Melicoccus Bijugatus
Contents
Description
Melicoccus Bijugatus, commonly known as the mamoncillo or Spanish lime, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Caribbean and South America. The fruit is small, round, and greenish-yellow when ripe, with a sweet and tangy flavor similar to lychee or grapefruit. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a dense, spreading canopy of glossy, dark green leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Melicoccus |
Appearance
The mamoncillo tree has a slender trunk with smooth, grayish-brown bark. The leaves are pinnate, with 4-8 pairs of leaflets that are oval-shaped and pointed at the tip. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and grow in clusters at the ends of branches. The fruit is round or oval, about 2-3 centimeters in diameter, with a thin, firm skin that is greenish-yellow when ripe. The flesh is translucent, juicy, and contains a single seed.
Care Guide
To grow a healthy and productive mamoncillo tree, you need to provide it with the right conditions for growth. Here are some tips on how to care for your mamoncillo tree:
Water: Mamoncillo trees need regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the winter months when the tree is dormant.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Apply fertilizer to the soil around the tree, not directly to the trunk.
Soil: Mamoncillo trees prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. If the soil is too clayey or sandy, amend it with organic matter such as compost or aged manure.
Sunlight: Mamoncillo trees need full sun to grow and produce fruit. Plant them in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Mamoncillo trees are tropical plants and can only grow in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. They cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mamoncillo trees are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
Fruit flies: These pests lay eggs in the fruit, causing it to rot and fall from the tree prematurely. To prevent fruit flies, cover the fruit with paper bags or fine mesh netting.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and fruit, which can lead to defoliation and reduced fruit production. To prevent anthracnose, maintain good air circulation around the tree and avoid overhead watering.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, which can lead to stunted growth and reduced fruit production. To prevent powdery mildew, keep the tree well-watered and prune any infected branches.
Habitat
Mamoncillo trees are native to the Caribbean and South America, where they grow in tropical and subtropical regions. They are commonly grown in home gardens and orchards for their fruit, which is a popular snack in many Latin American countries. Mamoncillo trees can also be found in botanical gardens and parks in tropical regions around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Can mamoncillo trees grow in containers?
A: Yes, mamoncillo trees can be grown in containers, but they require a large pot and regular pruning to keep their size manageable.
Q: How long does it take for a mamoncillo tree to produce fruit?
A: Mamoncillo trees usually start producing fruit 3-4 years after planting, although it can take up to 7 years for the tree to reach full maturity.
Q: Are mamoncillo trees self-pollinating?
A: No, mamoncillo trees are not self-pollinating and require cross-pollination from another tree to produce fruit.
Q: Can you eat the mamoncillo seed?
A: No, the mamoncillo seed is not edible and should be discarded. The flesh of the fruit is the edible part.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to the mamoncillo:
- Litchi chinensis
- Nephelium lappaceum
- Dimocarpus longan
- Sapindus saponaria
References
- “Melicoccus bijugatus.” The Plant List. Accessed 19 Aug. 2021.
- “Spanish Lime (Melicoccus bijugatus).” Eat The Planet. Accessed 19 Aug. 2021.
- “Melicoccus bijugatus.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 19 Aug. 2021.
