where the climate is hot and dry, where they could be grown in southern states.

I've searched the internet for these, but have had no success.

Also, I'm interested in growing some varieties of berries that are more 'exotic'. These are

Since I know not everybody has heard of these varieties, I've put links below with pictures of them:

http://www.antioxidant-fruits.com/picture-elderberry.html

http://www.fotosearch.com/IGS005/is270-094/

http://international.stockfood.com/image-picture-Physalis-00288999.html

cape goose berries (also known as poha

berries; they are similar to traditional goose berries but NOT the same)

Goose berries

Elder berries

Regarding the elder berry, cape gooseberry, and traditional gooseberry....

Are they native to tropical climates or do they prefer growing areas where the

growing season is short, and temperatures are mild? Or, do they prefer hot and dry climates?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking.