Woody > Spondias > Spondias mombin > Spondias mombin
Spondias mombin
Origin: Native to the South pacific.
Mike's
Opinion
"
Spondias mombin is a tree that has both medicinal properties and ornamental values. The tree can be used for a multitude of landscape and ethnobotanical uses, and even produces edible fruits. The fruit can be used to make pickles, and can be sold as a good source of income.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Anacardiaceae |
| Genus |
| Spondias |
| Species |
| mombin |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 6 - 11 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 6b - 9a and greater |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H1c - H6 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| 25 - 35 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 77 - 95 |
| Height |
| 9 - 18 m |
| Spread |
| 2 - 10 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
click to expand
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Hog plum is a deciduous tree which shows dense and elegant features with a spreading crown. The tree holds a variety of medicinal uses, and offers a range of goods. |
| Landscape |
| This tree is typically planted to shade coffee plants. Apart from that, it also serves as a living fence; shows horticulture uses in landscape. |
| Cultivation |
| Especially cultivated in tropical areas, as the best conditions for it are sub-humid, frost-free tropical regions. This tree requires full Sun and does well with the variety of soil types; the required pH range of the tree is 5-7. The old trees are drought tolerant, however irrigation is needed for the young trees during drought conditions. Furthermore, this tree is severely damaged by the freezing temperatures. |
| Shape |
| Spondias mombin produces extending foliage that appears to be rounded or partially erratic in shape. |
| Growth |
| Fast |
| ID Characteristic |
| It can grow to a maximum height of 25-30 meters, where thick and corky bark and alternate leaves can be found. |
| Pests |
| Spondias mombin is prone to west Indian fly, fruit fly parasitoid and fruit fly puparia. Additionally, the tree is susceptible to blue stain fungi and root rot disease. |
| Habitat |
| It is found in a wide range of tropical environments that are humid, frequently in secondary vegetation that originated through semi-deciduous forests. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| The tree can grow to a height of 30ft. It is thick, with rough, greying, and brown bark that is blunt with spine like projections. The trunk of Spondias mombin branches out between 2-10m above the ground, forming a spreading crown that can reach a diameter of 15cm. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| The buds of Spondias mombin are valvate in appearance. They are placed in panicles that typically appear before the growth of new leaves and shoots. |
| Leaf Description |
| Leaves are pinnate and oblong, generally shiny and have 5-8 leaflets. The leaves of Spondias mombin are arranged in opposite pairs, with a terminal leaflet 10cm-5cm in size. |
| Flower Description |
| Flowering occurs from January to May. Large, loose terminal petals with white flowers that emanate a strong aroma. |
| Fruit Description |
| Fruiting occurs from July to September. The fruits are ovoid yellow, acidic in taste, and are wrinkled in their dry period. The length of the fruit is approximately 4cm-1.5 cm. The fruit is edible, with a sharp, slightly acidic taste. |
| Colour Description |
| Spondias mombin bark is firm, hard and grey, brown in colour. |
| Texture Description |
| Texture ranges from medium to fine. While regarding fruit, the texture varies from climatic conditions but in many cases, there is medium sheen and no distinguishable taste or smell. |
| Notable Specimens |
| This tree is planted in tropical and Sub-tropical regions. Sometimes, it can be also seen in sloppy areas to help mitigate soil erosion. Additionally, these trees are seen in agricultural areas and orchards. |
| Propagation |
| Propagation can be achieved through seeds or by large cuttings. The seeds can be sown in a separate container in semi-shaded areas as soon as they are ripe. The seeds typically emerge in 20-40 days. In less than 6 months, they are prepared for planting outside. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| Spondias mombin holds a variety of uses, specifically in the medicine, apiculture, livestock, and horticulture fronts. For medical purposes, the flowers and barks are used to cure digestive tract, urethritis, sore throat, etc. The wood can be used for making fences. Additionally, this tree is beneficial for beekeeping, as it produces nectar that attracts and provides a food source for bees and other pollinators. |
top