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Description
Bunchosia Armeniaca, commonly known as Peanut Butter Fruit or Marmalade Box, is a tropical fruit-bearing plant that belongs to the Malpighiaceae family. This plant is native to South America and is now widely cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. It is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The Peanut Butter Fruit got its name because of the peanut butter-like texture and taste of its fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Malpighiaceae |
| Genus | Bunchosia |
Appearance
The Peanut Butter Fruit has a dense, bushy growth habit with a spreading crown. Its leaves are dark green, shiny, and oval-shaped, with a length of 3-7 cm and a width of 1.5-3 cm. The flowers of this plant are small and yellow, produced in clusters. The fruit is small, round, and orange-yellow in color, measuring about 2 cm in diameter. The fruit has a thin skin and a soft, creamy texture that resembles peanut butter. The taste is described as a combination of apricots, peaches, and strawberries with a nutty aftertaste.
Care Guide
Bunchosia Armeniaca is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering during the winter months.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season.
- Soil: The Peanut Butter Fruit prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Sunlight: This plant requires full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Bunchosia Armeniaca can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 25°F to 100°F. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bunchosia Armeniaca is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing of the leaves and fine webbing on the plant. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control them.
- Scale Insects: These insects appear as small, white or brown bumps on the leaves and stems. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation. Use a copper fungicide to control it.
Habitat
Bunchosia Armeniaca is native to South America and is commonly found in the tropical regions of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It prefers warm, humid climates and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is widely cultivated in tropical regions worldwide, including Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Peanut Butter Fruit easy to grow?
A: Yes, it is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow.
Q: What does the fruit taste like?
A: The fruit has a taste that resembles a combination of apricots, peaches, and strawberries with a nutty aftertaste.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect the Peanut Butter Fruit?
A: The common pests and diseases include spider mites, scale insects, and anthracnose.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for this plant?
A: Bunchosia Armeniaca can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 25°F to 100°F. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Bunchosia Argentea
- Bunchosia Obovata
- Bunchosia Grandiflora
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/peanut-butter-fruit/growing-peanut-butter-fruit-trees.htm
- https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/peanut-butter-fruit/
- https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/peanut_butter_fruit.html
