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VOLUME 2

Monographs: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

List of monographs:

1. Abiu, Pouteria caimito (Ruiz & Pav.) Radlk, (Sapotaceae)

2. Aisen, Boscia senegalensis (Pers.) Lam., (Capparaceae (also placed in Brassicaceae))

3. Akee apple, Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig, (Sapindaceae)

4. Atemoya, Annona cherimola Mill. X A. squamosa L., (Annonaceae)

5. Avocado, Persea americana Mill., (Lauraceae). Also includes: Avocado, Guatemalan, Persea americana

Mill. var. guatemalensis, (Lauraceae); Avocado, Mexican, Persea americana Mill. var. drymifolia (Schltdl. 

& Cham.) S. F. Blake, (Lauraceae) and Avocado, West Indian, Persea americana var. americana, 

(Lauraceae)

6. Bacury, Platonia insignis Mart., (Clusiaceae (alt. Guttiferae))

7. Bael fruit, Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa, (Rutaceae)

8. Banana, Musa spp. and hybrids, (Musaceae). Also includes: Banana, dwarf, Musa hybrids; Musa

acuminata Colla, (Musaceae) and Plantain, Musa x paradisiaca L. (Musaceae)

9. Binjai, Mangifera caesia Jack, (Anacardiaceae)

10. Biriba, Annona mucosa Jacq., (Annonaceae)

11. Breadfruit, Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg, (Moraceae)

12. Burmese grape, Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., (Phyllanthaceae (also placed in Euphorbiaceae))

13. Canistel, Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni, (Sapotaceae)

14. Cat's-eyes, Dimocarpus longan Lour. subsp. malesianus Leenh., (Sapindaceae)

15. Champedak, Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr., (Moraceae)

16. Cherimoya, Annona cherimola Mill., (Annonaceae)

17. Cupuacú, Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. Ex Spreng.) K. Schum., (Malvaceae (also placed in 

Sterculiaceae))

18. Custard apple, Annona reticulata L., (Annonaceae)

19. Dragon fruit, Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose, (Cactaceae)

20. Durian, Durio zibethinus L., (Malvaceae (also placed in Bombacaceae, Durionaceae))

21. Elephant-apple, Limonia acidissima L., (Rutaceae)

22. Etambe, Mangifera zeylanica (Blume) Hook. F., (Anacardiaceae)

23. Granadilla, Passiflora ligularis Juss., (Passifloraceae)

24. Granadilla, Giant, Passiflora quadrangularis L., (Passifloraceae)

25. Guriri, Allagoptera arenaria (Gomes) Kuntze, (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

26. Ilama, Annona macroprophyllata Donn. Sm., (Annonaceae)

27. Ingá , Inga vera Willd. subsp. affinis (DC.) T. D. Penn., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae) (also placed in 

Mimosaceae))

28. Jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., (Moraceae)

29. Jatobá, Hymenaea courbaril L., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae) (also placed in Caesalpiniaceae))

30. Kei apple, Dovyalis caffra (Hook. F. & Harv.) Warb., (Salicaceae (also placed in Flacourtiaceae))

31. Langsat, Lansium domesticum Corrêa, (Meliaceae)

32. Lanjut, Mangifera lagenifera Griff., (Anacardiaceae)

33. Longan, Dimocarpus longan Lour., (Sapindaceae)

34. Lucuma, Pouteria lucuma (Ruiz & Pav.) Kuntze, (Sapotaceae)

35. Lychee, Litchi chinensis Sonn., (Sapindaceae)

36. Mabolo, Diospyros blancoi A. DC., (Ebenaceae)
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37. Madras-thorn, Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae); (also placed in 

Mimosaceae))

38. Mammy-apple, Mammea americana L. Clusiaceae (alt. Guttiferae))

39. Manduro, Balanites maughamii Sprague, (Zygophyllaceae (also placed in Balanitaceae))

40. Mango, Mangifera indica L., (Anacardiaceae)

41. Mango, horse, Mangifera foetida Lour., (Anacardiaceae)

42. Mango, Saipan, Mangifera odorata Griff., (Anacardiaceae)

43. Mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana L., (Clusiaceae (alt. Guttiferae))

44. Marang, Artocarpus odoratissimus Blanco, (Moraceae)

45. Marmalade-box, Genipa americana L., (Rubiaceae)

46. Matisia, Matisia cordata Humb. & Bonpl., (Malvaceae (also placed in Bombacaceae))

47. Mesquite, Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae); (also placed in Mimosaceae))

48. Mongongo, Schinziophyton rautanenii (Schinz) Radcl.-Sm, (Euphorbiaceae)

49. Monkey-bread-tree, Adansonia digitata L., (Malvaceae (also placed in Bombacaceae))

50. Monstera, Monstera deliciosa Liebm., (Araceae)

51. Muriti, Mauritia flexuosa L.f., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

52. Paho, Mangifera altissima Blanco, (Anacardiaceae)

53. Palmyra palm, Borassus flabellifer L., (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

54. Papaya, Carica papaya L., (Caricaceae)

55. Passionflower, Winged-stem, Passiflora alata Curtis, (Passifloraceae)

56. Passionfruit, Passiflora edulis Sims, (Passifloraceae). Also includes: Passionfruit, Purple, Passiflora

edulis Sims forma edulis, (Passifloraceae) and Passionfruit, Yellow, Passiflora edulis Sims forma 

flavicarpa O. Deg., (Passifloraceae)

57. Passionfruit, Banana, Passiflora tripartita var. mollissima (Kunth) Holm-Niels. & P. Jorg., (Passifloraceae)

58. Pawpaw, Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal, (Annonaceae). Also includes: Pawpaw, Small-flower, Asimina

parviflora (Michx.) Dunal, (Annonaceae)

59. Pelipisan, Mangifera casturi Kosterm., (Anacardiaceae)

60. Pequi, Caryocar brasiliense Cambess, (Caryocaraceae). Also includes: Pequia, Caryocar villosum (Aubl.) 

Pers., (Caryocaraceae)

61. Persimmon, American, Diospyros virginiana L., (Ebenaceae)

62. Pineapple, Ananas comosus (L.) Merr., (Bromeliaceae)

63. Pitaya, Hylocereus sp. Including H. megalanthus, H. ocamponis and H. polychizus, (Cactaceae). Also 

includes: Pitahaya, Hylocereus polyrhizus, (Cactaceae); Pitaya Amarilla, Hylocereus triangularis, 

(Cactaceae); Pitaya Roja, Hylocereus ocamponis, (Cactaceae) and Pitaya, Yellow, Hylocereus

megalanthus (K. Schum. ex Vaupel) Ralf Bauer, (Cactaceae)

64. Pomegranate, Punica granatum L. (Lythraceae (also placed in Punicaceae))

65. Poshte, Baill. (Annonaceae)

66. Prickly pear, (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae). Also includes: Prickly pear, Texas, Opuntia engelmannii

Salm-Dyck ex Engelm. var. lindheimeri (Engelm.) B. D. Parfitt & Pinkava, (Cactaceae)

67. Pulasan, Nephelium ramboutan-ake (Labill.) Leenh., (Sapindaceae)

68. Quandong, Santalum acuminatum (R. Br.) DC., (Santalaceae)

69. Rambutan, Nephelium lappaceum L., (Sapindaceae)

70. Saguaro, Carnegiea gigantea (Engelm.) Britton & Rose, (Cactaceae)

71. Salak, Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss, (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

72. Sapodilla, Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen, (Sapotaceae)

73. Sapote, black, Diospyros digyna Jacq., (Ebenaceae)

74. Sapote, green, Pouteria viridis (Pittier) Cronquist, (Sapotaceae)

75. Sapote, mamey, Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E. Moore & Stearn, (Sapotaceae)

76. Sapote, white, Casimiroa edulis La Llave & Lex, (Rutaceae)
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77. Sataw, Parkia speciosa Hassk., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae); also placed in Mimosaceae)

78. Satinleaf, Chrysophyllum oliviforme L., (Sapotaceae)

79. Screw-pine, Pandanus tectorius Parkinson, (Pandanaceae). Also includes: Karuka, Pandanus julianettii

Martelli, (Pandanaceae); Pandanus, Pandanus utilis Bory, (Pandanaceae) and Nicobar-breadfruit, 

Pandanus leram Jones ex Fontana, (Pandanaceae)

80. Sierra Leone-tamarind, Dialium guineense Willd., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae); (also placed in 

Caesalpiniaceae))

81. Soncoya, Annona purpurea Moc. & Sessé ex Dunal, (Annonaceae)

82. Soursop, Annona muricata L., (Annonaceae)

83. Spanish lime, Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq., (Sapindaceae)

84. Star apple, Chrysophyllum cainito L., (Sapotaceae)

85. Sugar apple, Annona squamosa L., (Annonaceae)

86. Sun Sapote, Licania platypus (Hemsl.) Fritsch, (Chrysobalanaceae)

87. Tamarind-of-the-Indies, Vangueria madagascariensis J. F. Gmel., (Rubiaceae)

88. Velvet Tamarind, Dialium indum L., (Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae); (also placed in Caesalpiniaceae))

89. Wampi, Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels, (Rutaceae)

90. White star apple, Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don, (Sapotaceae)

91. Wild loquat, Uapaca kirkiana Müll. Arg., (Phyllanthaceae; (also placed in Euphorbiaceae, Uapacaceae))
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1. Abiu [(caimito, caimo, cauje (GRIN))]

Sapotaceae

Pouteria caimito (Ruiz & Pav.) Radlk. [(syn: Achras caimito Ruiz & Pav. (basionym), Lucuma 

caimito (Ruiz & Pav.) Roem. & Schult. (GRIN))]

2. A small to medium size evergreen tree that grows to a height of 6 to 12 meters (20 to 39 feet). Some trees 

may reach up to 35 meters (115 feet) high. Native to South America, specifically Western Amazonia. The 

tree is narrow when young and spreads up to 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter when mature. The crown is 

pyramidal to rounded in shape. In productive areas, the tree has a densely leafed crown. The trunk of large 

trees is fluted. Bark is rough, scaling, fissured, grey, grayish-brown or dark reddish-brown in color and 

contains white to reddish latex. Leaves are alternate, glossy, smooth or slightly hairy, dark green above and 

pale underneath, entire, pointed at both ends, ovate-oblong, obovate or elliptic in shape, and 10 to 20

centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long by 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches) wide. Leaves cluster at the end of 

the shoot. The acute apex of the leaf is curved. The petiole is 0.2 to 2.3 centimeters (0.08 to 0.9 inch) long. 

Slightly scented, cylindrical-shaped, 4- to 5-lobed, white to greenish flowers are almost sessile and occur 

solitary or in clusters of 2 to 5 along the branches between the shoot tip and the trunk in the leaf axils. 

Flowers are enclosed by two bracts and four light-green sepals. The corolla is white, cylindrical, encloses 

four stamens, and measures 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) long. Flowers contain both male and female 

reproductive organs. Individual flowers measure 0.4 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) long. Some trees 

require cross-pollination. Pollination is by insects. Yellow fruit is ellipsoid, ovoid, or spherical in shape, 4

to 12 centimeters (1.6 to 5 inches) long, and 50 to 250 grams (2 to 9 ounces) in weight. Some fruit can weigh 

up to 1,000 grams (35 ounces). Fruit grows solitary on the tree. When immature, the skin is downy. Skin of 

mature fruit is smooth, thin, tough, leathery, and 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) thick. The pulp is translucent to

whitish in color, and jelly-like in consistency. The flavor is sweet to bland. Some believe the taste resembles 

caramel. Each fruit contains one to five large, oblong, shiny black seeds. Immature fruit is green and 

contains sticky white latex. When mature, the latex is not present in the pulp but remains in the peel. Fruit 

has been cultivated for centuries (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, PIER).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from June to August in Florida. In Central Amazonia, three flowering 

periods occur from the early rainy season in February, to the mid-dry season in August. Major 

flowering occurs from September to November. In other areas, flowering occurs several times 

during the year. Fruiting periods occur from the mid-rainy season to the late dry season. In Ecuador, 

fruit ripening occurs from March to April. In Brazil, fruit are in season from September to April; 

some fruiting occurs from February to March at Bahia. In Florida, fruiting has occurred during the 

month of October. Fruit in different stages can be present on the tree at the same time. Fruit matures 

in 180 days. Fruit is produced in 2 to 10 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from grafts. Trees may 

remain productive for 20 years (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet tropical lowlands. Prefers well-drained, moist, loamy to clay soil 

with organic matter and a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Grows best within 12 to 25 degrees of the 

equator in warm areas with an elevation below 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Can be grown up to an 

elevation of 1,900 meters (6,234 feet). Grows in areas with well-distributed rainfall of 170 to 300 

centimeters (67 to 118 inches), and a mean annual temperature greater than 20 °C (68 °F). Found 

frequently on periodically flooded land in lowland tropical rainforests, seasonal evergreen 

rainforests, beach forests and wet montane forests. Tolerant of seasonal drought but not tolerant of 

extreme frost. In areas with hot, dry conditions, sun scorching may occur. Propagation is by seed 

and grafting. Seeds should be washed, dried in the shade and planted 5 centimeters (2 inches) deep 

in fertile soil. Germination occurs from 15 to 50 days. When the seedlings are 30 to 40 centimeters

(12 to 16 inches) high, the seedling is planted in the permanent location. Most propagation is by 

seed. However, seeds do not remain viable for a long period of time and trees grown from seed 

result in great variation in form, yield and fruit quality. Although grafting results in uniform trees, 

grafting is difficult due to latex accumulation. Trees should be planted 7 by 7 meters (23 by 23 feet)
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apart. Young trees require staking, irrigation, fertilizer, and shade for the first 6 months. Plants 

require occasional pruning, fertilizer after harvest, and irrigation during the dry months. Fruit are 

harvested when half yellow. Fruit can be stored for one week at 12 °C (54 °F). Not widely 

commercially grown. Small commercial orchards occur in Northern Peru, Ecuador, Western Brazil, 

Colombia, and Venezuela (PERENNIAL, JANICK, PIER).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in the markets of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Fruit are sold 

in Brazilian markets from September to April and sometimes in February to March at Bahia

(MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh; mostly consumed out-of-hand. Gummy latex 

can cling to the lips. Fruit is used in desserts; can be used dried, in sherbets, ice creams, jams, fruit 

salads, and yogurt (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: The pulp contains insignificant amounts of nutrients, minerals and vitamins 

(JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The leaves are used in popular medicines. Fruit pulp is consumed to relieve 

pulmonary issues including coughs and bronchitis. Latex from the tree is used to remove intestinal 

worms; it is also placed on abscesses (JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida; no yield data is available (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Central America, northern and western South America, Amazonia, The 

Tropics, Trinidad, Australia. The tree grows wild on the eastern slopes of the Andes. A mature tree can 

yield up to 500 fruit per year. 100 to 125 kilograms (220 to 276 pounds) of fruit can be produced per tree. A 

6-year-old tree can produce a yield of 60 to 85 kilograms (132 to 187 pounds) per tree (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit; wood is used for construction, ornamental (GRIN, MORTON, TRADE WINDS).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, PIER, TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: POJCM
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1. Aisen 

Capparaceae. Also placed in: Brassicaceae

Boscia senegalensis (Pers.) Lam. [(syn: Podoria senegalensis Pers. (basionym) (GRIN)]

2. Evergreen shrub 1 to 5 meters (3 to 16 feet) high with a dense, rounded crown. Grows in open scrub or 

savanna woodlands and drylands; can also form a thick understory in woodlands and dry forests in Africa. 

Blackish-grey bark is smooth, but somewhat crumbly. Leaves are alternate and stiff, ovate or elliptic in 

shape, 9 to 14 centimeters (3.5 to 5.5 inches) long and 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) wide. 

Inflorescence is a terminal corymb 3 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long. Flowers are hairy with 4 

greenish-white to yellowish sepals ranging in size from 0.8 to 0.9 centimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inch) in diameter. 

Fruit is a spherical berry, 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) in diameter. Mature yellow fruits are found in 

small bunches of 2 to 3. Skin is hard and slightly pubescent. After being husked, the pea-like berry is 

consumed. Pulp is translucent and jelly-like. Each fruit contains 1-2 flattened seeds. Fruit is used as a 

famine food and can be fermented into beer; seeds are used as a coffee substitute. Other uses include fuel, 

wood, pesticides, medicinal purposes, and natural coagulants for water purification in Africa (ARBONNIER, 

AGROFORESTRY, FREEDMAN).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs in the first part of the cool dry season (October to January); fruits ripen 

at the beginning of the rainy season (AGROFORESTRY).

b. Cultivation: Grown at an altitude of 60 to 1,450 meters (197 to 4,757 feet), a temperature of 22 to 

30 °C (72 to 86 °F) and a mean annual rainfall of 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches); soil types 

include sandy dunes, rocky soils, sandy clay-compacted soils, and termite mounds

(AGROFORESTRY). 

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Plants are not domesticated; fruit is gathered for human 

consumption and sold in local African markets (AGROFORESTRY).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit can be eaten raw but is very acidic; fruit becomes edible after 

soaking in water for one week; seeds are dried in the sun, pounded to remove the outer seed coat and 

soaked for several days to remove toxins; seeds are boiled in a cauldron with potash, soaked in cold 

water, and mixed with salt and butter for serving; fruit is fermented into beer; seeds are roasted and 

used as a coffee substitute (AGROFORESTRY, FREEDMAN).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is very acidic; leaves contain alkaloids (AGROFORESTRY). 

f. Medicinal aspects: Wide range of purposes in Africa including use as a diuretic in the treatment of 

syphillis, rheumatism, ulcers, gastritis, and an eye wash; used to remove intestinal parasites from 

camels. Entire tree is used for medicinal purposes (FREEDMAN, AGROFORESTRY). 

g. Crop Photos.

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Northern Africa, northeast tropical Africa, west-central tropical 

Africa, west tropical Africa; no yield data is available (GRIN).

6. Use: Fruit, vegetable, beverage base, seeds used as coffee substitute, medicinal purposes, wood, fuel, 

pesticide (AGROFORESTRY, GRIN). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Bark, leaves, roots, seeds, fruit (AGROFORESTRY). 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, ARBONNIER, AGROFORESTRY, FREEDMAN.

11. Production Map: No entry.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BSCSN 
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007

1. Akee apple [(akee, akí, seso vegetal, ackee, akée, fisanier, Akibaum, castanheiro-da-África, huevo 

vegetal (GRIN))]

Sapindaceae

Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig [(syn: Cupania sapida Voigt (GRIN)]

2. A fast-growing medium to large evergreen tree that reaches a height of 8 to 20 meters (26 to 66 feet). 

Native to tropical west African forests. The tree contains a large, moderately dense crown and stiff, 

spreading branches. The trunk is short and measures 1.8 meters (6 feet) in diameter. The bark is gray and 

smooth. Bright green leaves are large, smooth, alternate, elliptic, coarsely pinnate and 30 centimeters (12 

inches). Leaves contain three to five pairs of leaflets. Leaflets are green, glossy on the upper surface, dull, 

pale and finely hairy on the underside, opposite or sub-opposite, elliptical, oblong-obovate, or oblong in 

shape, rounded at the base, short-pointed at the apex, shortly acuminate, and 6 to 30 centimeters (2 to 12 

inches) long by 7 centimeters (3 inches) wide. The upper leaflets are the longest. Flowers occur in 

pendulous, pubescent compound racemes that are 4 to 17.5 centimeters (1.6 to 7 inches) long. Individual 

flowers are showy, creamy-white to greenish in color, hairy, fragrant, small, and 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch)

long. Each flower contains a five- to six-parted light green calyx and five petals. Bisexual and male flowers 

occur on the same plant. The main pollinators are insects, including bees. Large, red and yellow to 

orange-yellow fruit is a fleshy, dehiscent capsule that is pear-shaped, occurs in clusters of 3 to 10, and 

measures 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) long and 4 to 5 centimeters (1.6 to 2 inches) in diameter. 

