Not sure where you are based but have you considered getting in touch with your local environmental groups or speaking to native plant enthusiasts at plant nurs

Not sure where you are based but have you considered getting in touch with your local environmental groups or speaking to native plant enthusiasts at plant nurseries, botanical gardens or gardening events? Typically there is a lot of local knowledge with respect to both exotic (eg. classic food producing) and local species and propagation techniques and people are very happy to share experiences. In Australia we have many cross-pollinating communities in this space including growers associations, gardening societies, permaculture, bush care, native plant groups, national parks associations, etc. Also, check out http://inaturalist.org/ http://inaturalist.org/ - challenge yourself to spot one new local species of plant, animal or fungi every day. AI and people will help you identify them. It's an awesomely gamified natural nerd-out.