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Description
Spondias Purpurea, also known as Red Mombin or Purple Mombin, is a tropical fruit tree native to Central and South America. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is closely related to mangoes, cashews, and pistachios. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a dense, spreading canopy. Its fruit is small and round, with a reddish-purple color and a sweet, tangy flavor.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Spondias |
Appearance
Spondias Purpurea has a straight trunk with rough, grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are pinnate, with 9-15 leaflets that are oblong and pointed at the ends. The tree produces small yellow flowers that are followed by the fruit. The fruit is about 2-5 cm in diameter and has a thin, edible skin. The flesh is juicy and has a sweet, tart flavor. The fruit contains a single seed.
Care Guide
Water: Spondias Purpurea prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Water the tree deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.Soil: Spondias Purpurea prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Spondias Purpurea prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but the fruit production may be reduced.Hardiness Zones: Spondias Purpurea is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spondias Purpurea is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:Pests: Fruit flies, thrips, scale insects, and mealybugs.Diseases: Anthracnose, powdery mildew, and root rot.To prevent these issues, keep the tree healthy by providing proper care and promptly treating any signs of infestations or diseases.
Habitat
Spondias Purpurea is native to tropical regions of Central and South America, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. The tree grows in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clayey, and can tolerate drought and moderately cool temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Spondias Purpurea a fast-growing tree?A: Yes, Spondias Purpurea can grow up to 1-2 meters per year under ideal conditions.Q: Do I need to prune Spondias Purpurea?A: Yes, pruning can help maintain the tree’s shape and size, improve fruit production, and remove dead or diseased branches. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.Q: Can I grow Spondias Purpurea in a container?A: Yes, Spondias Purpurea can be grown in a container, but it may not produce as much fruit as a tree grown in the ground.Q: How long does it take for Spondias Purpurea to produce fruit?A: Spondias Purpurea typically starts producing fruit 3-4 years after planting, but it may take up to 7 years for the tree to reach full fruiting capacity.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Spondias genus include:
- Spondias dulcis (Ambarella)
- Spondias mombin (Yellow Mombin)
- Spondias cytherea (Otaheite Apple)
References
- “Spondias Purpurea.” Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products.
- “Red Mombin.” University of Florida IFAS Extension.
- “Spondias Purpurea.” Fruits of Warm Climates.