Individual fruit weigh 70 to 150 grams (2 to 5 ounces) and hang on long stalks from the tips of the branches. 

Each capsule contains three to four chambers that each contains a large, glossy, rounded, smooth, hard, black 

seed. The seed is embedded in the kidney-shaped, spongy, waxy, cream-colored aril. Each aril is 3 to 4.5 

centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) long by 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) wide. There are two main types 

of arils: a soft yellow aril known as “butter” and a hard cream-colored aril known as “cheese”. The pink, 

fibrous tissue extends into the groove between the two lobes of the aril and connects the aril to the seed. The 

skin is smooth, shiny to waxy and leathery. The flavor of the aril is rich, nutty and buttery. Immature fruit is 

green. When mature, the fruit splits lengthwise, exposing the aril. The light dispels hypoglycin, a highly 

toxic substance. Fruit may be consumed only after dehiscing naturally on the tree. One of the most 

commonly planted trees in Jamaica. National fruit of Jamaica (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN 

WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from April to May in Florida and can occur during the fall. In other 

areas including Jamaica, flowering can occur throughout the year. Flowering usually occurs after 

extended periods of rain. Three or more crops may be produced annually. In the Caribbean, fruiting 

occurs from January to March and July to September. In Florida, fruiting occurs midsummer. Fruit 

matures in approximately 50 to 90 days. Fruit production occurs in 3 to 4 years from seed and 1 to 2 

years from by vegetative propagation (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical to subtropical lowlands and forests. Indigenous to the forests 

of the Ivory Coast and Gold Coast of West Africa. Grown from sea level to 900 meters (2,953 feet)

in Jamaica. Prefers full sun, well distributed rainfall, a seasonal dry period, elevations up to 600 

meters (1,969 feet), and fertile, slightly alkaline, well-drained soils. Grown in zones 10 to 12. 

Tolerant of a variety of soils including fertile and infertile rocky soils, drought, and light frost. Not 

tolerant of high winds. Propagation is mainly by seed and cuttings. For commercial production, 

trees should be spaced 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet) apart. Trees should be pruned, topped at 5 meters

(16 feet), and fertilized. Fruit are harvested when they open on the tree. For processing purposes, 

mature, unopened fruit are harvested and placed on racks in the sun. Fruit that open within 3 days 

are processed. Cultivated in Africa, India, and Tropical America. Jamaica is the main producer of 

the fruit. Fruit is beginning to be produced on a commercial scale (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

BARWICK).
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c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is sold fresh for domestic consumption in Jamaica. Fruit is 

canned in Jamaica and exported. Because the fruit is toxic, canned fruit that is imported to the U.S. 

is subject to a Hazard Analysis and Critical Point (HACCP) manufacturing system. Found in 

specialty markets around the world (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, TRADE WINDS).

d. Preparation for cooking: The ripe aril is consumed fresh and cooked. The aril is often boiled, 

sautéed, fried with seasonings, placed in pastry, or placed into soup. Arils are prepared by 

parboiling in salted water or milk, discarding the liquid, and frying in oil or butter. Arils resemble 

scrambled eggs and are sometimes referred to as “vegetable brains”; considered a delicacy. The 

national dish of Jamaica is akee and dried codfish. Parboiled arils are also added to a stew 

containing beef, salt-pork, scallions, thyme and other seasonings; can be curried and eaten with rice. 

Served in restaurants. In West Africa, the aril may be consumed raw, fried or roasted. Arils must be 

detached entirely from the pink tissue around the aril and the large seed before being consumed. The 

immature or over-ripe arils, the pink tissue around the aril, the seed, and the rest of the fruit are 

extremely toxic (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Immature arils and seeds contain the amino acid hypoglycin. This can cause 

vomiting, convulsions, severe hypoglycemia, coma, and death. Arils are a good source of fat, 

protein, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and B2 and vitamin C (JANICK, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Aril mixtures are consumed to reduce severe diarrhea and fevers. Seed 

extracts are used to remove parasites. Ripe arils, crushed leaves, and leaf, seed or bark extracts are 

made into topical treatments to cure headaches, severe pain, conjunctivitis and ulcers. A mixture of 

the bark and hot peppers is rubbed on the body as a stimulant (JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Florida; no yield data is available (JANICK)

5. Other commercial production regions: India, tropical America, Mexico, Central America, South America,

West Africa, the tropics, the Caribbean including Jamaica. According to the 2001 Jamaican External Trade 

Statistics, 1.74 million kilograms (3.84 million pounds) of canned fruit was exported mainly to Canada, the 

UK and the U.S. Small amounts of this fruit were exported to the Caribbean, Europe and Japan. In 2001, 

13,140 kilograms (28,969 pounds) of frozen fruit was exported. In 1999, there were approximately 130 

hectares (321 acres) of orchards (GRIN, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK).

6. Use: The aril is consumed fresh or is cooked and used as a vegetable; beads, medicinal purposes, 

vertebrate poison (mammals); ornamental; oil from the seed is mixed with the dried husks of the tree to make 

soap; dried husks are rich in potash; fruit are used in Ghana for washing; wood is used for building and 

tool-making; flowers are used for perfume; honey plant (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, BARWICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: The firm and oily aril is the edible portion. Only naturally opened fruits can be 

eaten, immature fruit are very toxic. 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Aril

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0325) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BLISA
Page	9

036

1. Atemoya 

Annonaceae

Annona x atemoya Mabb.

2. A semi-deciduous, fast-growing, small to medium tree that reaches a height of 3 to 10 meters (10 to 33 

feet). Similar in appearance to the cherimoya. A hybrid of the cherimoya and sugar apple that was made by 

P.J. Wester at the USDA subtropical laboratory of Miami, Florida in 1908. The trunk is short. The canopy 

is open, symmetrical, round and dense. Branches are drooping. Leaves are alternate, leathery, slightly hairy,

simple, entire, elliptical, ovate or lanceolate in shape, and 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long by 4 to 8 

centimeters (1.6 to 3 inches) wide. Vegetative buds are subpetiolar. Trees are dormant during late winter to 

early spring. Bud break occurs during the late spring. Yellowish green flowers are long-stalked, triangular 

in shape, contain two series of three petals, and are 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) long by 4 to 5 centimeters (1.5 

to 2 inches) wide. The outer series of petals are thick and fleshy. Flowers are borne in the axils of the leaves 

singly or in clusters of two or three on one-year-old wood or new shoots. Buds are produced at the same time 

as the current season’s shoot growth. Flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs. Female 

flowers open from 2 to 4pm and convert to the male stage approximately 27 hours later. Some varieties 

require hand-pollination in order to obtain high yields. Self-pollination is rare. Beetles are the main insect 

pollinators. Dark green, light green, or pale bluish-green fruit is a pseudocarp that grows solitary on the tree, 

measures 10 centimeters (4 inches) long, 9.5 centimeters (3.75 inches) wide, 8 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 

inches) in diameter, and 300 to 900 grams (11 to 32 ounces) or more in weight. The shape of the fruit can be

round, ovoid, conical or heart-shaped. The knobby rind is 0.3 centimeters (0.125 inch) thick and is covered 

with fused, firm, pliable, smooth to pointed U-shaped areoles. The pulp is white in color, fine-textured, 

custard-like and solid. The flavor is sweet, subacid and resembles the cherimoya. 10 to 40 seeds are 

distributed throughout the pulp and are dark brown, hard, smooth, cylindrical, 2 centimeters (0.75 inch) long 

and 0.8 centimeters (5/16 inch) wide. Popular in the Americas (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, 

TRADE WINDS, IPMCENTERS, CRANE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from April to June and August to September in Florida. In Australia, 

flowers are produced once during the early summer, and a second time during the late summer or fall. 

The main flowering period in Australia is October and November. If fruit set is low, flowering 

occurs in February. Flowering can occur from 3 to 6 months and can occur from two to three times

per year. In Florida, fruit ripens from August to January. In Australia, fruits mature in April and 

May. Fruit matures in 150 to 180 days. Fruit production occurs in 4 to 5 years from seed and 2 to 3 

yeas from grafting (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CRANE).

b. Cultivation: Requires warm, sunny, humid tropical conditions or cool subtropical lowlands. 

Grows in areas with a dry season. Prefers moist, deep, rich, well-drained sandy to sandy loam soil

with organic matter and a pH of 5 to 7. Does well near the coast where rainfall and humidity are 

high and winters are warm. Grows in the tropics at elevations above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). 

Tolerant of a variety of climates, soil conditions including sandy loam, red basalt or heavy clay, and 

light frost. Does not tolerate extreme cold, wind, drought, and water logging; trees in the tropics do 

not tolerate lowland conditions. Young trees do not tolerate frost and die at -1 °C (30 °F). Mature 

trees do not tolerate temperatures below -3 °C (27 °F). Fruits may split when the weather is rainy 

during the ripening period. Propagated by seed, budding and grafting. Atemoyas for rootstocks are 

raised from seed. Germination occurs in 4 weeks. At one year of age, seedlings are planted in the 

nursery. Whip and cleft grafting is performed most. Cuttings should be taken at the end of the cool 

season. Rooting occurs in 8 to 12 weeks and potting occurs in 16 to 20 weeks. Cherimoya is a good 

rootstock for atemoya. Transplanting should occur when trees are 30 to 46 centimeters (12 to 18 

inches) and dormant. Trees should be planted 15 centimeters (6 inches) above the ground, irrigated 

and protected from sun and wind. In Australia and Florida, trees should be planted 4 to 6 meters (13 

to 20 feet) apart within the row and 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 feet) between rows. Trees should be 

pruned, irrigated and fertilized. Specific temperatures, humidity, pruning, irrigation, and pollination 
Page	

10

factors control productivity and growth. Mature green fruit are harvested every 3 to 7 days by 

clipping the fruit from the branch. Fruit must be picked when creamy lines appear around the 

areoles. If picked too early, fruit darkens and shrivels. Because fruit is highly perishable, it is

usually shipped by air. Fruit should be stored at 10 to 13 °C (50 to 55 °F) and 90 to 95% relative 

humidity. Fruit can be stored for at least 3 weeks. There are currently commercial plantings around 

the world (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, ECOCROP, CRANE).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are shipped to northern fruit dealers. Fruit are sold in local 

markets in Florida (MORTON, IPMCENTERS).

d. Preparation for cooking: Atemoya is a dessert fruit that is usually served chilled. Pulp is 

consumed fresh by cutting the fruit in half or quartering it and eating the flesh from the rind with a 

spoon. Fruit is prepared into sherbets, beverages and other desserts. The white pulp can be easily 

separated from the seeds, cubed or sliced and added to fruit cups or salads. Pulp is also blended with 

orange juice, lime juice and cream and frozen as ice cream (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, 

ECOCROP).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is rich in starch when firm, but increases in sugar content when soft. 

Fruit contains significant amounts of vitamin C, thiamine, potassium, magnesium and fiber; high in 

calories. The seeds are toxic (JANICK, MORTON). 

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Hawaii, Southern California; a commercial fruit in southern Florida. In 1994, 

there were 18 hectares (45 acres) grown in Florida. During the late 1990s, Florida produced 200 tonnes (220 

tons) of fruit. A report prepared in 2002 and revised in 2009 reported an annual production of approximately

22,680 kilograms (50,000 pounds). In 1989-1990, 49 hectares (120 acres) of atemoya were produced and 

the current acreage is less than 10 hectares (25 acres). In 1992, there were 24 hectares (60 acres) in Hawaii 

with about 15 tonnes (16 tons) produced. During the late 1990s, Hawaii produced 50 tonnes (55 tons) of 

fruit (CRANE 1995a, KAWATE 1996a, JANICK, TRADE WINDS).

5. Other commercial production regions: Tropics and subtropics, Venezuela, Israel, Philippines, Australia. 

Cherimoya is native to the tropical highlands of Peru and Ecuador. Sugar apple is native to tropical South 

America. In good conditions, mature trees can produce approximately 23 to 34 kilograms (51 to 75 pounds)

per tree or 5 to 20 tonnes (5.5 to 22 tons) per hectare per year. In Australia, commercial groves produce 5 

bushels of fruit per tree and 67 bushels) per acre (165.5 bushels per hectare. During the late 1990s, atemoya 

production was important in Australia, Israel, Florida, and Hawaii. During this time, Australia produced 

3,000 tonnes (3,307 tons) of fruit and Israel produced 500 tonnes (551 tons) of fruit. The annual production 

of atemoya is expected to double over the next 10 years due to new higher yielding cultivars. Approximately 

150 to 180 kilograms (331 to 397 pounds) of fruit per hectare can be harvested (GRIN, CRANE,

PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, ECOCROP, IPMCENTERS).

6. Use: Fruit; ornamental; green fruit and seeds contain vermicidal and insecticidal properties (MARKLE,

GRIN, QUISQUALIS, ECOCROP).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel. 

d. EPA Crop Definition: Sugar apple = atemoya

10. References: GRIN, CRANE 1995a, KAWATE 1996a, MORTON, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

TRADE WINDS, IPMCENTERS, CRANE, ECOCROP, QUISQUALIS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3, 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry.
Page	

11

037

1. Avocado [(Alligator pear, Aguacate, abacate (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Lauraceae

Persea americana Mill. [(syn: Laurus persea L., Persea drymifolia Schltdl. & Cham., Persea 

floccosa Mez, Persea gigantea L. O. Williams, Persea gratissima C.F. Gaertn., Persea leiogyna S. 

F. Blake, Persea nubigena L. O. Williams, Persea nubigena var. guatemalensis L. O. Williams, 

Persea perglauca Lundell, Persea persea (L.) Cockerell, Persea steyermarkii C. K. Allen, Persea 

tolimanensis Zentmyer & Schieber, nom, inval., Persea zentmyeri Schieber & B. Bergh, nom. inval.

(GRIN))] 

West Indian Avocado [(avocado-pear, lowland avocado, Trapp avocado, avocatier, Avocadobaum, 

Avocadopalme, abokado, aguacate, palto (GRIN))]

P. americana Mill. var. americana [(syn: Laurus persea L., Persea gratissima C. F. Gaertn., Persea 

leiogyna S. F. Blake, Persea persea (L.) Cockerell (GRIN))] 

Guatemalan avocado 

P. americana Mill. var. guatemalensis (L. O. Williams) Scora, nom. inval. [(syn: Persea nubigena

var. guatemalensis L. O. Williams (GRIN))] [Note that this name was not validly published as a

complete reference to the basionym was not provided. 

Mexican avocado

P. americana Mill. var. drymifolia (Schltdl. & Cham.) S. F. Blake [(syn: Persea drymifolia Schltdl. 

& Cham. (basionym) (GRIN))] 

2. An evergreen tree that varies in height from 15 to 18 meters (49 to 59 feet). Tree shape varies from tall and 

upright to wide and spreading with multiple branches. Native to the lowlands of Central America, South 

America and Mexico. A food source since 8,000 BC. The trunk is 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) in 

diameter. Leaves are dark green, smooth, spirally arranged, simple, entire, alternate, elliptic, oval, obovate,

ovate or lanceolate in shape, variable in size and 10 to 13 centimeters (4 to 5 inches) wide by 20 to 25 

centimeters (8 to 10 inches) long. All or some leaves are shed during flowering and are quickly replaced by 

new leaves. New leaves occur in flushes. Pale green, greenish white or yellowish-green fragrant flowers are 

small and borne on multibranched axillary panicles terminating in a shoot bud. Flowers contain both male 

and female reproductive organs. Individual flowers lack petals but contain 2 whorls of 3 perianth lobes, nine 

stamens, a pair of nectaries and one pistil. Approximately 1 to 2 million flowers are produced on each tree. 

Flowers are placed into 2 groups. Type ‘A’ flowers open in the morning for 2 to 3 hours as female flowers, 

close at noon, and reopen the next day in the afternoon for 3 to 4 hours as male flowers. Type ‘B’ flowers 

open in the afternoon as female flowers, close in the evening and reopen the next morning as male flowers. 

Cross-pollination is used for production purposes. Self-pollination, and pollination by insects and wind can 

also occur. Fruit (green, yellow-green, red or purple) is a large berry that is round, ovoid, ellipsoid, or 

pear-shaped, 8 to 33 centimeters (3 to 13 inches) long, up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) wide, and 200 to 2,000 

grams (0.4 to 4 pounds) in weight. The skin is approximately 0.65 centimeters (0.26 inch) thick, smooth or 

pebbled, thin or leathery, glossy or dull and pliable or granular and brittle. The pulp is yellow, 

greenish-yellow, bright yellow or whitish in color. The flavor is nutty, buttery, or bland. Each fruit contains 

one seed that is hard, ivory in color, enclosed in two brown seed coats, oblate, round, conical or ovoid in 

shape and 5 to 6.4 centimeters (2 to 2.5 inches) long. Each tree produces 200 to 300 fruit. The ‘Hass’ 

cultivar is the leading cultivar in international trade. Consumption of avocado continues to increase over the 

years.

 The West Indian race Persea americana var. americana is native to the lowlands of Central America. 

Leaves are not aromatic. This tree produces small fruit with thin, leathery, pliable, non-granular skin, low oil 

content and loose seed. This type of avocado is summer fruiting. The main cultivars grown in Florida are 

mainly West Indian and West Indian-Guatemalan hybrids.

 The Guatemalan race Persea americana var. guatemalensis grows up to 40 meters (131 feet) tall. It is 

native to the highlands of Guatemala and adjacent areas. Leaves are coarse and oak-like. Blackish green 
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12

pebbled fruit is medium to large, ovoid, round, or pear shaped, 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long, and 

1.4 to 2 kilograms (3 to 4.4 pounds) or more in weight. The skin can be thin or thick and granular to gritty, 

hard, brittle or warty. 

 The Mexican race Persea americana var. drymifolia is grown in the higher elevations of Mexico. Leaves 

are anise scented. The green to black fruit is small and 227 grams (0.5 pound) or less in weight. The skin is 

paper-thin, glossy, tender and clings to the flesh. There is high oil content in the pulp. The main cultivars 

grown in California are mainly Mexican x Guatemalan hybrids (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, 

MORTON, CRFG).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from February to March in Florida. In general, fruit maturation occurs 

in 120 to 400 days. Fruit production occurs in 5 to 8 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from grafting. 

P. americana var. americana fruit mature 160 to 240 days after flowering. With P. americana var. 

guatemalensis flowering occurs from March to May; called the winter avocado in Hawaii. Fruit 

mature more than 250 days after anthesis. With P. americana var. drymifolia, flowering occurs 

north of the equator October to December and into spring; called the summer avocado in Hawaii. 

Fruit matures 150 to 240 days after anthesis (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: In general, avocados require humid, warm, sunny tropical or near tropical lowlands 

and medium to high rainfall or monsoon rains. Trees grow best with a well-distributed annual 

rainfall of 125 to 175 centimeters (49 to 69 inches) per year, temperatures of 25 to 28 °C (77 to 

82 °F), and coastal limestone soils. Prefers night temperatures of 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F) and day 

temperatures of 20 °C (68 °F) during floral development, pollen tube growth and embryo 

development. High humidity aids flowering and early fruit set. Grows well in Indonesia at 

elevations of 200 to 1,000 meters (656 to 3,281 feet). In Hawaii, trees grow well with an annual 

rainfall of approximately 310 centimeters (122 inches). Tolerant of a variety of ecological 

conditions from the tropics to latitudes of 30 °N and 30 °S, and a variety of well-drained soils

including deep volcanic soils, sandy loam and calcareous soils with a pH of 5 to 7. Not tolerant of

excessively high temperatures, frost, excess moisture and extended periods of dry conditions. 

