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Description
Blighia Sapida, commonly known as the Akee apple, is a tropical fruit tree native to West Africa. It belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is highly valued for its edible fruit. The Akee apple is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 12 meters tall. It has a short trunk and a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are pinnate, with 4 to 10 pairs of leaflets, and are about 10 to 20 cm long. The fruit of the Akee apple is pear-shaped, approximately 7.5 cm long and 5 cm wide. When ripe, the fruit turns from green to bright red or yellow and splits open to reveal three black seeds surrounded by a yellowish-white aril.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Blighia |
Appearance
The Akee apple has a distinctive appearance, with its dense, rounded crown and pear-shaped fruit. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the fruit is bright red or yellow when ripe. The fruit splits open to reveal three black seeds surrounded by a yellowish-white aril, which is the edible part of the fruit. The fruit has a sweet, nutty flavor and is often used in Caribbean and West African cuisine.
Care Guide
The Akee apple tree requires tropical or subtropical conditions to thrive. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and requires regular watering. Fertilization should be done every three months with a balanced fertilizer. The tree requires full sun to grow and produce fruit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius but is best suited to hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Akee apple tree is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including fruit flies, mites, and leaf spot. Fruit fly infestations can be controlled with insecticides, while mites can be controlled with sulfur sprays. Leaf spot can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene practices and removing infected leaves.
Habitat
The Akee apple tree is native to West Africa and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It grows best in well-drained soil and requires a warm, humid climate to thrive.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Akee apple safe to eat?
A: The Akee apple is safe to eat when ripe, but the unripe fruit and the seeds are toxic and can cause vomiting and other symptoms if ingested.
Q: How long does it take for the Akee apple to bear fruit?
A: The Akee apple tree can begin bearing fruit within 3 to 5 years of planting.
Q: Can the Akee apple be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Akee apple can be grown in a container, but it may not produce fruit as well as a tree planted in the ground.
Q: What is the best time of year to prune the Akee apple tree?
A: The Akee apple tree should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
- Litchi Chinensis
- Sapindus Mukorossi
- Aesculus Hippocastanum
- Acer Saccharum
- Albizia Julibrissin
References
- “Blighia Sapida.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b421.
- “Blighia Sapida – Useful Tropical Plants.” Useful Tropical Plants, tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Blighia+sapida.
- “Akee Apple.” Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products, www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/akee_apple.html.
