Contents
Description
Morinda Citrifolia, commonly known as Noni or Indian mulberry, is a tropical plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, Australasia, and the Polynesian Islands. This evergreen shrub or small tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a thick, light-grey bark that is covered with small bumps. Morinda Citrifolia produces fruit that is green when unripe and turns yellow or white when matured.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Morinda |
Appearance
The leaves of Morinda Citrifolia are large, dark green, and glossy. They are arranged in an alternate pattern on the stem and can reach up to 30 centimeters long and 18 centimeters wide. The flowers are small and white, with a tubular shape, and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is approximately the size of a potato and has a bumpy, textured exterior. The flesh of the fruit is soft and has a pungent odor.
Care Guide
Morinda Citrifolia thrives in warm, humid environments with temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Water the plant regularly, but do not let the soil become waterlogged. Fertilize the plant every three months with a balanced fertilizer. Morinda Citrifolia prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun. It can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Morinda Citrifolia is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, and fruit. Morinda Citrifolia is also prone to fungal diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Morinda Citrifolia grows naturally in tropical regions, including Southeast Asia, Australasia, and the Polynesian Islands. It can be found in various habitats, including forests, coastal areas, and rocky cliffs. The plant is also cultivated in other parts of the world, such as the Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Morinda Citrifolia?
A: Morinda Citrifolia has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Q: Can Morinda Citrifolia be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Morinda Citrifolia can be grown indoors if provided with adequate sunlight and humidity.
Q: How long does it take for Morinda Citrifolia fruit to mature?
A: Morinda Citrifolia fruit takes approximately 3 to 4 months to mature after flowering.
Q: Is Morinda Citrifolia toxic to pets?
A: There is not enough information on the toxicity of Morinda Citrifolia to pets. It is best to keep pets away from the plant as a precaution.
Related Plants
- Morinda Officinalis
- Morinda Lucida
- Morinda Tinctoria
- Morinda Javanica
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453016300459
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897592/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364815216308814
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14786419.2018.1429757