Compared to other the Mexican avocado, Persea americana var. americana is more tolerant to 

saline conditions. Persea americana var. americana is more tolerant of high summer rains. 

Propagation is by seed, budding or grafting. Seeds are removed from the fruit, placed in a water bath 

at 49 to 50 °C (120 to 122 °F) for 30 minutes, cooled and dried in a shaded area. Seeds are planted 

broad side down in polyethylene bags with a well-drained potting mix. Germination occurs in a 

month. Seedlings can be cleft or side wedge grafted 2 to 4 weeks after germination occurs. Grafted 

container-grown trees can be transplanted easily. Transplanting should be performed during the 

beginning of the rainy season. Plants are spaced in the field according to the cultivar’s natural 

growth habit, vigor of the rootstock, and the environment. Spacing in Florida is 7.5 to 10.5 meters

(25 to 34 feet) in row and 7.5 to 12 meters (25 to 39 feet) between rows. Plants can be spaced at 4.5 

to 6 meters (15 to 20 feet) in row and 6 to 7.5 meters (20 to 25 feet) between rows for higher yields. 

Trees should be pruned towards the end of fall. Fertilizer should be applied at the appropriate time, 

depending on climate, soil, cultivar, and management practices. Irrigation should be performed 

during the flowering period and other dry periods during the year. Fruit are harvested when mature. 

Skin color, oil content, fruit weight, size and moisture content are used as indications of maturity. 

Picking poles and clippers are used to harvest fruit. Fruit should be stored at 12.5 °C (55 °F) with a 

relative humidity of 80 to 90%. Deterioration of flavor and enzymatic discoloration occur during 

commercial processing of the fruit. 

 P. americana var. guatemalensis is a subtropical to semitropical plant that grows well in the cool 

highlands in full sun. Adapted to cool tropical to warm humid climate. Grown in Guatemalan cloud 

forests at elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 meters (4,921 to 9,843 feet) and in mountain chains in Central 

America and Mexico. Prefers fertile, well-drained, acidic soil. Compared to the Mexican cultivar, 

the Guatemalan cultivar is less tolerant of low temperatures. Tolerates temperatures of -3 to 1 °C

(26 to 30 °F). Not tolerant of high winds. Fruit should be stored at 8 °C (46 °F) with a relative 
Page	

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humidity of 80 to 90%. 

 P. americana var. drymifolia: a cool, subtropical plant that is grown in dry plateaus and 

highlands in full sun. Prefers a Medditerranean climate. Thrives in Mexico at an elevation of 152 

meters (500 feet). Prefers well-drained, loose, decomposed, granite or sandy loam. Compared to 

other cultivars, the Mexican avocado tolerates water stress and lower humidity well. Mexican 

cultivars are also tolerant of temperatures as low as -5 °C (23 °F). Compared to Persea americana

var. americana, the Mexican avocado is not very tolerant to saline conditions and high winds. 

Hardiest type of avocado. Fruit should be stored at 4 °C (39 °F) with a relative humidity of 80 to 

90%. Fruit of Mexican types discolor quickly and should be immediately consumed (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, MORTON, BARWICK, CRFG, WHILEY).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold locally and exported to markets all over the world. 

Small to medium fruit are used for commercial production and large fruit are sold locally. Europe 

and the U.S. are the main markets for all exports. Cultivars are produced for local markets in each 

country. Guacamole, frozen avocado purée and avocado oil is sold as a major commercial product. 

Avocados are sold pickled (JANICK, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: The pulp is consumed fresh and is combined with other ingredients in 

salads and desserts. The high fat content of avocadoes combines well with acidic fruit, vegetables, 

and dressings. Fruit is made into the popular dip guacamole. Fruit is sometimes used to supply the 

fat content of frozen desserts including ice cream. Ripe pulp is mashed with milk and sugar or made 

into ice cream in the Philippines. In tropical America, fruit is cut in half, salted and eaten with 

tortillas. Fruit can be stuffed with seafood. Used as a garnish; placed in sandwiches; pickled. 

Frozen avocado purée is used as a base for many products. Avocado oil is used for cosmetic 

products and culinary purposes. It is similar to olive oil. Added to hot foods including soup, stew, 

chili, or omelettes prior to serving the dishes. Due to the tannin content, pulp becomes bitter if 

cooked. Unripe avocados are toxic (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: One of the most nutritious fruit in the world. It is a good source of oil,

minerals, phosphorus, provitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, potassium, riboflavin and niacin. The 

protein content is greater than any other fresh fruit. The fruit has the highest fiber content of any 

fruit and contains antioxidants. Fruit is composed of the major fatty acids monounsaturated oleic 

acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid. Avocado oil can reduce blood cholesterol (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: The seed and roots contain an antibiotic that prevents bacterial spoilage of 

food. The fruit skin is antibiotic and is used to treat parasitic worms and diarrhea. Leaves contain 

antibiotic activity and are taken to cure gum issues, diarrhea, sore throat and appetite issues; placed 

on wounds. The seed is used to aid diarrhea, dandruff, toothaches, and skin problems 

(MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Persea americana: California, Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico. P. americana var. 

guatemalensis: Coastal California; P. americana var. drymifolia: California; not suited to southern Florida, 

Puerto Rico or other areas of similar climate. 

 According to the USDA, during the 2009/2010 season in California, 222 260 tonnes (245,000 tons) of 

avocados were produced. During the 2009/2010 season in Florida, 2,046 tonnes (23,200 tons) of avocados 

were produced. According to NASS, Hawaii produced approximately 471 tonnes (520 tons) of avocados 

during the 2008/2009 season. Total avocado acreage in Hawaii in the 2008/2009 season was 162 hectares 

(400 acres). According to the USDA, harvest of avocados in Puerto Rico was 52,837 hundreds in 2007. 

According to the USDA, total production in the United States in the 2009/2010 season was 24,778tonnes 

(268,720 tons). There was minor production in Guam and Texas. ‘Hass’ avocadoes are the dominant 

cultivar in California. Florida cultivates early-, mid-, and late- season West Indian cultivars 

(MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, USDA, NASS, MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Persea americana: Mexico, Central America including Costa Rica, 

Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, South America including Chile, Peru, Brazil and Colombia, the 
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Caribbean including Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, Indonesia, Israel, South Africa,

Ethiopia, Spain, Asian tropics, India, Australia, New Zealand, Madagascar, Mauritius, Madeira, the Canary 

Islands, France, Sicily, Crete, Egypt; widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics; origin Mesoamerica. P. 

americana var. americana: widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics; P. americana var. guatemalensis: 

Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela; P. americana var. 

drymifolia: Mexico; cultivated elsewhere. 

 According to FAOSTAT, in 2007, the top five avocado production countries were Chile (approximately 

250,000 tonnes (275,578 tons)), Indonesia (201,635 tonnes (222,265 tons)), United States of America 

(188,100 tonnes (207,345 tons)), Dominican Republic (183,535 tonnes (202 313 tons)), and Colombia 

(157,552 tonnes (173,671 tons)). Total world avocado production in 2007 was approximately 3,569,256 

tonnes (3,934,431 tons). The top five exporting countries in 2001 were Mexico, Chile, Israel, Spain and 

South Africa. European and U.S. markets are the main markets for avocado exports (GRIN, PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, FAOSTAT, MORTON).

6. Use: Persea americana: Fruit; mainly fresh eating, salads, "guacamole;" medicinal purposes, vertebrate 

poison (mammals), ornamental; fresh pulp is used in the hair as a tonic and restorer; oil is used for culinary 

purposes, soaps, cosmetics and aromatherapy; seeds produce a reddish brown dye for use on clothing; wood 

is used for construction purposes; honey plant; P. americana var. americana: fruit; P. americana var. 

guatemalensis: fruit; P. americana var. drymifolia: probable progenitor of avocado; fruit; Mexican 

avocados are strong growers and are used as rootstocks (GRIN, MARKLE, BARWICK, CRFG).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pulp only

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit with pit and stem removed and discarded.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0326) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Avocado = avocado, papaya, star apple, black sapote, mango, sapodilla,

canistel and mamey sapote

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, CRFG,

WHILEY, USDA, NASS, FAOSTAT.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Regions 3, 10 and 13 with some production in Region 6.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PEBAM (Persea americana MILL); no specific entry for P. americana var. 

guatemalensis; PEBAM (Persea americana MILL. var. drymifolia (CHAM. & 

SCHLECHT.) BLAKE); no specific entry for P. americana Mill. var. americana
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1. Bacury [(bacuri, parcouri, bacouré (GRIN))]

Clusiaceae (alt. Guttiferae).

Platonia insignis Mart. [(syn: Aristoclesia esculenta (Arruda) Stuntz, Moronobea esculenta Arruda, 

Platonia esculenta (Arruda) Oken (GRIN))]

2. A tree that grows up to 25 meters (82 feet) in height. Native to Brazil, Guyana and Amazonia. The second 

most popular dicot fruit species in eastern Amazonia. A mid- to upper canopy tree in forests. The crown is 

pyramidal. The bark contains yellow latex. Branches grow at angles of 50 to 60 degrees from the trunk. 

Dark green leaves are smooth, glossy, leathery, short-petioled, deciduous, opposite, oblong or elliptic in 

shape, acute, and 8 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long by 4 to 8 centimeters (1.6 to 3 inches) wide. Leaves 

are borne singly or in groups of three. Showy, pale rose-colored flowers are solitary, 7 centimeters (3 inches) 

long, and borne terminally on young branches after leaf fall. Individual flowers contain five sepals, five 

petals, numerous stamens, and a superior ovary with five locules. Flowers contain both male and female 

reproductive organs. Trees are cross-pollinated. Pollinators include birds and insects. Pale yellow, 

brownish-yellow or brown fruit is ovoid to subglobose in shape, 7 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long, 5 to 

15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) in diameter, and 200 to 1,000 grams (7 to 35 ounces) in weight. The rind is 1 

to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) thick, tough, hard, smooth, leathery, elastic, and exudes yellow, gummy, 

resinous latex when bruised. The pulp is creamy-white in color, pithy, mucilaginous, fibrous or juicy, and 

can be divided into 6 sections. The flavor is strong, acidic, and sweet. Each fruit contains one to five seeds 

within the pulp. Seeds are large, oblong-ovoid in shape, 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches) long and 2 to 3 

centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches) in diameter. When seeds do not develop, the pulp forms a parthenocarpic 

segment that can be consumed by humans. Plants may bear well one year and bear poorly the following year

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, CAMPBELL, POPENOE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs during the dry season, which takes place from June to September in 

Brazil. Fruit are harvested from December to May, and especially from February to March in Brazil. 

Fruit matures in 200 to 300 days (PERENNIAL, JANICK). 

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid tropical lowlands. A mid- to upper canopy tree in forests. 

Thrives along the forest-savannah transitional zone south of the Amazon forest, from the Atlantic to 

Paraguay, in the open forests of eastern Amazonia north of the Amazon River, and on Marajo Island. 

Approximately 1 to 100 trees per hectare can be found in these locations. Prefers upland soils, 

rainfall of 150 to 210 centimeters (59 to 83 inches) per year and a pronounced dry season lasting 3 to 

8 months. Trees also grow in the city of Belém where the rainfall is 250 centimeters (98 inches) per 

year and no dry season occurs. Tolerant of many types of soils including poor soils with poor

drainage and different environmental conditions. Not tolerant of strong winds and temperatures 

below 0 °C (32 °F). Propagation is by seed. Seed should be planted immediately after harvest. 

Germination of the radicle occurs in 12 to 30 days and germination of the shoot bud occurs in 150 to 

750 days. This occurs as a result of the long dry seasons. The tree also produces suckers from the 

roots. Cultivated plants are grown in open fields. Trees should be grown to a height of 15 to 20 

meters (49 to 66 feet) and a crown of 10 to 15 meters (33 to 49 feet) in diameter. Pruning can be 

done to limit tree size. Fruit is popular and is collected from wild or managed plants maintained on 

farms in Brazil. When ripe, fruit falls from the tree. Fruit that are stored in a shaded and 

well-ventilated area can last for 7 to 10 days. Demand is increasing, but currently, the demand has 

not exceeded supply. Starting to be considered as an orchard crop. Industrial processing and 

commercialization is underway (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CAMPBELL, POPENOE).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in small local markets and large markets in Belém, 

Brazil; sold commercially to a limited extent (JANICK, POPENOE).
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d. Preparation for cooking: Because of the strong flavor, the pulp (except for the sweeter 

parthenocarpic sections) is usually not consumed out of hand. The pulp is used in desserts including 

ice creams, sherberts, bakery fillings, jams, marmalade, jellies, juices and candies; flavoring for 

beverages. Fruit are preserved in tins (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, MORTON, TRADE 

WINDS, POPENOE).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruits contain high amounts of vitamin C (TRADE WINDS).

f. Medicinal aspects: Latex from the bark is used in veterinary practice in Guyana; oil from the 

seeds is mixed with almond oil and is used to treat eczema and herpes (MORTON). 

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: South America including Guyana, Surinam, Brazil (especially the 

city of Belém, Pará, Brazil), Colombia, Paraguay, Marajo Island. Although there is no collected data, it was 

estimated in 2002 that 7 million fruit were commercialized yearly in Belém, Brazil at the end of the 1990s. 

Yields vary each year; a mature tree that is 15 to 20 years old can produce 500 to 1,000 fruit per season. 115 

plants per hectare have yielded 11 to 20 tonnes (12 to 22 tons) of fruit (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: fruit, wax, wood for construction and furniture; the seed is usually discarded but can be used for oil 

and animal feed (GRIN, JANICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp (JANICK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, CAMPBELL, POPENOE, NAGY, 

TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PAWES
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1. Bael fruit [(bael, baeltree, belfruit-tree, Bengal-quince, golden-apple, Indian baelfruit, mu ju, bel indien, 

Belbaum, beli, bela, milva (GRIN))]

Rutaceae

Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa [(syn: Belou marmelos (L.) A. Lyons, Crateva marmelos L. (basionym) 

(GRIN))]

2. A small to medium, spreading, slow-growing, deciduous tree that reaches a height of 6 to 15 meters (20 to 

49 feet). Native to India. A sacred tree to Hindus. Leaves are used as religious offerings. The tree slightly 

arches or droops. The trunk is short and contains thick, soft, flaking, corky bark. The sap is slimy, clear and 

gummy. Spreading branches are smooth or finely fissured and flaking. Mature branches may contain 1 to 2 

centimeter (0.4 to 0.8 inch) long spines and suckers contain spines. Bright green leaves are compound, 

trifoliate, alternate, emit a disagreeable odor, can contain winged petioles, and are borne singly or in twos or 

threes. Each leaf contains three to five oval, pointed, slightly serrated leaflets that measure 4 to 10 

centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) long by 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) wide. Terminal leaflets contain long 

petioles. New leaves are glossy and pinkish-maroon in color. Flowers are borne in axillary cymes on young 

branchlets. Each cluster contains four to seven flowers. The waxy, fragrant, showy flowers are citrus-like in 

appearance and 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) wide. Individual flowers contain both male and female reproductive 

organs, four to five recurved petals that are green outside and yellowish inside or greenish-white, 5 hairy 

sepals, and numerous stamens. Grey-green to yellowish fruit is a round, pyriform, oval or oblong berry that

is gourd-like in appearance, and measures 5 to 20 centimeters (2 to 8 inches) in diameter. Immature fruit is 

green in color. The rind of unripened fruit is soft, smooth and thin. Mature fruit contain a thin to moderately 

thick, hard, brittle, smooth, tough, woody shell with oil glands. Within the fruit, there is a hard central core. 

Inside the core, there are eight to 20 triangular segments with thin, dark-orange walls. Segments are filled 

with yellow to pale orange pulp that is pasty, soft, mucilaginous, slimy, sticky or doughy. Six to 15 seeds are 

contained within the pulp and each is enclosed in a mucilaginous sac. Seeds are flattened-oblong, hairy, and 

1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in length. The flavor is sweet, aromatic, resinous, or astringent (JANICK, 

BARWICK, MORTON, MISRA, PARMAR, TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: The main flowering occurs from early to mid-spring; in India, flowering occurs from 

April to May after new leaves appear. Flowering can occur intermittently all year. Fruit are 

harvested 10 to 11 months after flowering. In many areas, fruit are harvested from late spring to 

early summer. In India, fruiting occurs from March to June, with a peak from May to June. 

However, fruit can be harvested in January before fruit is fully ripened. The highest yields occur in 

15 years. Trees produce fruit in 6 to 7 years from seed and 5 years from grafts (JANICK, 

BARWICK, MORTON, PARMAR).

b. Cultivation: Requires subtropical areas with full sun, altitudes of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) and 

fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 5 to 8. Thrives in the dry, hilly forests of India, dry and humid 

lowland woodlands, and mixed deciduous and dry dipterocarp forests of former French Indochina. 

For good production, a long dry season is preferred. Tolerant of extreme temperatures (7 to 49 °C or 

20 to 120 °F), drought, high and low pH, and various soil types including rocky soils, oolitic 

limestone, and poorly drained soils. Propagation is by seed, grafting, budding, air layering,

marcottage, and cuttings. Seeds should be planted directly after being removed from the fruit. Most 

trees grow wild. Grown on a large scale only on the subcontinent. Main cultivation is in India. Fruit 

is grown commercially from non-formal plantings. Trees should be spaced 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 

feet) apart. Cultivated fruit can be trained, pruned, irrigated and fertilized. Fruit are harvested when 

the peel is yellowish-green in color and the stem separates from the fruit. Then fruit is stored for 8 

days until the green color fades. In addition, fruit can be harvested 2 to 3 months before color 

development and exposed to ethylene. Fruit storage is 2 weeks at 30 °C (86 °F) or 4 months at 9 °C

(48.2 °F) (JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, MISRA, TRADE WINDS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fresh fruit, processed fruit and beverages made from the fruit are 

sold commercially in India and Southeast Asian countries. Leaves are harvested and sold 

commercially during late summer. Young fruit are sliced horizontally, sun-dried, and sold in local 
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18

markets for medicinal purposes; exported to Malaya and Europe (JANICK, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit pulp is consumed fresh or processed. Fresh fruit is consumed by 

cutting the fruit in half and sprinkling palm sugar on the pulp; consumed for breakfast. Fruit is 

processed as nectar. In India, pulp is beaten with milk and sugar to create a drink. A drink is also 

prepared by combining the pulp with tamarind. Pulp is used to make sherbet, jelly, beverages,

preserves, syrup, and toffee. Ripe pulp is pickled. Unripe fruit is made into jam. Young leaves and 

shoots are eaten as a vegetable and seasoning. An infusion of the flowers is used in drinks (JANICK, 

MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit contains vitamin A, vitamin C and pectin. Pulp is rich in riboflavin

and protein. The peel contains tannins. (JANICK, MISRA, PARMAR).

f. Medicinal aspects: In many areas, the plant is used more for medicinal purposes than food 

purposes. Fruit, bark, leaves and flowers are used for various medicinal purposes in Asia. Immature 

fruit is boiled, strained, sweetened and consumed to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, 

tuberculosis, digestive issues, skin conditions, and sleeping problems; ripe fruit is used as a laxative 

and aphrodisiac. Many claim the fruit aids the heart and brain. Oil from the seeds is used as a 

purgative. Leaf juice is used to reduce fever and alleviate asthma; flowers are prepared into an eye 

lotion; a decoction of the bark is used to treat malaria; the root is used for a wide variety of 

conditions; fruit, roots, and leaves have antibiotic activity (JANICK, BARWICK, MISRA).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida; no yield data is available (JANICK).

