Contents
Description
Thaumatococcus Daniellii is a tropical plant that is native to West Africa. It is also known as the miracle fruit or the miracle plant due to its unique properties. The fruit of the Thaumatococcus Daniellii plant contains a protein called thaumatin which is 2000 times sweeter than sugar. This protein has made the plant popular in the food industry as a natural sweetener.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Marantaceae |
| Genus | Thaumatococcus |
Appearance
Thaumatococcus Daniellii is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has large, glossy leaves that can reach up to 60cm in length and 30cm in width. The flowers of the plant are small and white, and they grow in clusters. The fruit of the Thaumatococcus Daniellii plant is oblong and about 3-5cm long. It is green when unripe and turns to a bright red color when ripe.
Care Guide
Thaumatococcus Daniellii is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your Thaumatococcus Daniellii plant:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant your Thaumatococcus Daniellii in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade, so place it in a spot that receives indirect sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: Thaumatococcus Daniellii can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thaumatococcus Daniellii is generally a pest and disease-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the plant with an insecticide or a mild soap solution. Thaumatococcus Daniellii can also be affected by root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Thaumatococcus Daniellii is native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, where it grows under the canopy of tall trees. The plant prefers warm and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C. It requires a lot of moisture, so it grows best in areas with high rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Thaumatococcus Daniellii indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow Thaumatococcus Daniellii indoors as long as it receives sufficient indirect sunlight and is watered regularly.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Thaumatococcus Daniellii plant?
A: Fertilize your Thaumatococcus Daniellii plant every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Thaumatococcus Daniellii a good natural sweetener?
A: Yes, Thaumatococcus Daniellii contains a protein called thaumatin which is 2000 times sweeter than sugar, making it a popular natural sweetener in the food industry.
Q: What is the best temperature range for Thaumatococcus Daniellii?
A: Thaumatococcus Daniellii grows best in warm and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C.
Related Plants
- Maranta Leuconeura
- Calathea Lancifolia
- Stromanthe Triostar
- Ctenanthe Setosa
References
- “Thaumatococcus Daniellii.” Plantz Africa, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2016, www.plantzafrica.com/plantqrs/thaumatdan.htm.
- “Thaumatococcus Daniellii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d., www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=291217&isprofile=0&basic=Thaumatococcus.
- “Thaumatococcus Daniellii.” World Agroforestry Centre, n.d., www.worldagroforestry.org/treesandmarkets/inaforestrydatabase/SpeciesSheet.aspx?id=18082.