5. Other commercial production regions: India, Burma, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Java, 

Thailand, Egypt, Surinam, Trinidad, Myanmar; cultivated in Malesia region (includes Indonesia, Malaysia, 

Papua New Guinea, Philippines). Trees can produce 150 to 200 fruit per year. Superior cultivars can 

produce 400 to 1,000 fruit per year (GRIN, JANICK, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit; essential oils are extracted from the rind and flowers and used to make perfume and soap;

gum/resin, and glue is made from the sap; fruit are used to make paint; ornamental, medicinal purposes;

dried shells of the fruit are made into decorative boxes; the rind is used to produce a yellow dye; wood is 

used to make small objects; honey plant; leaves and flowers are consumed; bark is used as a fish poison;

leaves and twigs are used for fodder; leaves are used as religious offerings (GRIN, JANICK, BARWICK, 

MORTON, PARMAR).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, MISRA, PARMAR, TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: AELMA
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043

1. Banana

Musaceae

Musa spp. [(syn: Musa martinii Van Geert, Musa paradisiaca subsp. seminifera (Lour.) K. Schum., 

Musa seminifera Lour. (GRIN))]

1. Banana, Dwarf [(Banano, Guineo niño, banana, bungulan, bananier, bananier nain, Banane, 

Zwergbanane, banana-nanica, nanicão, plátano, Cavendish banana, Chinese banana (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Musa acuminata Colla [(syn: Musa cavendishii Lamb., Musa chinensis Sweet, nom. nud., Musa 

nana Lour., Musa sapientum var. suaveolens (Blanco) Malag., Musa sinensis Sagot ex Baker, Musa zebrina

Van Houtte ex Planch. (GRIN))] 

1. Plantain [(banana, French plantain, bananier, Banane, Mehlbanane, banana-caturra, banana-da-terra, 

banana-de-São-Tomé, banana-macã, banana-ouro, banana-prata, banano (GRIN))]

Musa x paradisiaca L. [(syn: Musa dacca Horan., Musa paradisiaca var. dacca (Horan.) Baker ex 

K. Schum., Musa paradisiaca subsp. sapientum (L.) Kuntze, Musa rosacea Jacq., Musa sapientum

L. (GRIN))]

2. Musa spp. are fast-growing, giant perennial herbs that reach a height of 2 to 15 meters (7 to 49 feet). The 

largest perennial herb in the world. Native to Southeast Asia or Malesia (Malaysia, Indonesia, the 

Philippines, Borneo, and Papua New Guinea). First domesticated in Southeast Asia. All cultivars of 

bananas and plantains were developed from intra- and interspecific crosses of Musa acuminata and Musa 

balbisiana. Classification of cultivars depends on the ploidy level and contribution of genomes of both 

species. Musa spp. (banana) includes all wild species, landraces and cultivars. Musa spp. is divided into 

dessert bananas, cooking bananas, beer bananas, and plantains. Bananas have been used as fertility and 

prosperity symbols for many centuries in countries including India and China. The banana is considered a 

sacred fruit in India. Used as a crop in Papua New Guinea since 5000 BCE. The plant contains an 

underground corm (which is the real Musa stem) that produces suckers and adventitious roots. The corm

contains many leaf scars that form rings. Each leaf scar on the corm contains a bud that can develop into a 

sucker. Suckers, or lateral shoots become the source of conventional planting material for farmers. Each 

true stem bears flowers and fruit only once. The pseudostem grows from the corm and consists of encircling 

leaf sheaths that carry the leaves. The meristem of the plant is located near the soil level. Leaves form from 

the apical meristem and emerge from the middle of the pseudostem. The two types of leaves that can form 

are scale leaves and foliage leaves. Scale leaves are almost without lamina and are formed underground on 

buds. Foliage leaves contain a sheath, petiole, midrib and lamina. These leaves are large, mid-gray, green, 

green with maroon splotches, or green on the upperside and reddish purple underneath, tender, smooth, 

oblong or elliptic in shape, sometimes waxy, and up to 3 meters (9 feet) long by 0.6 meter (2 feet) wide. 

Petioles are fleshy, deeply grooved, and short. Each plant contains 4 to 15 spirally-arranged leaves. In good 

conditions, new leaves emerge every 7 to 10 days until flowering. When flowering begins, the apical 

meristem turns into an inflorescence. The inflorescence emerges as a terminal spike from the pseudostem at 

the top of the plant. Most bananas and French plantains contain pendant bunches. All bananas have a 

complete inflorescence with 12 to 20 flowers per hand. A complete inflorescence contains female flowers, 

neutral flowers and a male bud. Before opening, the male bud is large, long-oval, tapering, and purple to 

reddish-purple in color. Male buds occur at the end of the inflorescence and contain bracts that cover two 

rows of male flowers. Male flowers contain a short, slender ovary, a slender style and stigma, and 

well-developed stamens that do not usually produce pollen. Female flowers consist of a large ovary with 

approximately 300 ovules, a style with a six-lobed stigma, stamens or staminodes and a perianth. Only 

female parts develop fully. These flowers are located on the lower 5 to 15 rows. Neutral flowers follow 

female flowers on the inflorescence and do not develop into fruit. In addition, stamens do not produce pollen. 

Individual yellow, white, or cream-colored flowers are large, slim, tubular, toothed, and clustered in whorled 

double rows along the stalk. The rachis (fruit stalk) attaches the inflorescence to the pseudostem. Almost all 

Musa cultivars are triploids, do not require pollination for fruit production, and are sterile. Inedible wild 

banana fruit require pollination from bats, honeybees and birds. Clusters of fruit (also known as “hands” of 

bananas) develop from the female flowers. Fruit bunches consist of 5 to 10 hands that bear 65 to 155 fruit. 
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When immature, fruit resemble skinny, green fingers. As the bananas develop, the stalk droops until the 

bunch turns upside down. The yellow, red or green-and-white-striped fruit is a berry that is oblong, 

cylindrical and blunt to 3-angled, curved, and hornlike in shape, and 6.4 to 30.5 centimeters (2.5 to 12 inches)

long by 2 to 5 centimeters (0.75 to 2 inches) wide. The peel is smooth and thin. The pulp is ivory-white, 

yellow or salmon-yellow in color. When unripe, pulp is firm, and may contain latex. When ripe, pulp is 

tender, slippery and soft. The flavor may be astringent when unripe and mild, sweet, subacid, dry and mealy 

or starchy when ripe. Triploid cultivars do not contain seeds. Wild banana fruit contain black, hard, rounded 

to angled seeds that measure 0.3 to 1.6 centimeter (0.125 to 0.625 inch) wide. Banana and plantain are 

considered the most important fruit crop in the world and the seventh most important food crop in the tropics. 

Major source of income for farmers.

 Dwarf banana grows to a height of 1.2 to 8 meters (4 to 26 feet). Native to Southeast Asia and Northern 

Queensland, Australia. The smallest well-known banana. The trunk is slender. The root system is extensive 

to prevent plants from blowing over in high winds. The outer sheaths contain streaks or patches that are 

dark-brown or reddish-brown. Leaves are yellowish and non-waxy. Fruit is usually produced without 

fertilization. Greenish, yellow, orange, or red fruit is small, 6 to 35 centimeters (2 to 14 inches) long and 2.5 

to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) in diameter. Fruit bunches are usually small and contain 10 to 150 or more 

fruit per cluster. The peel is smooth and thin. Pulp is white, yellow or orange in color. The flavor is sweet 

to starchy. Fruit can contain seeds. There are many varieties of dwarf bananas. Musa acuminata is 

considered the most important diploid species because it is the source of fruit parthenocarpy, has the widest 

distribution in Asia and a center of origin and diversification in Indonesia. Most commercial cultivars 

belong to the species Musa acuminata or Musa x paradisiaca.

 Plantains grow up to 15 meters (49 feet) high. Native to Southeast Asia. A polyploidy species. Fruit are 

produced without pollination. Plantain types are classified according to the inflorescence type and include: 

French, French Horn, Flase Horn and True Horn. True Horn types do not contain neutral flowers and only 

contain one to five hands and one to 50 fruit. French plantains contain both neutral flowers and male buds, 

six to 12 hands and 60 to 170 fruit. French plantains contain pendant flower bunches and other plantain 

cultivars consist of sub-horizontal or horizontal flower bunches. Plantains are also grouped into giant, 

medium and small according to pseudostem height and the total number of foliage leaves produced until 

flowering. Compared to other Musa spp., plantain fruit are larger and more angular. Fruit are used mostly

for cooking (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, NAKASONE, CRFG).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering can occur during any time of the year. The growth cycle of the plant depends 

on planting time, nutrition, maturity, location, and cultivar. Small cultivars flower earlier. The plant 

requires 10 to 15 months to produce a flower stalk. Fruit-filling occurs from the time of flowering to 

harvest and takes from 3 to 4 months in lowlands to up to 6 months in the mid-altitudes or highlands. 

Ripening occurs from when the fruit reaches its full size until the peel turns yellow. This takes 

approximately 2 weeks. Fruit production occurs in 12 months after planting. Fruit is produced 

year-round (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CRFG, NAKASONE).

b. Cultivation: Banana, dwarf banana, and plantain are grown in the warm, humid, tropical lowlands

and subtropics from sea level to altitudes of 1,000 to 2,100 meters (3,281 to 6,890 feet). Some dwarf 

cultivars can tolerate elevations up to 1,616 meters (5,302 feet). Bananas, dwarf bananas, and 

plantains prefer temperatures of 25 to 30 °C (77 to 86 °F), full sun, at least 100 millimeters (4 inches)

of rainfall monthly, and flat, deep, non-compacted, well-drained loam, with high water-holding 

capacity, high fertility, high organic matter, a pH of 5.8 to 6.5, and low salinity. Alluvial soils, sands 

and clays are also ideal for growing bananas. Plants do not prefer temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F)

and above 38 °C (100 °F), dry seasons lasting more than 3 months, and windy conditions. Cool 

weather and drought disrupt growth. Bananas, dwarf bananas and plantains are sensitive to frost. 

Banana seeds are only used in breeding programs. Water suckers that contain small, broad leaves 

and small corms are used as a source of planting material in the field. The perennial crop is 

harvested by leaving the lower parts of the plant and roots uncut during harvesting. A ratoon, or 

sucker is formed after the plant is harvested. This technique allows for the production of succeeding 
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generations of crops. Once suckers are planted, the first growth occurs in the roots. Adventitious 

roots grow over 40 centimeters (16 inches) before leaves appear. Another method of propagation in 

commercial plantations is shoot tip culture. Tissue culture micropropagation is used to produce 

clones. Planting time depends on desired time of harvest, but is usually done at the end of the dry 

season or beginning of the wet season. In Puerto Rico, plantains are planted monthly year round. In 

commercial plantations in the tropics, there should be approximately 1,667 banana plants per 

hectare or a spacing of 6 m2 per plant (3 meters (10 feet) between rows and 2 meters (7 feet) among 

plants within rows). In the subtropics, banana planting density should be approximately 2,000 

plants per hectare. The spacing of many dwarf cultivars ranges from 3 by 2 meters to 5 by 4 meters 

(10 by 6 feet to 15 by 12 feet). In Puerto Rico, 1,235 to 1,976 plantain plants per hectare are grown 

in plantations. Mulching aids root development. The application of inorganic fertilizers is

important during plant growth. Weeds, infected leaves and excess suckers should be removed to 

prevent competition. Cooking bananas and plantains not grown in plantations are not usually 

thinned. Wind breaks should be planted in plantations to protect trees. Trees in plantations should 

be propped. Polyethylene bagging is used to prevent fruit loss due to insect damage, bat damage, 

and leaf scarring. Fruit for export are harvested when fruit are immature and contain a green peel. 

The bunch is cut from the pseudostem using a curved knife. The fruit are transported in plastic bags 

to the packing room where the fruit are washed, rinsed, treated to prevent fungus growth, graded for 

size and quality and packed. Fruit are then ripened with ethylene at a rate of 1,000 ppm for 24 hours 

at temperatures of 13 °C (55 °F) to 18 °C (64 °F) with 90% humidity. Plantain ripening occurs in 4 

to 5 days when stored at 13 to 22 °C (56 to 72 °F), 95 to 100% relative humidity and exposed to 

ethylene gas once. If stored at room temperature, plantain fruit will ripen in 9 days from harvest

(PERENNIAL, MORTON, JANICK, CRFG, NAKASONE).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit has been consumed locally and exported for centuries. Gros 

Michel and Cavendish cultivars are the most important cultivars for worldwide export trade. Due to 

disease problems with other cultivars, Cavendish cultivars provide almost all export dessert bananas. 

Fruit is sold canned, dried, frozen, extracted, puréed, and fermented. Plantains are sold canned, 

frozen, dried, and in mixes; plantain chips are widely sold (MORTON, JANICK, NAKASONE).

d. Preparation for cooking: Dessert bananas are peeled and consumed fresh; mostly eaten as a 

dessert in the northern hemisphere. Fruit are added to fruit salads and sandwiches; used as a snack, 

smoothie, or meal. Fruit can be consumed whole, sliced or mashed; baked, boiled or broiled and 

served with meat; fruit are sliced and cooked with lemon juice and sugar to make jam, syrup or sauce; 

spiced. In the South Pacific, unpeeled or peeled unripe fruit are baked whole. Fruit is pureed and 

used in baby foods, baked goods, ice cream, yogurts, or beverages. Fruit can be canned and frozen; 

also made into beer and wine. Dwarf banana pulp is consumed fresh and cooked. Dwarf banana 

fruit are the most preferred for drying. Plantains are a type of cooking banana where fruit remain 

starchy after ripening; usually processed before consumption. Fruit are usually peeled, wrapped up 

in Musa leaves, cooked whole or grated, and mixed with coconut milk. Cooking bananas and 

plantains are fried, grilled, boiled or stewed. Ripe plantains are allowed to ripen until the skin has 

turned black, peeled, sliced, and fried in olive oil. A common dish in the Caribbean is made by 

boiling and mashing ripe plantains, and adding eggs, flour, butter, milk and cloves. This mixture is 

added to a casserole with beef and cheese; many other dishes are made from plantains. Fruit are 

stored by drying; fruit are also ground into flour that is later used for bread. Ripe fruit are used to 

make banana ketchup in the Philippines. Fruit can also be consumed raw when ripe. Fruit are 

canned and frozen. Dried green plantains can be ground, roasted and used as a substitute for coffee.

 In India and Ethiopia, the heart of the banana stem is consumed as a delicacy; stems are canned, 

added to curry sauce, candied, or consumed as a vegetable; corms are consumed as a vegetable; ash 

from burned leaves and stems are used as a seasoning in curries; in the Far East and Sri Lanka, the 

male buds are consumed in salads; in Southeast Asia, flowers are soaked in salt water, boiled, and 

consumed as a vegetable; may also be consumed in curries, or eaten with palm oil. A clear liquid 

called banana essence is added to desserts, juices and drinks (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL
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GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, NAKASONE). 

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit is a staple food that is high in potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, 

vitamin B6, and carbohydrates; considered an energy food; contains starch and sugars. Fruit are 

easily digestible, low in fat, and contain no cholesterol; fruit neutralize acid in the stomach. 

Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are found in the fruit (JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, NAKASONE, MORTON). 

f. Medicinal aspects: The entire plant has medicinal purposes; flowers are used to aid bronchitis, 

dysentery, diabetes and ulcers; sap is used to cure hysteria, epilepsy, leprosy, fevers, insect bites, 

hemorrhages, and diarrhea; leaves are used to aid burns; ashes of the peel and leaves are used to cure 

dysentery and ulcers; roots are used to cure digestive problems; seeds are used to cure diarrhea. The 

ripe peel and pulp of bananas contain antifungal and antibiotic principles (MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Grown commercially in the U.S. in Hawaii, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto

Rico, with some small plantings in south Florida, Texas and California. 

 According to FAOSTAT, the United States produced 7,890 tonnes (8,697 tons) of bananas in 2008. 

According to NASS, in 2008, Hawaii produced 7,893 tonnes (17.4 million pounds) of bananas for the fresh 

market. In 2008, Hawaii grew approximately 526 hectares (1,300 acres) of bananas. According to the 

USDA, in 2007, Florida grew 113 hectares (280 acres) of bananas, California grew 18 hectares (44 acres) of 

bananas, and Texas grew 2.5 hectares (6 acres) of bananas. According to the USDA, in 2007 in Puerto Rico, 

there were 5,505,051 total banana trees and 373,667,000 bananas were harvested. According to the USDA, 

in Guam in 2007, there were 108 tonnes (238,246 pounds) of bananas (all types) harvested and there were 

13,673 trees of bearing age. According to the USDA, in the Virgin Islands in 2007, there were 44 tonnes

(95,924 pounds) of bananas harvested and there were 5,291 trees of bearing age.

 Plantains are produced in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands; some production occurs in Florida.

 According to the USDA, in 2007 in Puerto Rico, there were 16,524,666 total plantain trees and 

249,948,000 plantains were harvested. According to the USDA, in the Virgin Islands in 2007, there were 13 

tonnes (27,763 pounds) of plantains harvested and there were 1,738 trees of bearing age (USDA, FAOSTAT, 

NASS, GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Latin America; major producing countries include Brazil,

Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, Honduras, Panama and Costa Rica; Africa; major producing 

countries include: Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Côte 

d’Ivoire; Egypt, India, China, Australia, Israel, the Canary Islands, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Asia, the 

Middle East, the Pacific islands including the Philippines, the Caribbean, Martinique, Guadeloupe and

Western Samoa. Ornamental plants and plants grown for fiber are grown in Pakistan, Burma, the 

Philippines, and Ethiopia. Dwarf bananas are produced in Colombia, Brazil, east tropical Africa (Tanzania), 

China, India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Myanmar, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Australia,

the West Indies; widely cultivated. Plantains are widely cultivated in Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, 

Dominican Republic and Ghana. 

 According to FAOSTAT, world production of bananas in 2008 was approximately 90,705,922 tonnes

(99,705,922 tons)). According to FAOSTAT, the top five production countries for banana in 2007 were 

India (21,766,400 tonnes (23,993,348 tons)), China (8,038,729 tonnes (8,861,182 tons)), the Philippines 

(7,484,073 tonnes (8,249,778 tons)), Brazil (7,098,350 tonnes (7,824,591 tons)), and Ecuador (6,002,302 

tonnes (6,616,405 tons)). World plantain production in 2008 was 34,343,343 tonnes (37,857,055 tons)

(GRIN, JANICK, FAOSTAT, MORTON). 

6. Use: Fruit is consumed fresh, cooked, or processed; leaves are used to wrap and cook food; also used as

roofing materials, umbrellas or organic plates; flowers are consumed and used in floral arrangements; heart 

of the stem is consumed as a delicacy; pseudostems are used to make dams; also used as livestock feed; 

fibers are used to make straps, clothing, hats, fishing nets, materials for car fittings;, partitions, and 

banknotes; seed are used to make necklaces; non-edible Musa species are grown as ornamental plants or 

plants for fiber; dried banana peel is used to blacken leather; ash from the dried peel is used to make soap and 

dye; plant sap is used as an emergency beverage. Dwarf banana is used as a beverage base, fruit, vegetable; 
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related to A-genome bananas; wax; container plant. Plantains are used as a beverage base, fruit, and starch; 

medicinal purposes; in Colombia, plantain fruits and plants are used as animal feed (GRIN, CRFG,

MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Internal pulp. The whole green plantain fruit can be ground into flour.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit for both. Banana: Field residue data on both bagged and 

unbagged bananas should be provided. The required number of field trials may be split between bagged and 

unbagged bananas. Alternatively, one sample each of bagged and unbagged bananas may be taken from 

each site. For establishing tolerances, data are required on the whole commodity including peel after 

removing and discarding crown tissue and stalk. Residue data on just the banana pulp may be provided for 

purposes of dietary risk assessment: Banana tolerance will cover plantain.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0327 for banana; FI 0328 for dwarf banana and FI 0354 for plantain) 

Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Banana = Banana, Plantain

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

MORTON, NAKASONE, CRFG, USDA, FAOSTAT, NASS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 3, 10 and 13 (primarily 13). 

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MUBSS (Musa spp. = Banana tree), MUBAC (M. acuminata = Dwarf banana tree), 

MUBPK (M. x paradisiaca = Plantain, French plantain)
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1. Binjai [(wani, beluno (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Mangifera caesia Jack [(syn: Mangifera verticillata C. B. Rob. (GRIN))]

2. A large deciduous tree that grows to a height of 20 to 45 meters (66 to 148 feet). Native to Southeast Asia, 

specifically Borneo. One of the most common mango species in Western Malesia. The trunk is straight and 

50 to 120 centimeters (20 to 47 inches) or more in diameter. The bark is grey to greyish-brown in color, 

fissured and contains pale yellow sap that is irritating to the skin. Bark strips are glossy, hard, smooth and 

pale. Branches are large. The crown is dense and is shaped like a dome. Medium green leaves are shiny on 

the upper surface, leathery, blunt or tapered to a sharp point, elliptic, lanceolate, or obovate in shape, 7 to 30 

centimeters (3 to 12 inches) long and 3 to 10 centimeters (1.2 to 4 inches) wide. Petioles are short, flattened 

and 1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1 inch) long. Leaves are located at the ends of branchlets. The inflorescence 

is a densely flowered, branched terminal panicle that is 15 to 40 centimeters (6 to 16 inches) long. Individual 

pale pink, blue or lilac flowers are fragrant. Each flower contains slightly reflexed linear petals that are up to 

1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long, five sepals, a stamen, a 0.5 centimeter (0.2 inch) long filament, 4 teeth-like 

staminodes, an ovary and style. Light brown, pale-green, yellowish or yellowish-brown fruit is an 

obovate-oblong, elliptical, subellipsoid, oval or pear-shaped drupe that is necked at the base, 10 to 20 

centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long and 6 to 7 centimeters (2.4 to 2.8 inches) in diameter. The skin is very thin 

(approximately 0.1 centimeters (0.04 inch) thick), smooth, glossy or slightly scaly. The pulp is whitish to 

yellowish-white in color, soft, juicy, and fibrous. The flavor is sweet or sour and resembles a mixture of 

mango and pineapple. The large, pinkish-brown seed is ellipsoid-lanceolate in shape, and 7 centimeters (3 

inches) long by 3.5 to 4 centimeters (1.4 to 1.6 inches) wide. The seed is contained in matted fibers. Mature 

fruit produce a strong, disagreeable smell. The ‘wani’ cultivars contain pear to ellipsoid shaped fruit that 

have a glossy pale green skin and pulp that is nearly fiberless and sweet. Fruit of this cultivar are 9 to 11 

centimeters (3.5 to 4.3 inches) long by 6 To 7 centimeters (2.4 to 2.8 inches) wide. Wild fruit are acidic and 

fibrous. The juice of immature fruit are irritating to skin and the digestive tract (PERENNIAL, 

FRUITIPEDIA, WIKIPEDIA, TRADE WINDS, MORTON, KOSTERMANS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruit ripen 3 months after anthesis (FRUITIPEDIA).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical lowlands or gentle sloped land and a monsoon climate. Also 

grown in wet, evergreen, tropical lowland forests. Grows well up to an elevation of 400 meters 

(1,312 feet). Prefers sandy clay soils and evenly distributed rainfall. Tolerates temporary flooding. 

Propagation is by seed. Plant spacing should be 12 to 16 meters (39 to 52 feet). Widely cultivated in 

Southeast Asia (PERENNIAL, WIKIPEDIA, KOSTERMANS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit of the beluno and wani cultivars are sold at high prices in 

local markets in Malaya and Singapore (FRUITIPEDIA, MORTON, KOSTERMANS).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit pulp of green or ripe fruit can be consumed fresh, cooked, or 

preserved. Fruit is often used to make a spice that is based on chillies (called sambal) and is eaten 

with fish. Fruit is commonly eaten with chili and soy sauce. Pulp of ripe fruit can be pickled or 

preserved with salt. In Bali, fruit are used to make creamy juices. The seed is edible; young leaves 

are edible and are consumed raw (PERENNIAL, FRUITIPEDIA, MORTON, KOSTERMANS).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit pulp contains vitamin A and 58 milligrams of vitamin C (PERENNIAL, 

FRUITIPEDIA).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Southeast Asia including Thailand, region of Malesia (Brunei, Indonesia, 

Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore); naturally grown in Sumatra, Borneo, and 

Malaysia; cultivated in Bali, Thailand and Java. A single tree can produce thousands of fruits; no yield data 

is available (GRIN, PERENNIAL, FRUITIPEDIA).
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6. Use: Fruit, wood (GRIN, FRUITIPEDIA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit flesh

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, FRUITIPEDIA, WIKIPEDIA, TRADE WINDS, 

MORTON, KOSTERMANS.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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071

1. Biriba [(Wild sweetsop, cachiman montagne, cachiman crème, Schleimapfel, biribarana, anona, 

cachimán, candón, cherimoya (GRIN))]

Annonaceae

Annona mucosa Jacq. [(syn: Rollinia deliciosa Saff., Rollinia jimenezii Saff., Rollinia mucosa (Jacq.) 

Baill., Rollinia orthopetala A. DC., Rollinia pulchrinervia A. DC., Rollinia sieberi A. DC. (GRIN))]

2. A small to medium, deciduous, fast-growing tree that grows to a height of 4 to 15 meters (13 to 49 feet). 

Native to Central and South America and the West Indies. Cultivated during pre-Columbian times. One of 

the most popular fruit grown in Western Amazonia. The trunk is short, thick, and grey in color. The canopy

is round or conic in shape. Branches are open and spreading. Twigs are brown and hairy. Glossy green 

leaves are alternate, simple, leathery, pubescent underneath, oblong, ovate-oblong, oblong-elliptic or elliptic 

in shape, pointed at the apex, rounded at the base, slightly folded, and 10 to 35 centimeters (4 to 14 inches)

long by 5 to 12 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) wide. The petiole is yellowish and 0.5 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 

inch) long. Young growth is rusty, silky, hairy, and yellowish-green in color. Inconspicuous 

yellowish-green to whitish flowers are 3.5 centimeters (1.4 inches) wide, borne 1 to 3 or more together in the 

leaf axils and triangular in shape. Each flower contains 3 large, thick, winged outer petals, 3 inner petals, 3 

hairy sepals, male and female reproductive organs, many stamens and pistils. Flowers are contained on large 

stalks. Fruit is a syncarp (compound fruit) that is formed from the fusion of pistils and is composed of many 

segments that each end in a point. Each segment contains a brown, elliptic seed and pulp. Fruits are yellow 

with black tipped points, solitary, variable in shape, size, consistency, and pericarp and measure 10 to 20 

centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long, 7 to 20 centimeters (3 to 8 inches) in diameter, and 200 to 1,000 grams (7 to 

35 ounces) in weight. Most fruit are spherical, conical, heart-shaped, oblate, or oblong in shape. The rind is

0.3 centimeter (0.125 inch) thick, leathery, tough, sometimes bumpy, and is composed of hexagonal, conical 

segments that are tipped with a wart-like or soft spine protrusion. Pulp is white in color, juicy, mucilaginous, 

transparent, and creamy. Fruit contain a slender, white core with numerous seeds. Seeds are black to 

dark-brown, elliptic to obovate in shape, shiny, and 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inch) long. The flavor is 

sweet, sweet-sour, slightly acidic or bland. Some describe the flavor as resembling lemon sherbet or lemon 

meringue pie. Immature fruit is whitish-green in color. Fruit is popular because of its unique flavor, large 

quantity of pulp, and fruit size. Wild populations of the tree are threatened by deforestation (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, FRUITIPEDIA, TOP TROPICALS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In some areas, flowering takes place once per year and occurs after leaf fall. In other 

areas, flowering occurs during winter and summer. In Amazonia, flowering and fruiting can occur 

off and on during the year. Flowering occurs from April to May in Florida, from June to September 

(low rainfall season) in the Central Amazon, and from February to July in Costa Rica. Fruit mature 

from October to May in the Amazonas, from February to Mach in Rio de Janeiro, from June to 

November in Costa Rica, and from November to December in Florida. Fruit matures in 

approximately 90 days. Fruiting occurs in 3 to 4 years from seed (MORTON, PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, BARWICK, FRUITIPEDIA).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid tropical lowlands. Trees thrive where there is a short, dry 

season, an average rainfall above 6 centimeters (2 inches) during July and August and over 30 

centimeters (12 inches) during January to March. Prefers full sun, an annual rainfall of 270 

centimeters (106 inches), an annual average temperature of 26 °C (79 °F), deep, acidic soil with high 

organic matter and good drainage, and elevations up to 600 meters (2,000 feet). Its natural habitat is 

lowland, humid limestone forests. Tolerates poor, heavy-textured soils, yellow oxisols, lowlands 

subject to flooding along the Amazon, and some shade. In its native environment, temperatures 

never go below 18 °C (64 °F) during the coldest months; does not tolerate frost. Propagation is by 

seed, layering and grafting. Seeds are planted directly after obtaining from fruit. Germination 

occurs in approximately 30 days. Trees require a spacing of 8 meters (26 feet) for proper 

development. To promote growth, fertilizer should be applied. Fruits are harvested in South 

America when green and hard for transportation to urban markets. Fruit must be harvested and 
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27

handled carefully; darkening occurs when injured. The shelf life of the fruit is short and lasts 2 to 3 

days. Cooling can extend shelf life by up to one week. Widely grown throughout the Amazon 

region; not commercially exploited. Grown mostly in home gardens, urban yards and small farms. 

Commercial cultivation is recommended around big cities (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, 

MORTON, FRUITIPEDIA).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is sold per unit at fresh fruit markets or street vendors in the 

Central Amazon; widely marketed in Peru and Brazil (JANICK, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh; used in desserts. Locals in the Amazon blend 

the fruit into a juice with or without milk. In Brazil, fruit can be fermented to make wine

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit pulp is rich in vitamin C. (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Both the fruit and seeds contain acetogenens and alkaloids that may act as 

anti-tumor agents. These substances may also inhibit platelet aggregations. Fruit is used to reduce 

fevers and cure scurvy; used as a stimulant. Seeds are a remedy for enterocolitis (JANICK, 

MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico, South Florida; no yield data is available (MORTON, PERENNIAL).

5. Other production regions: South America including Northeastern Brazil, Peru, Northern Argentina, 

Paraguay, Guyana, Venezuela and Colombia; Central America, Southern Mexico, the Caribbean, the Lesser

Antilles, Trinidad and Hispaniola. Fifteen-year-old trees produce approximately 150 fruit per year. The first 

three harvests of trees produced approximately 45 fruit per tree (GRIN, MORTON, JANICK).

6. Use: Eaten fresh; genetic resource (natural genetic variability); medicinal purposes;

wood is used to make boats, masks and boxes; ornamental; seeds are used to make an insecticide 

(MARKLE,

JANICK, BARWICK, FRUITIPEDIA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp (MORTON).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: Sugar apple = Biriba

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, 

FRUITIPEDIA, TOP TROPICALS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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088

1. Breadfruit [(Pana de pepitas, Breadnut, Fruta de pan, arbre á pain, Brotfruchtbaum, fruta-pão, árbol del 

pan (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Moraceae

Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg [(syn: Artocarpus communis J. R. Forst. & G. Forst., 

Artocarpus incisus L. f., Sitodium altile Parkinson (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. An attractive, fast-growing tree that reaches a height of 15 to 30 meters (49 to 98 feet). Native to 

Southeast Asia and Polynesia. Cultivated in Malaya and the Pacific for over 3,000 years and considered a 

staple food in Polynesia. The trunk is straight, buttressed at the base, and grows to a diameter of 2 meters (7 

feet). Branches are thick to slender and spreading. The crown is broad. The tree grows as an evergreen in 

humid, wet areas and as a partially deciduous tree during drought or the dry part of a monsoon climate. Dark 

green leaves are alternate, shiny, hairy on the underside, broadly ovate to broadly obovate in shape, deeply 

cut into 5 to 13 pointed lobes, 20 to 90 centimeters (8 to 35 inches) long, and 20 to 51 centimeters (8 to 20 

inches) wide. Petioles are thick, yellow and 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) long. Male and female inflorescences 

are borne on 4 to 15 centimeter (2 to 6 inch) peduncles in separate leaf axils on the same plant. The male 

inflorescence is long, drooping, spongy, cylindrical to club-shaped, 15 to 45 centimeters (6 to 18 inches) 

long, and 3 to 4 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) wide. It contains small, yellowish-green to brownish flowers 

with a single stamen. The female inflorescence is rounded to elliptic in shape, 6 centimeters (2 inches) long 

by 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) wide, and contains many tiny flowers on a spongy axis. Fruit develops from

the entire female inflorescence. Perianths of each flower attached to the core fuse together and become 

fleshy. Mature pale green or greenish yellow fruit is a syncarp (compound fruit) that is spherical, ovoid, 

pear-shaped, cylindrical or oblong in shape, 5 to 30 centimeters (2 to 12 inches) in diameter and 0.2 to 4.5 

kilograms (0.4 to 10 pounds) in weight. Fruit grows solitary or in clusters of 2 to 3 on 2.5 to 13 centimeter (1 

to 5 inch) long stalks at the ends of branches. The rind is thin, tough and netted with 4 to 6-sided faces. The 

surface of the rind may be smooth, rough, bumpy, or contain sharp, black points or soft, green spines that are 

0.3 centimeter (0.125 inch) long. Ripe fruit are yellow-brown. The core is cylindrical to oblong and is 

surrounded by pulp. Pulp is whitish or pale yellow in color and mealy. The flavor is starchy to sweet. There 

are seeded and seedless cultivars. The wild, seedy form of the fruit is called breadnut. This fruit contains 

skin that is covered in spines and 10 to 150 brown seeds that are irregularly oval-shaped and 2.5 centimeters 

(1 inch) long. The core, skin and flesh can exude white latex that becomes reddish brown or greenish when 

exposed to air. Latex is an indication of maturity. The fruit is an important food in the hot Tropics. Trees 

can live for up to 90 years (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

MORTON, RAGONE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In many locations, flowering occurs during summer and winter. In India, flowering 

occurs in March and fruits are harvested 3 months later. A period of drought followed by rainfall 

may be required for vegetative growth and flowering. In optimal environmental condtions, trees 

flower and fruit throughout the year. In some areas, the main crop is produced in summer and a 

second crop occurs in winter. In Hawaii, fruit are produced from July to February. Fruit are ripe 

from June to November in the Bahamas. Seeded fruit are produced once a year from December to 

March. Root suckers produce fruit in 3 to 5 years and seedling plants produce fruit in 8 to 10 years 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON). 

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet tropical lowlands. Grows on the Pacific Islands on shallow coral 

soils. Prefers 200 to 300 centimeters (79 to 118 inches) of rainfall per year, temperatures of 16 to 

38 °C (60 to 100 °F), full sun, and high humidity. Can be cultivated from sea level to 1,555 meters 

(5,100 feet). Tolerates many types of deep, fertile, well-drained soils; also tolerates saline 

conditions. Does not tolerate temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F). Propagation is by seeds, cuttings, 

root suckers, air layering, budding, and grafting. Seed should be planted as soon as it is removed 

from the fruit. Roots (1.5 to 6 centimeter (0.6 to 2 inch) diameter) are cut into 12 to 30 centimeter (5 

to 12 inch) long sections. Roots are planted horizontally below the surface or diagonally in clean, 

washed sand or moist potting soil. Trees should be planted 7 to 15 meters (23 to 49 feet) apart. 
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Rainfall and irrigation are needed during vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting. Pruning aids 

tree shape and fertilization aids growth. Fruit are harvested when mature and can be harvested at 

different growth stages for different uses. Mature green fruit are hard, starchy, fibrous and used as a 

starch vegetable; ripe, soft, sweet fruit are eaten as dessert. Latex should be drained from the fruit 

after harvest before washing is done. Fruits are graded according to size, packed and stored at 12 to 

14 °C (54 to 57 °F) in high humidity for 20 days; sold by weight. Grown as a subsistence crop in 

many areas of the world. Major production occurs on the Pacific and Caribbean islands 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fresh fruit and chips are sold in town markets in the Caribbean 

and Pacific Islands; shipped to specialty markets in the US, Europe and Canada; sold to ethnic 

markets; Hawaiian markets; commercially made into chips in Trinidad and Barbados; canned and 

shipped to Europe and America; seeds are sold by street vendors in Costa Rica (MORTON, 

RAGONE).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed when mature, firm and starchy. Most varieties of fruit 

are purgative if consumed raw; very few varieties can be eaten raw. Some varieties of fruit are 

boiled twice before eating. Immature fruit are consumed cooked as a starchy vegetable. Ripe fruit is 

consumed as a dessert and is used to make pies, cakes, and sweets; can also be used in savory dishes. 

The entire fruit can be baked, boiled, roasted, dried, pickled, stuffed, candied, steamed, prepared 

into chowder, soup, paste, porridge or pudding, stored in brine, or fried into chips. Fruit can be 

preserved by fermentation. Fruit are cooked, dried, and milled to make flour that is used in 

breadmaking. Used in Hawaii as a substitute for taro to make poi. Excess fruit are buried in leaves 

and preserved. Fruit absorb the flavor of other foods. Seeds of seedy fruit can be boiled in salt water, 

steamed, pureed or roasted and salted; consumed like chestnuts (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit pulp is an important source of carbohydrates, minerals including 

potassium and zinc, and vitamins A, B1 and C. The seeds are high in protein, low in fat and contain 

vitamins and minerals (BARWICK, VAN WYK, MORTON, RAGONE).

f. Medicinal aspects: Latex is used for medicinal purposes including skin diseases and diarrhea. A 

decoction of the leaves is used to lower blood pressure, treat certain infections and relieve asthma. 

Flowers are used for toothaches (JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Scattered dooryard trees in Hawaii and South Florida. Guam and the US Virgin 

Islands harvested 1.7 to 2.5 tonnes (3,720 and 5,535 lbs) in 1992, respectively (MARKLE).

5. Other commercial production regions: The Caribbean including Jamaica and tropical Pacific areas 

including the Philippines, Tropical Asia (Indonesia; Papua New Guinea), India, the lowlands of Central 

America and Northern South America, Mexico, Africa, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, northern Australia. Yield 

varies from 50 to 700 fruit per tree. Estimates range from 16 to 50 tonnes (18 to 55 tons) of fruit per hectare 

based on a density of 100 trees per hectare (GRIN, MORTON, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

RAGONE).

6. Use: Fruit, seeds. Dried leaves used for tea; male flower spikes are boiled, peeled and eaten as vegetables 

or candied; leaves and fallen fruit are fed to animals; latex is used for medicinal purposes, as a caulk, glue 

and chewing gum; wood for construction purposes; bark fiber for clothing; ornamental (GRIN, MARKLE, 

JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Edible portion is the interior starchy pulp of the fruit

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0329) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None
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10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, RAGONE.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ABFAL
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1. Burmese grape [(baccaurea (GRIN))]

Phyllanthaceae. Also placed in: Euphorbiaceae

Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. [(syn: Baccaurea sapida (Roxb.) Müll. Arg., Pierardia sapida Roxb.

(GRIN))]

2. A large, spreading, slow-growing evergreen tree with a dense, round crown growing to a height of 9 to 25 

meters (30 to 82 feet). Native to Southeast Asia. Thrives as an understory tree in tropical lowland forests.

Tree diameter is 25 to 70 centimeters (10 to 27.5 inches). The bark is thin and smooth or slightly flaking and 

pale cream or orange-brown in color. The shiny, dark-green leaves are simple, alternate, ovate to 

ovate-lanceolate in shape and 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long by 4 to 9 centimeters (1.5 to 3.5 

inches) wide. Young leaves are reddish brown and pubescent. The petiole is 1 to 8 centimeters (0.4 to 3 

inches) long and contains stipules. Red-pink inflorescences are borne on old branches and the trunk. Pale 

yellow male racemes are 3 to 13 centimeters (1.2 to 5 inches) long and composed of many 3-flowered hairy 

cymes, 4 to 5 sepals, and 4 to 8 stamens. Fragrant yellow female racemes are 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 

inches) long, borne on the lower trunk, contain 4 to 5 sepals, two-lobed stigmas, and are solitary or fascicled. 

Berry fruits are grown in strands that are 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) long. Fruit is 2.5 to 3.5 

centimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) in diameter and round or oval in shape. The skin is smooth. The pulp is whitish 

in color. Each fruit contains 2 to 4 large seeds. Fruits turn from ivory to yellowish, pinkish buff, purple or 

bright red in color. Fruits are sweet, sour, or acid in flavor. Fruits are consumed fresh, stewed or made into 

wine; the bark, roots, and wood are used medicinally and as a brown-red dye; wood is used for building 

purposes; ornamental. Use by local populations has led to overexploitation (WIKIPEDIA, MORTON, 

FRUITIPEDIA, BIOTIK, FAO, JANICK). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering is from February to March; fruiting time is from August to September. In 

India, flowering takes place during April to May and the fruits ripen during the rainy season. In 

Thailand, harvesting occurs from June to July (BIOTIK, FRUITIPEDIA, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Thrives in disturbed margins near streams, rain forests and humid evergreen forests 

in a deep moist soil with a wet climate and elevations of 50 to 1,700 meters (164 to 5,577 feet). 

Tolerates many types of soils. Propagated by seed, air layering, budding, and grafting. Fruit can be 

stored for 4 to 5 days at ambient temperatures (FRUITIPEDIA, BIOTIK, JANICK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is harvested, used and sold locally; the fruit has market 

value (BIOTIK, JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is peeled and eaten raw, stewed, salted for storage, or fermented 

into wine (FRUITIPEDIA, BIOTIK, JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit must be eaten sparingly, or vomiting may occur. The peel is a good 

source of pectin. Fruit is high in fiber and vitamin C (FAO, FRUITIPEDIA, JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit is used to treat skin diseases. The bark, roots, and wood are dried and 

ground before boiling in water and are used for medicinal purposes (BIOTIK, JANICK).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Laos, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Malacca, and 

northern Malaya. Cultivated in Nepal, India, Myanmar, South China, Indochina, Thailand, the Andaman 

Islands, and peninsular Malaysia. The tree is most commonly cultivated in India, Malaysia and home 

gardens. Fruit yield varies between 20 to 25 kg (44 to 55 pounds) per tree (GRIN, FAO, MORTON, 

FRUITIPEDIA, BIOTIK, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit, wine, medicinal purposes, wood, ornamental, dye (GRIN, FAO, BIOTIK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit (JANICK).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible pee

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, WIKIPEDIA, MORTON, FRUITIPEDIA, BIOTIK, ECOCROP, 

JANICK.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: BCCRF
Page	

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117

1. Canistel [(eggfruit-tree, yellow sapote (GRIN))]

Sapotaceae

Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni [(syn: Lucuma campechiana Kunth (basionym), Lucuma 

nervosa A. DC., Lucuma rivicoa var. angustifolia Miq., Lucuma salicifolia Kunth, Richardella 

nervosa (A. DC.) Pierre, Richardella salicifolia (Kunth) Pierre (GRIN))]

2. An upright to spreading evergreen tree growing to a height of 5 to 30 meters (16 to 98 feet). Native to 

southern Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. Grown by indigenous people for fruit and timber. 

The tree contains milky sap, a thick trunk that is 25 to 60 centimeters (10 to 24 inches) in diameter, brown to 

dark gray furrowed bark, a spreading crown, and velvety brown branches. Glossy, thin, papery leaves are 

simple, alternate, whorled at the ends of branches, elliptic, oblanceolate, lanceolate-oblong, obovate, or 

oblong in shape, 6 to 28 centimeters (2 to 11 inches) long and 2.5 to 8 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) wide. 

Small, fragrant, silky-hairy, greenish-white to cream colored tubular flowers are borne solitary, or in small 

clusters in the leaf axils or at leafless nodes on pedicels. Individual flowers contain both male and female 

reproductive organs, five sepals, a five to six-lobed green or white corolla, five stamens, and a hairy ovary 

with one stigma. Flowers measure 0.8 to 1.1 centimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inch) long. Flowers are pollinated by 

insects. Large, yellow or orange fruit is a berry that grows solitary on young shoots of the tree. Fruit varies 

in size from ovoid, rounded, or conical in shape, may contain a pointed apex, measures 4 to 12 centimeters 

(1.6 to 5 inches) in diameter, 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) in width, and weighs 70 to 715 grams (2.5 to 

25 ounces). Fruit may be bulged on one side and contains a 5-pointed calyx at the base. The peel is smooth, 

waxy or glossy and thin. Some fruit are coated with light-brown or reddish-brown russetting. Immature 

fruit is green in color and tough. Ripe fruit skin is easily damaged. Ripe pulp is bright yellow to orange in 

color, highly nutritious, very soft and creamy. Unripe pulp is dry, gummy and mealy, like a hard-boiled egg 

yolk. Fruit may contain 1 to 4 oval to oblong-oval glossy, brown, inedible seeds that measure 0.6 to 5 

centimeters (0.25 to 2.125 inches) long by 1.3 to 3 centimeters (0.5 to 1.25 inches) wide. The flavor is very 

sweet and can be musky; similar in flavor to a baked sweet potato (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, MORTON, ECOCROP).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In tropical areas, flowering can occur over an extended period or year-round. In Cuba, 

most flowering occurs from April to May. In Mexico, flowering occurs from January to June. 

Flowering in subtropical areas occurs during certain periods during the year. In Florida, flowering 

occurs from June to August. Flowering to harvest occurs in 5 to 6 months. Most fruiting occurs 

from late fall to winter. In the Bahamas, fruit mature from September to February. In Florida, fruit 

are harvested from November to March. In Cuba, fruiting can occur all year or from October to 

February. Fruit production occurs in 3 to 7 years from seed and 2 to 4 years from grafts 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Trees grow best in hot tropical lowlands with medium to high rainfall. Prefers 

elevations below 1,400 meters (4,593 feet). Trees also grow in warm subtropical areas with a 

monsoon climate that consists of pronounced wet and dry periods. Tolerates a seasonal dry period, 

light frosts of up to -5 °C (23 °F), part-shade or full sun, and a variety of deep, fertile, well-drained 

soils. Propagation is by seed, grafting, budding, air-layering and marcottage. Seeds should be 

planted immediately after being removed from the fruit. Most superior cultivars are grafted. Trees 

for commercial production should be planted 4.5 to 7.6 meters (15 fto 25 feet) in-row and from 6.1 

to 7.6 meters (20 to 25 feet) between rows. Trees in commercial production can be pruned and 

fertilized. Mature, bright orange, firm fruit are harvested with clippers. Ripe fruit split and fall 

when left on the tree. Fruit are ripened at room temperature for 3 to 10 days. Fruit can be stored at 

13 to 15 °C (55 to 59 °F) and 85 to 90% humidity for up to 3 weeks. Grown on a small commercial 

scale in some countries including Florida, Central America from Mexico to Panama, Puerto Rico, 

Jamaica, Cuba, northern Australia and the Philippines (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, MORTON, TRADE WINDS).
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c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruits are sold in Cuban markets. Mature fruit have been shipped 

from Florida to New York City and Philadelphia; sold in markets in the West Indies (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: After removal of the skin and seeds, the pulp is consumed fresh or 

cooked; used more commonly in beverages and desserts including ice cream, milk shakes, and 

custards; used to make an eggnog-like beverage. Pulp is placed into baked goods such as pies, 

cupcakes, and pancakes; dried or dehydrated and used as a food additive. Pulp can be prepared into 

jams and marmalade. Fruit pulp may be cooked and consumed as a vegetable with salt, pepper, and 

lemon juice or mayonnaise (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, 

ECOCROP).

e. Nutritional aspects: Ripe pulp is high in niacin, calcium, phosphorus, amino acids including 

tryptophan and lysine, vitamin A, vitamin C, proteins and carbohydrates (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Various parts of the tree are used for medicinal purposes and have biological 

activity. Bark is used to aid skin rashes and cure fevers. Parts of the seed are used to aid scalp 

dermatitis and ulcers (JANICK, MORTON). 

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Very minor production in South Florida. In 1994, 0.4 hectare (1 acre) was grown; 

Puerto Rico; Hawaii; Southern California (CRANE 1995a, MORTON, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

TRADE WINDS).

5. Other commercial production regions: Southern Mexico, Central America including Belize, Costa Rica, 

Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, Northern South America, the West Indies including Cuba, 

Jamaica, and the Bahamas, some Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines; Eastern Africa; 

Northern Australia; no yield data is available (MORTON, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN 

WYK).

6. Use: Pulp eaten fresh or used in beverages and desserts; used as a dooryard tree in the home landscape;

wood for construction; latex is used to adulterate chicle; medicinal purposes (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, 

MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pulp only. 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0330 and FI 4129) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Papaya = canistel; Avocado = canistel

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN 

WYK, MORTON, ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS, CRANE 1995a.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Regions 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: POJCA 
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1. Cat’s-eyes [(isau, mata kuching (GRIN))]

Sapindaceae

Dimocarpus longan Lour. subsp. malesianus Leenh. [(syn: Euphoria cinerea (Turcz.) Radlk., 

Euphoria malaiensis (Griff.) Radlk., Nephelium malaiense Griff. (GRIN))]

2. A small to medium size tree that grows to a height of 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet). Native to southeast 

Asia. Fruit grows in large clusters. Individual fruit is brown in color, ovoid, oblong or round in shape, and 

1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch) in diameter. The skin can be smooth or warty. The pulp is whitish to 

translucent. The flavor is sweet. In Malaysia, the most common form of the fruit is brown, round and 

smooth. This is the ‘cat’s eye’. It has a very thin aril. A more superior form of the fruit contains a densely 

thick, warty skin and a large aril. The fruit forms are divided into three types: the ‘isau’ consists of round, 

green fruit; the ‘sau’ consists of green oblong fruit; the ‘kakus’ consists of brown, round fruit. In addition, 

the characteristics of the leaves, flowers and tree forms differ for each fruit. The greatest variation of the 

plant occurs in Borneo (PERENNIAL, FAO, ECOCROP).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from March to May in Florida. Fruit matures in approximately 120 

days. Fruit production occurs in 4 to 5 years (PERENNIAL). 

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid, wet tropical lowlands or at sea level. Trees are adapted to the

unchanging heat, humidity, and day length of the equatorial zone. Thrives in the understory in 

primary or secondary forests. Some varieties grow near river banks of the Rajang river and Bareo 

valley. Propagation is by seed. Fruit is cultivated mainly in Asia; has potential for becoming a 

major commercial fruit (PERENNIAL, FAO, ECOCROP).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are usually consumed fresh (ECOCROP).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Malaysia, Indo-China, Borneo, Southeast Asia (GRIN, 

PERENNIAL, ECOCROP).

6. Use: Fruit (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: The thin aril is eaten fresh (PERENNIAL). 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None 

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, FAO, ECOCROP.

11. Production Map: No specific entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: NEEMA (listed as Nephelium malaiense GRIFF.)
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1. Champedak [(chempedak, campedak (GRIN))]

Moraceae

Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr. [(syn: Artocarpus champeden (Lour.) Stokes, Artocarpus 

integrifolius L. f., Artocarpus polyphema Pers., Polyphema champeden Lour., Radermachia integra Thunb. 

(basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A large evergreen tree that grows to a height of 15 to 25 meters (49 to 82 feet). The trunk is straight and 30 

to 80 centimeters (12 to 31 inches) in diameter. Bark is greyish-brown to dark brown, rough, uneven and 

scaly with white hairs that are up to 0.05 centimeters (0.02 inch) long. The dense canopy is dome-shaped 

and 3.5 to 7 meters (12 to 23 feet) in diameter in mature trees. The tree has a long taproot. All parts of the 

tree produce milky white latex. Native to southeast Asia, specifically India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. A 

close relative to the jackfruit. Dark green leaves are glossy, hairy, obovate to elliptic in shape, wedge-shaped 

to rounded at the base, pointed at the tip, and 4 to 25 centimeters (2 to 10 inches) long by 2 to 12 centimeters

(0.8 to 5 inches) wide. On horizontal branches, leaves are arranged alternately and on ascending branches, 

leaves are arranged spirally. Wiry, brown hairs less than 0.3 centimeters (0.1 inch) long occur on the stipules, 

twigs and leaves. The leaf stalk is 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long. Inflorescences are similar to 

breadfruit flowers and are solitary, axillary, cauliflorous, or ramiflorous on leafy shoots. Both male and 

female flowers are contained on the same tree. The male inflorescence is cylindrical, whitish-yellow, 3 to 

5.5 centimeters (1.2 to 2.2 inch) long, 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter and contains a 3 to 6 centimeter 

(1.2 to 2.4 inch) long peduncle. Male flower heads are located on peripheral shoots. The female 

inflorescence contains a simple filiform style that is 0.15 centimeters (0.06 inch) in size. Female flower 

heads are located on cauliflorous shoots. Flowers are pollinated by nocturnal insects. Yellowish, brown, or

orange-green fruit a syncarp that is pear, cylindrical, or round in shape, 20 to 35 centimeters (8 to 14 inches)

long, 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) in diameter, and about 10 to 20 kilograms (22 to 44 pounds) in 

weight. Each achene is one-seeded. Fruit can contain hundreds of kidney-shaped seeds. Fruit hangs on a 5 

to 10 centimeter (2 to 4 inch) thick stalk. The rind is fairly smooth, thick and rubbery. When young, the skin 

is pale to dark green. Pulp is yellow in color, juicy and creamy. The flavor is sweet to strong. Compared to 

the jackfruit, the champedak contains smaller fruit, a thinner rind and more juicy dark yellow flesh. Fruit 

contains a musky, rancid cheese smell that in some opinions is slightly less objectionable than durian fruit

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering can occur any time during the year, but main flowering occurs from February 

to April and August to October in peninsular Malaysia, July to August in Western Java, and 

September to October in Australia. Ripening occurs from September to December in Western Java. 

Fruit matures in 3 to 6 months. Champedak can be biennial in bearing fruit. The tree is more 

seasonal than jackfruit. The juvenile period is 3 to 6 years from seed and 2 to 4 years from clones 

(JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

b. Cultivation: Requires warm to hot, wet, tropical climate with mean temperatures of 3 to 47 °C (37 

to 117 °F). Grows at elevations of 0 to 1,200 meters (0 to 3,937 feet). Prefers full sun, areas with 

evenly distributed rainfall of 125 to 250 centimeters (49 to 98 inches) and well-drained, uneroded 

soils with high silica and aluminum content. Grows as an understory tree in secondary and primary 

forests in lowland tropical rainforests. Tolerates temporary waterlogging and partial shade. Does 

not tolerate frost and drought, and wind. Propagation is by seed and grafting. Seed should be

planted immediately once removed from ripe fruit. Seeds should be cleaned with water before

planting. Seedlings should be grown in shade and should be transplanted in 1 year. Plants should be 

planted at the beginning of the rainy season and should be spaced 12 to 14 meters (39 to 46 feet)

apart. Pruning and fertilization can be done to mature trees. Fruit are mature when yellowish brown 

in color, a strong odor is emitted, and a dull hollow sound is heard when the fruit is tapped. Mature 

fruit are harvested by cutting the peduncle, draining the latex and wrapping fruit in palm leaves or 

bags. Fruit is important in the native area; widely grown in Southern Thailand and peninsular 
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Malysia; cultivated in Indonesia, including Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, the Moluccas and Irian Jaya 

as well as in Western Java. Extensive small planting occurs in Jamaica, Kenya, and Zanzibar

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit shelf life is only 2 to 3 days, so fruit is rapidly shipped to 

market. Mature fruit can be stored at 10 to 12 °C (50 to 54 °F) for 2 to 3 weeks. Young fruit is sold 

canned (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Ripe fruit pulp is consumed fresh, preserved in simple sugar syrup,

made into ice cream, or cooked with other foods. The seeds can be cooked. Unripe fruit is

consumed as a vegetable and can be used in curry, pickled or canned (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

AGROFORESTRY).

e. Nutritional aspects: The seeds and fruit are high in starch (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY). 

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii (JANICK).

5. Other commercial production regions: Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, western New Guinea,

region of Malesia (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore); Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Tropical Asia,

Jamaica, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar, Australia; commercial yields average 70 to 100 kilograms

(154 to 220 pounds) per tree per year; champedak yields are similar to jackfruit yields (GRIN, PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, AGROFORESTRY). 

6. Use: Fruit and seeds are consumed; wood for fuel and construction; leaves used for fodder; ripe fruit fed 

to cattle; bark used for making rope; resin used as a varnishing material; yellow dye from bark (GRIN, 

AGROFORESTRY). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ABFIN
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143

1. Cherimoya [(Chirimoya, Chirimólia, custard-apple, chérimolier, atemóia, cherimóia, chirimoyo (GRIN, 

MARKLE))]

Annonaceae

Annona cherimola Mill. [(syn: Annona pubescens Salisb., Annona tripetala Aiton (GRIN))]

2. A subtropical, erect, low-branched, dense, shrubby or spreading tree that grows 3 to 10 meters (10 to 33 

feet) tall. Fast-growing. Young branchlets are rusty-hairy. Native to South America, particularly the

highland Andes’ valleys of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia. Fruit has been cultivated in South 

America since ancient times and is considered the best of the annonas. A staple food in South and Central 

America. Deep green leaves are deciduous (before spring flowering), alternate, 2-ranked, hairy on the upper 

surface, velvety underneath, ovate, elliptic or ovate lanceolate in shape, short blunt-pointed at the tip, and 7.5 

to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long by 3.8 to 8.9 centimeters (1.5 to 3.5 inches) wide. Petioles are hairy 

and 0.6 to 1.25 centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inches) long. Fragrant yellowish flowers are solitary or in groups of 

two to three on short, hairy stalks. Each flower contains three outer petals that are greenish, fleshy, oblong,

downy and 3 centimeters (1 inch) long, and three inner petals that are smaller and pinkish in color. 

Individual flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs. Pollination is done by Nitidulid 

beetles and hand pollination. Solitary compound yellow-green fruit is conical or heart-shaped, 10 to 20 

centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long, up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) wide, 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) in 

diameter and 150 to 2,000 grams (0.3 to 4 pounds) in weight. The skin can be thin to thick, smooth with 

fingerprint-like markings or rough with conical or rounded protuberances. Immature fruit is greyish green. 

Fruit contains spirally arranged carpels that resemble a raspberry. Each flesh segment surrounds a seed. 

Pulp is white in color, fragrant and juicy. The flavor is sweet and fruity to subacid. Each fruit contains many 

seeds that are glossy, hard, brown to black in color, bean-like and 1.25 to 2 centimeters (0.5 to 0.8 inch) long. 

Many cultivars exist with varying leaf and fruit types (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LOVE, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, CRFG, ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from April to May in Florida. In some areas such as India, flowering 

can occur twice per year. Fruit matures in 150 days. In California, fruit ripen October to May. Fruit 

production occurs in 3 to 6 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from grafts (PERENNIAL, CRFG).

b. Cultivation: Requires tropical highlands, a cool subtropical climate, or mild-temperate climate. 

Does not produce fruit well in hot, humid tropics and lowland conditions. Grows well at 18 to 25 °C

(64 to 77 °F); prefers long days, full sun, and cool nights. Trees require chilling periods and do well 

in areas with dry periods or seasons. Prefers well-distributed medium rainfall of 125 to 250 

centimeters (49 to 98 inches) and elevations of 1,200 to 2,000 meters (3,937 to 6,562 feet). Rainfall 

and high humidity during peak flowering season can aid fruit production. Tolerates a number of soil 

types including sandy soil to clay loams; trees prefer rich, well-drained, uniformly moist, sandy to 

sandy loam soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.6. Young trees do not tolerate frost, while older trees show 

some tolerance to light frost. Tolerates drought. Does not tolerate wind or standing water. 

Propagation is by seed and grafting. Seeds should be planted directly after being removed from the 

fruit. Germination takes approximately 30 days. Gibberellic acid aids germination. Side whip graft 

and cleft graft techniques provide the best grafting results. Orchard trees should be planted 6 to 9 

meters (20 to 30 feet) apart. Trees for commercial production should be pruned when dormant and 

fertilized. Fruit should be harvested when mature and firm. Fruit must be clipped from the branch 

and should be pre-cooled as soon as possible to 12 to 15 °C (54 to 59 °F). Fruit can be stored at 10 to 

13 °C (50 to 55 °F) and 90 to 95% relative humidity for 2 to 3 weeks (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LOVE, MORTON, CRFG, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is shipped to wholesale markets around the world including 

the U.S.; most fruit is grown and sold in California; short shelf life (LOVE, JANICK, MORTON, 

CRFG, TRADE WINDS).
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d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh out of hand or scooped with a spoon. Fruit can 

be easily broken or cut open. Fruit is also made into ice cream, sherbets, soft drinks, alcoholic 

beverage, fruit salads, custards and pies; used to flavor flan and mousse; a dessert fruit

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is nutritious; high in calories and fiber; fair to good source of niacin and 

vitamin C; the seeds are toxic (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

f. Medicinal aspects: Seeds are used to induce vomiting and kill lice and other parasites. A 

decoction of the fruit skin is used to aid pneumonia (MORTON).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: California coastal areas, Florida and to a limited extent in Hawaii; less than 40 

hectares (100 acres) are grown in California (MARKLE, PERENNIAL, MORTON).

5. Other commercial production regions: South America, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, 

the African coast, the Mediterranean including Spain and Italy, Israel, Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, 

Australia, Singapore; cultivated elsewhere in the tropics and subtropics. Most commercial production 

occurs in Spain, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, and New Zealand. World production in 1998 was approximately 

100,000 tonnes (110,231 tons). Spain grew 3,600 hectares (8,896 acres) that yielded 35,000 tonnes (38,581 

tons); Peru grew 1,800 hectares (4,448 acres) that yielded 15,000 tonnes (16,535 tons); Chile grew 1,200 

hectares (2,965 acres) that yielded 12,000 tonnes (13228 tons). Trees that are not artificially pollinated can 

produce 25 or more fruit per season. Hand pollination can produce up to 100 fruit per tree (GRIN, 

MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LOVE, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY). 

6. Use: The fruit is generally consumed fresh or made into desserts; medicinal purposes; backyard tree; 

seeds are used as an insecticide; dried flowers are used as a flavoring for snuff (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, 

LOVE, MORTON). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp, the pulp's flavor is of the finest among tropical fruits, with a taste of 

pineapple, mango, papaya, and vanilla custard. 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0331) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Sugar apple = cherimoya

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LOVE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

MORTON, CRFG, ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS, AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 3, 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ANUCH
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1. Cupuaçú [(copoasu, cupuassú, copoasú (GRIN))]

Malvaceae. Also placed in: Sterculiaceae

Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) K. Schum. 

2. A medium-sized tree growing to a height of 6 to 30 meters (20 to 98 feet). Cultivated plants grow 6 to 8 

meters (20 to 26 feet) tall and 7 meters (23 feet) in diameter. The tree exhibits a dimorphic type of growth. 

Native to the Brazilian Amazon. A relative of Theobroma cacao. A pre-Colombian crop. Dark green, 

leathery leaves are simple, alternate, pubescent on the upper leaf surface, grey underneath, and 25 to 35 

centimeters (10 to 14 feet) long by 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 feet) wide. Fruit contain short petioles. New 

leaves are reddish when young. Cymose inflorescences are axillar or extra-axillary, and contain one to five 

flowers. Individual flowers contain five thick, triangular fleshy sepals, 5 stamens, and five reddish to purple

petals. An obligate cross-pollinated species. Brown fruit is a drupe that is ellipsoid or obovoid-ellipsoid in 

shape, rounded at the ends, and 12 to 25 centimeters (5 to 10 feet) long by 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 5 inches)

in diameter and 200 to 5,000 grams (0.4 to 11 pounds) in weight. Each fruit contains a short, thick peduncle. 

The epicarp is hard, smooth, woody and 0.2 to 0.4 centimeters (0.08 to 0.2 inch) thick. Pulp is yellowish to 

whitish in color, soft, creamy, fibrous, juicy or spongy. The flavor is subacid, strong, and tropical. 

Individual fruit contain 15 to 50 ovoid to ellipsoid-ovoid flattened seeds that measure 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 

to 1.2 inches) long, 2 to 2.5 centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) broad and 1 to 1.2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inch) thick. 

An important crop in its native area; one of the most popular fruit species in Eastern Amazonia. Fruit are 

beginning to be industrial processed and commercialized (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, 

GIACOMETTI).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In natural Amazonian conditions, the tree blooms in the dry season of July to December. 

Fruiting occurs from August to May, with the major peak from January to March (the rainy season). 

In commercial crop production, the tree produces fruit continuously. Fruit take 4 to 4.5 months to 

develop from pollination (JANICK, NAGY).

b. Cultivation: Prefers hot, wet tropical lowlands. Distributed in high and lowland rainforests from 

the Amazon basin to Southern Mexico. Prefers mean annual temperatures of 21 to 28 °C (70 to 

82 °F), relative humidity of 64 to 93%, annual rainfall of 190 to 310 centimeters (75 to 122 inches), 

and well drained fertile Amazon soils. Also grown on upland, semi-flooded soils and floodplains 

with heart-of-palm and açai. Found at elevations of 0 to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Most 

propagation is by seed. Pulp must be removed from the seeds before planting in a sand and sawdust 

mixture. Germination occurs between 25 and 30 °C (77 to 86 °F) 13 to 25 days after sowing. 

Grafting can be done in seedless varieties. Seedlings should be planted in double rows that are 40 

centimeters (16 inches) apart. Partial shade is required during establishment in the field. Shade is

also needed for trees planted in areas with long dry seasons. When mature (eight mature leaves and 

30 centimeters (12 inches) tall), trees can be planted 6 meters (20 feet) apart in areas with low levels 

of shade. Commercial trees should be pruned once per year and fertilized. When mature, fruit 

abscise from the tree. Color changes do not occur when fruit reach maturity. Instead, fruit aroma 

increases when ripe (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, GIACOMETTI, ECOCROP).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit was once restricted to local Amazonian markets but the 

recent increase in production allowed for the fruit to reach international markets. Frozen pulp is 

exported to large populations in southern Brazil and Europe. Several industries are developing 

cupuassu products including chocolate (JANICK, NAGY).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp can be consumed fresh and in beverages. Due to the strong flavor, 

fruit is not usually consumed fresh. Used in juices, ice creams, sherberts, jams, candies, desserts, 

confectionary fillings, preserves, and liquors. The pulp is traditionally extracted manually with a 

pair of scissors. Mechanical depulpers are used in commercial operations. A mild thermal treatment 

is used to stabilize the juice at room temperature. A product similar to cocoa powder (cupulate) can 
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41

be obtained from fermented seeds. This is used in ice creams and cakes (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: The seed pulp is very acidic, low in sugar, and contains reasonable levels of 

total vitamin C, starch and pectin. Pulp contains low levels of proteins and fats. Seeds contain 

protein and fat. Cupuassu contains less saturated fat than cocoa (JANICK, NAGY). 

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: An important crop in northern Brazil; common in the Amazon; small scale 

production occurs in Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, and Bolivia; cultivated elsewhere in the 

tropics; grown experimentally in Trinidad, Ecuador, French Guyana, Martinique, São Tome, Ghana, Costa 

Rica, Malaysia, and Australia. More than 30,000 hectares (74,132 acres) are cultivated in the Amazon 

region. Of this, 14,000 hectares (34,595 acres) are located in Pará, Brazil. Over 8,000 hectares (19,768 acres)

have been established since 1998 in Pará, Brazil. In 2002, fruit production was 30,000 tonnes (33,069 tons)

in 7,700 hectares (19,027 acres). Fruit yields are highly variable, but an average annual yield of 15 

kilograms (33 pounds) of fruit/plant/year occurs in well-maintained orchards (GRIN, PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, GIACOMETTI).

6. Use: Food additive (flavoring), beverage base, material (lipids), medicinal purposes; grown in botanical

and experimental gardens (GRIN, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, GIACOMETTI, ECOCROP.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: THOGR
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215

1. Custard apple [(Anona, Ramphal, bullock’s-heart, ox-heart, annone réticulée, coeur de boeuf, 

Netzannone, Ochsenherz, biribá, fruta-de-condessa, fruta-do-conde, anona corazón, corazón de buey, 

mamán (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Annonaceae

Annona reticulata L. [(syn: Annona lutescens Saff. (GRIN))]

2. A low, erect tree with a rounded, spreading, open or irregular crown that grows 4.5 to 10 meters (15 to 33 

feet) tall. The trunk is 25 to 36 centimeters (10 to 14 inches) thick. Native to tropical America, specifically 

the West Indies. Leaves are deciduous, alternate, smooth, slender, long, narrow, oblong, oblong-lanceolate,

lanceolate, or narrow-lanceolate in shape, pointed at the tip, and 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long by 

2 to 5 centimeters (0.75 to 2 inches) wide. When crushed, leaves emit an unpleasant odor. Fragrant, slender

flowers are in drooping clusters of three to four and are light-green externally and pale-yellow with a 

dark-red to purple spot internally. Individual flowers contain 3 outer petals that are fleshy, narrow, oblong 

linear in shape, and 2 to 3 centimeters (0.75 to 1.25 inches) long and three small, inner scale-like ovate petals. 

Reddish, brown or yellow compound fruit grows solitary on the tree and is ovoid, heart-shaped, lopsided, 

round, or oblate in shape. Fruit contains a deep or shallow depression at the base, and measures 8 to 16

centimeters (3 to 6 inches) in diameter, and 400 to 1,000 grams (0.9 to 2 pounds) in weight. The skin is thin, 

tough, and faintly, moderately, or distinctly reticulated. Pulp is white in color, thick, creamy, custard-like,

somewhat granular. Fruit segments contain a single hard, dark-brown to black, 1.3 centimeter (0.5 inch), 

oblong, smooth, glossy seed. Each fruit contains 50 to 80 seeds and a pointed, fibrous central core that is 

attached to the thick stem. The flavor is sweet to bland (PERENNIAL, MORTON, GIACOMETTI, 

POPENOE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from May to June in Florida. In many areas, fruiting occurs in late 

winter and spring. Fruit matures in approximately 200 days. Fruit production occurs in 4 to 5 years

(PERENNIAL, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical lowlands, coastal lowlands, or a subtropical climate with 

medium to high rainfall. Prefers cooler winters, elevations lower than 1,524 meters (5,000 feet), and 

low-lying, deep, rich, moist, well-drained soil. Tolerant of light frost and various soil types. Not 

tolerant of drought. Propagation is by seed, inarching, budding, and grafting. Trees can be mulched, 

fertilized, pruned and irrigated. Fruit are harvested when there is no green color (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in local markets of South America and Central 

America (MORTON, GIACOMETTI).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh and in desserts. In India, fruit is consumed 

out-of-hand only by the lower classes. In Central America, Mexico and the West Indies, fruit is 

consumed by all classes. When soft to the touch and the stem and core can be easily pulled out, the 

flesh is scooped from the skin and consumed or served with cream and sugar. Pulp can be pressed 

through a sieve and used to flavor milk shakes, custards, puddings, sauces, or ice cream

(PERENNIAL, MORTON, ECOCROP).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a good source of vitamin C. The kernels are very toxic. Seeds, leaves 

and young fruits are insecticidal (PERENNIAL, MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: A leaf decoction is used to remove intestinal worms; crushed leaves or fruit 

flesh is placed on boils, abscesses and ulcers; dried unripe fruit and bark is used to aid diarrhea and 

dysentery; root bark is used to relieve toothaches and fevers (MORTON).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Occasionally grown in South Florida (MORTON).
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5. Other production regions: The West Indies including the Bahamas and Bermuda, Central America

including Guatemala and Belize, southern Mexico, tropical South America including Peru, Ecuador and 

Brazil, tropical Africa, including South Africa, Malaya, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Polynesia, Australia,

Guam, Sri Lanka, and India. A mature tree can produce 34 to 45 kilograms (75 to 100 pounds) of fruit per 

year (GRIN, MORTON, MARKLE, GIACOMETTI, POPENOE).

6. Use: Eaten fresh or added to milk shakes and other desserts; medicinal purposes, non-vertebrate poison 

(plant pest control) in seeds, leaves, bark and young fruits, dooryard fruit tree; leaves are used in tanning and 

yield a blue or black dye; fiber is derived from young twigs; wood is used to make tools (GRIN, MARKLE, 

MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0332) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Sugar apple = custard apple

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, MORTON, GIACOMETTI, POPENOE, 

ECOCROP.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ANURE
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1. Dragon-fruit [(belle-of-the-night, night-blooming cereus, pitahaya, queen-of-the-night, red pitaya, 

strawberry-pear, pitahaya rouge, pitaya, Distelbirne, chacam, chak-wob, junco tapatío, pitahaya dulce, 

pitahaya orejona, reina de la noche, tasajo, zacamb (GRIN))]

Cactaceae

Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose [(syn: Cereus undatus Haw. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A perennial, fast-growing, sprawling, climbing vine-like cacti that reaches up to 6 meters (20 feet) in 

length. Native to Mexico, the Caribbean, Northern South America and Central America. Stems are 

branched, 0.3 to 0.5 centimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inch) thick, green, fleshy, succulent, heavy, 3-angled, and jointed. 

Each stem segment contains 3 flat, wavy wings with horny stem margins and 1 to 5 short, conical brown to 

gray 0.3 centimeter (0.1 inch) long spines. Plants can be epiphytes with aerial roots that cling to support 

such as a trees, rocks, trellises or walls; nutrients can be obtained from cracks containing organic material. 

Plants can also be terrestrial and grow directly in the soil. Fragrant, large flowers are bell-shaped, white, and

25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) in diameter. Each flower contains several linear, green scales that 

measure 4 to 7.5 centimeters (1.6 to 3 inches) long, a circle of recurved, greenish-yellow, linear segments 

that measure 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) long by 1 to 1.6 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) wide, an inner circle of 

20 white, oblong-lanceolate segments that measure 10 centimeters (4 inches) long by 3.2 to 3.8 centimeters

(1.25 to 1.5 inches) wide, and many cream-colored stamens. Flowers contain both male and female 

reproductive organs. Flowers open at dusk and bloom one night. Pollinated by bats and moths; hand 

pollination is also used. Large, attractive bright red or yellow fruit is a berry that is spherical, oblong, or oval 

in shape, and measures 7 to 12 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) long, 11 centimeters (4.5 inches) thick, and 400 to 

600 grams (0.9 to 1.3 pounds). Fruit do not contain spines. The outside of the fruit is coated with fleshy 

ovate bases of scales. The pulp is white, yellow, deep purple or red in color, and juicy. The flavor is sweet

and melon-like. There are approximately 700 tiny edible black seeds in each fruit. The second most 

important commercial fruiting cactus species. Enjoyed for centuries in tropical and subtropical rainforests in 

many Latin America countries; important fruit crop in southeast Asia (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In California, flowering occurs from May to November. In Florida, fruit ripen during 

June to November. In some areas, the plant blooms and fruits mainly in August and September. 

Flower bud emergence to fruit ripening takes 50 to 90 days. Seed to fruit production occurs in 7 

years; cuttings to fruit production occurs in 6 to 9 months (JANICK, CRANE and BALERDI, 

MERTEN). 

b. Cultivation: Requires warm to cool tropical lowlands or tropical to subtropical rainforests.

Prefers low to high rainfall, a wide range of well-drained soils with high organic matter, and 

temperatures of 18 to 25 °C (65 to 77 °F). Grown in full sun to very light shade. Sensitive to high 

temperatures of 38 °C (100 °F) and above. Sunburn may occur in areas with low humidity and high 

altitudes. Long periods of freezing temperatures and high winds cause damage to the plant. 

Moderately tolerant of saline soil conditions. Most propagation is by cuttings; some propagation is 

by seed. Stem cuttings should be 15 to 38 centimeters (6 to 15 inches) long. A slanted cut should be 

made at the stem base, a fungicide treatment should be applied, and cuttings should be left to heal for 

8 days in a dry, shady location before being planted in the field. Cultivated plants should be spaced 

so that there is interplant shading. Partial shade is needed during the first 3 to 4 months of growth. 

Plants should be trained to grow on a trellis. Spacing depends on the type of trellis used and varies 

from 1.5 to 5 meters (5 to 16 feet). Pruning induces branching and removes excessive growth. 

Fertilizer and irrigation should be applied to commercial crops during dry periods. Fruit are 

harvested when scales turn yellow. Well-colored, mature fruit is harvested using clippers 25 to 45 

days after flowering. Fruit storage is 14 days at 10 °C (50 °F) (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CRANE and BALERDI, MERTEN).
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c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are being traded in international markets and have become 

the most important export fruit of Vietnam. U.S. produced fruit is being sold in Asian communities 

in Orange and Los Angeles counties (CRANE and BALERDI, MERTEN).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fresh fruit is cut in half, and the flesh is scooped out after chilling. 

Lemon or lime juice can be added to enhance the flavor. Fruit is also used in fruit platters, fruit 

salads, garnishes, and desserts including ice cream, yogurt, sorbets, purée, jams, jelly, preserves, 

candy, pastry, juice, marmalades, wines and soft drinks. A syrup made from the whole fruit can be 

used to color pastries and candies. The unopened flower bud is cooked and consumed as a vegetable

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, CRANE and BALERDI). 

e. Nutritional aspects: Seeds are digestible. Fruit contains vitamin C, carotene, protein, calcium, 

vitamin B, phosphorus and fiber (JANICK, DRAGON FRUIT).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit is used for medicinal purposes; seeds are used as mild laxative 

(JANICK, MORTON, CRANE and BALERDI, DRAGON FRUIT).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Fruit is grown commercially in the U.S. including Florida, California, Hawaii and 

tropical American lowlands. There are approximately 10 to 15 hectares (25 to 37 acres) of dragon fruit in 

commercial production in Southern California. There is some commercial production in Hawaii (JANICK, 

MORTON, MERTEN). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Origin neotropics, particularly Mexico, the Caribbean including 

the Bahamas and Bermuda, northern South America and Central America; raised commercially for fruit in 

Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, the U.S., Spain, Israel, Northern 

Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Japan and Taiwan. 

Annual production varies from 4 to 20 tonnes (4.4 to 22 tons) fresh mass per hectare. 6,000 hectares (14,826 

acres) of dragon fruit are cultivated in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam and 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres)

are cultivated in Mexico. Vietnam is the major producer of the fruit. 4 year old plants can produce 100 

kilograms (220 pounds) of fruit per year (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

CRANE and BALERDI).

6. Use: Ornamental, beverage base, fruit, vegetable, medicinal purposes (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Interior pulp of fruit.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, 

CRANE and BALERDI, MERTEN, DRAGON FRUIT.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 3, 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: HCRUN
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46

226

1. Durian [(Civet fruit, Durianbaum, Stinkfrucht, durião, durión (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Malvaceae; also placed in Bombacaceae and Durionaceae

Durio zibethinus L.

1. Durio oxleyanus Griff.

1. Durio graveolens Becc.

1. Boschia grandiflora Mast. 

1. Durio wyattsmithii Kosterm.

1. Durio kutejensis (Hassk.) Becc.

2. A large, fast-growing evergreen tree that reaches a height of 20 to 50 meters (66 to 164 feet). Native to 

southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia. The trunk is straight, short, 1.2 meters (4 feet) in 

diameter, rough, and peeling with bulky buttresses. Bark is dark red-brown and peeling. Wood is brittle, 

grainy, dark brown or reddish. Limbs are almost horizontal and rough. Young branches are coated with 

coppery or gray scales. The crown is irregular, dense, or open. Light to dark green large, drooping leaves 

are simple, alternate, glossy, leathery, silvery to rusty brown with scales underneath, oblong-lanceolate, 

elliptic, lanceolate-elliptic, or elliptic-obovate in shape, and 6 to 25 centimeters (2.4 to 10 inches) long by 2.5 

to 9 centimeters (1 to 3.5 inches) wide. The petiole is short, thick and measures 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 

0.6 inch) long. Flower clusters containing 1 to 50 flowers are found on the laterals, main branches, and tree 

trunk. Individual creamy white, pink, yellow or greenish flowers are long-stalked, pendulous, 3 to 5 petalled,

5 to 6 centimeters (2 to 2.4 inches) long and 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) in diameter. Flowers open during the 

afternoon over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. When flowers open, a sour-milk odor is emitted. Approximately 

20,000 to 40,000 flowers are produced per tree. Bats and moths promote pollination. Cross-pollination and 

hand-pollination aid fruit set. Greenish yellow to light green fruit is a solitary capsule that is divided into 3 to 

5 smooth-walled compartments containing 1 to 6 glossy, creamy to red-brown seeds that are 2 to 6 

centimeters (0.8 to 2.4 inches) long and an aril. Fruit is ovoid, ovoid-oblong, nearly round or ellipsoid in 

shape, 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) long, 15 to 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) in diameter, and up to 

8 kilograms (18 pounds) in weight. Immature fruit is light brown. The rind is fibrous, thick, tough, 

semi-woody, and densely covered with coarse, stout, sharp, pyramidal spines that measure 1 centimeter (0.4 

inch). Pulp (aril) is creamy-white, pinkish, orange or yellowish in color with a soft, custard-like to firm 

texture. The flavor is sweet and is described as a mixture of buttery custard, bananas, caramel, vanilla and 

garlic. Fruit emits a strong odor of garlic, onion and strong cheese with a fruity background smell. There are 

strong and mild tasting varieties. A highly prized, popular, expensive fruit in parts of southeast Asia 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering can occur all year long, during or near the end of the dry period, or once in the 

winter and once in the summer, depending on the climate. For example, in monsoon climates such 

as Thailand and Sri Lanka, flowering begins in March after the dry season. In areas near the equator, 

plants can produce two crops of fruit per year. In Malaysia, crops are produced in early March and 

April and September or October. In Sri Lanka, fruit are harvested July and August. In Thailand, 

fruit are produced for 2 to 3 months. In some areas, fruit ripen near the end of the dry season 

(September to December). Fruit matures in 90 to 150 days. Fruit production occurs in 7 to 8 years 

from seed and 3 to 4 years from grafts. Peak production occurs when trees reach 12 to 15 years of 

age (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid tropical lowlands or rainforests, temperatures of 27 to 30 °C (81 

to 86 °F), relative humidity of 75 to 80%, and abundant, well-distributed rainfall of 1,500 to 2,500 

millimeters (59 to 98 inches). Prefers high light intensity, elevations up to 900 meters (2,953 feet)

and deep, rich, fertile, well-drained sandy clay or clay loam soil. Not tolerant of cold temperatures 

and poorly drained, heavy soils. Propagation is by seed and grafting. Seed must be planted soon 

after being removed from the fruit. Germination occurs in 3 to 8 days. In commercial production,
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trees should be transplanted just before the rainy season. Spacing should be 8 to 16 meters (26 to 52 

feet) in a square or triangle. Young trees should be shaded. Irrigation is required if the dry period is 

longer than 3 months. In heavy production areas, thinning is required. Fertilization aids production. 

Fruit are harvested at maturity (when the fruit appears to be hollow, or fall to the ground) and can be 

held at 29 to 31 °C (84 to 88 °F) for 3 to 6 days. Fruit are graded and cleaned before being sold 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is prized in southeast Asian markets. Singapore 

populations prefer fully ripe fruit that is not splitting, while Thais prefer less ripe fruit. Fruit is in 

demand among ethnic groups in large temperate cities. Also sold in local markets (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: The aril of the fruit is consumed fresh, boiled, preserved, powdered,

fermented, pickled, frozen, salted, or dried. Fruit is most commonly consumed fresh with sugar, 

fresh cream or coconut milk. To avoid difficulty of opening the fruit, the aril with seeds is sold 

packaged. Pulp is also sold as paste, relish and chips. Fruit is used in salads, tempura, chowder,

milk-based desserts, cakes, ice cream, cookies, jams, candy and biscuits. Unripe fruit is boiled and 

eaten as a vegetable. Pulp deteriorates quickly. Ash of the burned rind is added to cakes. Mature 

seeds can be boiled, dried, fried and roasted. Young leaves and shoots are cooked as greens

(PERENNIAL, BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a good source of calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamin B1 and B2, 

vitamin C, potassium, and beta-carotene. Seeds are rich in protein (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

BARWICK, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit is used as an aphrodisiac. Flesh of the fruit is used to rid intestinal worms; 

a mixture of leaves and roots is used to cure fevers; leaves and fruit are used to aid skin diseases

(VAN WYK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Small plantings are developed in Hawaii (approximately 4 hectares (10 acres) and 

Puerto Rico (MARKLE). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Southeast and Tropical Asia including Sumatra, Myanmar, Sri 

Lanka, Burma, Indochina, India, New Guinea,; cultivated elsewhere in the Tropics. Most commercial 

production occurs in Australia, Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Thailand grows and exports the most fruit. Most exported fruit from Thailand is imported by Hong Kong. 

Production in Thailand was 711,371 tonnes (784,152 tons) in 1992 from 97,238 hectares (240,280 acres). 

Malaysia produced 384,500 tonnes (423,839 tons) from 61,294 hectares (151,461 acres). Indonesia 

produced 228,668 tonnes (252,063 tons) from 44,016 hectares (108,766 acres). Individual trees produce 

approximately 50 to 100 fruit (4 to 18 tonnes (4.4 to 19.8 tons) per hectare) per year (GRIN, MARKLE, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit; seeds; wood; botanic collection; rinds are burned as fuel; ash of the rind is used to bleach silk

(GRIN, MARKLE, BARWICK, MORTON). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: The pulp is the item of commerce. Three Kg of fresh pulp=1 Kg of dried 

powder.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0334) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, MORTON, 

AGROFORESTRY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes: a. Bayer / EPPO Code: DURZI
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1. Elephant-apple [(Indian wood-apple, wood-apple (GRIN))]

Rutaceae

Limonia acidissima L. [(syn: Feronia elephantum Corrêa, Feronia limonia (L.) Swingle, Schinus 

limonia L. (GRIN))]

2. A small, deciduous, slow-growing, erect tree that reaches a height of 10 to 12 meters (33 to 39 feet). 

Native to southern India and Sri Lanka. Branches are thorny, bent outwards near the top of the tree, and are 

subdivided into slender branchlets. Branchlets droop at the tips. Bark is dark grey, rough, rigid, furrowed,

and contains spines that are 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) long. The trunk and branches exude white, 

transparent gum. Wood is yellow-grey to whitish in color. Dark green leaves are pinnate, leathery, minutely 

toothed, blunt or notched at the tip, lemon-scented, and 7.5 to 25 centimeters (3 to 10 inches) long. Leaflets 

are alternate, obovate, sessile or on petioles that measure 2.5 to 3.8 by 1.3 to 2.5 centimeters (1 to 1.5 by 0.5 

to 1 inch). Flowers are borne in small, loose, terminal or auxiliary panicles. Male and female flowers are 

usually found on the same panicle. Individual flowers are dull red, white or greenish in color, 5-merous, and 

1.25 centimeters (0.5 inch) wide. Cross-pollinated by insects. Fruit are round to oval in shape and measure 

5 to 12.5 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) in diameter. The rind is hard, woody, scaly, dry, brownish to 

greyish-white in color and 0.6 centimeter (0.2 inch) thick. Pulp is brown to pinkish in color, mealy, aromatic, 

resinous, and astringent. The flavor is acid to sweet. Each fruit contains numerous small, hairy, white, 0.5 to 

0.6 centimeter (0.20 to 0.24 inch) seeds. A “poor man’s fruit” until the development of processing 

techniques. Commonly grown throughout Southeast Asia (JANICK, MORTON, GLOBINMED).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In Malaysia, leaves are shed in January, flowering takes place from February to March,

and fruit are harvested in October and November. In India, fruit is harvested from early October to 

March. Seedling trees produce fruit in 15 years and vegetatively propagated trees produce fruit in 3 

years (JANICK). 

b. Cultivation: Fruit is grown in the dry plains of northern, central, southern and eastern India in 

semi-arid and arid locations. Grown in coastal areas in Malaysia and Indonesia. Cultivated in 

villages and parks. Prefers a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season, elevations of up to 450 

meters (1,476 feet), light soils, and temperatures of 0 to 15 °C (32 to 59 °F) and up to 47.5 °C

(118 °F). Tolerates drought and a range of soil types. Propagation is by seed, root cuttings, air 

layers or budding. Germination occurs in 2 to 3 weeks. Fruit is mature when it does not bounce 

after being dropped from a height of 30 centimeters (12 inches). Fruit is placed in the sun for 2 

weeks to encourage ripening (JANICK, MORTON).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Small quantities of the fruit are found in local markets 

(JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: The exocarp of the fruit is hard and must be cracked with a hammer to 

remove the sticky, brown sub-acid pulp with a spoon. Pulp is consumed fresh with or without sugar,

prepared into a drink after mixing with coconut milk and palm-sugar syrup, or frozen as an ice cream. 

Pulp is also prepared into chutneys, jellies and jams. Nectar is made by diluting pulp with water. 

Pulp can be canned or freeze-dried (JANICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit contains pectin. The seeds contain oil high in unsaturated fatty acids

(JANICK, MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: One of the most useful medicinal plants in India. Powdered gum mixed with 

honey is used to treat dysentery and diarrhea. Fruit is used to aid the liver and heart; unripe fruit are 

used to cure diarrhea, dysentery, hiccups, sore throat, and gum disease; the pulp and rind is placed 

on bites and stings; leaf juice is mixed with milk and sugar to cure digestion and intestinal problems; 

leaf oil is used to aid itching; an infusion of spines and bark are taken to cure liver problems, excess 

menstruation, bites and stings (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Grown in California and Florida for experimental purposes (GLOBINMED). 
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5. Other commercial production regions: Grown throughout southeast Asia; China, India, Pakistan, Sri 

Lanka, Indo-China, Myanmar, northern Malaysia, Penang Island, Indonesia, Burma, Thailand, Dominican 

Republic; cultivated in home gardens, along roads, edges of fields, and orchards. Mature trees can produce 

200 to 250 fruit per tree (GRIN, JANICK, GLOBINMED).

6. Use: Graft stock, fruit, medicinal purposes, wood for construction and fuel; gum from the tree is used as a 

substitute or adulterant of gum Arabic; gum is used to make watercolors, ink, dyes and varnish; the rind can 

be used as a small container (GRIN, JANICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Interior pulp of fruit.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, MORTON, GLOBINMED.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 3 and 10.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: FEOLI
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50

1. Etambe [(wal ambe, kaddu-ma (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Mangifera zeylanica (Blume) Hook. f. [(syn: Buchanania zeylanica Blume (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A large tree that grows to a height of 35 meters (115 feet). Native to Sri Lanka. The trunk is 90 

centimeters (35 inches) in diameter. Bark is rough, deeply fissured with strips 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 

inch) wide, and dark to light brown in color. Live bark is 0.3 to 0.5 centimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inch) thick, red 

with lighter bands on the outside and straw to light red inside. White latex exudes from the bark. Branchlets 

are thick and furrowed. Leaves are scattered and clustered at the ends of twigs. Individual leaves are 

leathery, spathulate, obovate-oblong, or oblanceolate in shape, tapered at the base, and approximately 3 by 9 

centimeters (1.2 by 3.5 inches) in size. Leaf margins are slightly incurved. The petiole is slender and 1 to 3 

centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long. Flower panicles are stiff, erect and up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. 

Flowers are light yellow in color and grouped into clusters. Individual flowers are 0.4 centimeter (0.16 inch) 

wide, and contain 5 ovate, acute 0.2 by 0.15 centimeter (0.08 by 0.06 inch) sepals, 5 elliptic 0.35 to 0.4 by 0.2 

centimeter (0.14 to 0.16 by 0.08 inch) petals, a large, cushion-like disc with 5 lobes, a 0.2 centimeter (0.08 

inch) long fertile stamen, 5 to 8 staminodes with anthers, and a style. The pedicel is slender and 0.1 

centimeter (0.04 inch) long. Yellowish flushed with red fruit are mango-shaped, slightly flattened with a 

small beak, and up to 6.5 by 5 by 4 centimeters (2.6 by 2 by 1.6 inches) in size. The skin is thin and contains 

many tiny glands. Pulp is yellow in color, 0.5 centimeter (0.2 inch) thick, juicy, fluid, and fibrous. The 

flavor is sweet to slightly acid (KOSTERMANS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: No specific entry.

b. Cultivation: Trees are grown in both the wet and dry zones of Sri Lanka. Tolerates water rich 

areas and altitudes of up to 800 meters (2,625 feet). Fruit is ripe when it drops from the tree. Trees 

are not cultivated extensively (KOSTERMANS). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry. 

d. Preparation for cooking: No specific entry.

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry. 

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry. 

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data.

5. Other commercial production regions: Tropical Asia including Sri Lanka (GRIN).

6. Use: Fruit (KOSTERMANS).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: The pulp is the only part consumed. 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, KOSTERMANS.

11. Production Map: No entry.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry.
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1. Granadilla [(Granada-china, sweet granadilla, granadille, grenadille douce, süße Grenadille, maracujá, 

cranix (GRIN))]

Passifloraceae

Passiflora ligularis Juss.

2. A strong, vigorous, woody vine that can grow several feet in a single season. Native to Central and South 

America. The vine is weakly angled, grooved, or cylindrical and tapering at the ends. Plants have the ability 

to climb high trees using tendrils and often shade out the understory. Shiny, medium-green leaves are 

broadly heart-shaped, pointed at the tip, prominently veined, pale green and hairy underneath, 8 to 22 

centimeters (3 to 9 inches) long and 6 to 17 centimeters (2.4 to 7 inches) wide. Three pairs of 1 centimeter

(0.4 inch) long hair-like glands are located along the petiole. The leaf axils contain paired leaf-like finely 

toothed stipules that are ovate-oblong and 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long by 1.25 centimeters (0.5 inch) wide. 

Sweet, musky-scented flowers are 10 centimeters (4 inches) wide and are contained on a 3.8 centimeter (1.5 

inch) stalk that bears 3 leaf-like pointed, faintly toothed bracts that are ovate-oblong and 3.8 centimeters (1.5 

inches) long by 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide. Greenish-white sepals are lanceolate in shape, petals are 

pinkish white, and filaments are in 2 rows and are white, horizontally striped with purple-blue. There are 

two flowers per node. Fruit is greenish, yellow, orange or yellow-orange with white speckles. Individual 

fruit is solitary, broad-elliptic in shape, 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) long and 4 to 7 centimeters (1.6 to 

2.8 inches) in diameter. The outside of the rind is smooth, thin, hard and brittle. Internally, the rind is white 

and soft. The pulp is whitish-yellow to orange, mucilaginous, aromatic and juicy. The flavor is sweet. 

There are numerous seeds that are black, flat, pitted, and tender. Unripe fruit is green with purple blush and 

dotted. Fruit are cultivated commercially in native countries. Becoming invasive on some Hawaiian islands

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, STARR, TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: The tree produces one crop per year. In Bolivia, fruit are produced in May and June

(MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires a cool tropical climate or sub-tropical climate and humid conditions. 

Adapted to high rainforests. Prefers well-distributed medium to high rainfall and elevations of 914 

to 2,697 meters (3,000 to 8,850 feet). Tolerates moist, well-drained volcanic soils and light frost. 

Does not tolerate hot tropical lowlands or heat. Propagation is by seed and cuttings. Fruit 

deteriorates quickly after harvest (PERENNIAL, MORTON, TRADE WINDS, ECOCROP).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in village markets in Latin American countries 

(JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is cracked open and arils and seeds are consumed fresh

out-of-hand or with a spoon. Fruit can also be placed in beverages, flavorings and desserts, 

including sherbet (PERENNIAL, MORTON, TRADE WINDS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Central Mexico, Central America, South America including the Andes,

Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru; Jamaica; Haiti (GRIN, PERENNIAL, MORTON, STARR).

6. Use: Beverage base, fruit, summer ornamental in the northern U.S. (GRIN, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None
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52

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, STARR, ECOCROP, TRADE 

WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PAQLI
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53

1. Granadilla, Giant [(maracujá-açú, granadilla, grenadine, barbadine, Königs-Grenadille, 

Riesen-Grenadille, maracujá-mamão, maracujá-melão, maracujá-uaçu, badea, granadilla real (GRIN))]

Passifloraceae

Passiflora quadrangularis L. [(syn: Passiflora macrocarpa Mast., Passiflora quadrangularis var. 

variegata (GRIN))]

2. A fast-growing, large, coarse, herbaceous vine that is woody at the base. Vines may climb 10 to 46 meters

(33 to 150 feet) and can grow 15 meters (50 feet) in one growing season. Roots are fleshy, tuberous and 

increase in size with age. Stems are thick, 4-angled and prominently winged on the angles. Vines contain 

axillary tendrils that reach 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. Leaf-like, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, faintly 

toothed stipules measuring 2 to 3.5 centimeters (0.75 to 1.4 inches) in size are located along side of tendrils. 

Leaves are alternate, broad-ovate or oblong-ovate in shape, rounded to heart-shaped at the base, pointed at 

the tip, 8.3 to 15 centimeters (3.25 to 6 inches) wide and 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long. Large, 

fragrant red and purple flowers are solitary and measure 12 to 13 centimeters (4.75 to 5 inches) wide. 

Individual flowers contain a bell-shaped calyx, 5 sepals that are greenish to reddish-green outside and white, 

pink or purple inside, 5 white and pink petals measuring 4.4 centimeters (1.75 inches) long, and 2-ranked, 6 

centimeter (2.375 inches) long filaments that are purple and white below, blue in the middle and 

pinkish-blue above. Hand pollination is used to increase yield. Fruit is yellowish green, greenish-white or

pale to deep yellow blushed with pink, irregularly shaped, ovate-oblong or oblong-ovoid in shape,

melon-like, 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) long, and 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) in diameter. 

Fruit can be faintly ribbed or longitudinally 3-lobed. The skin is thin and delicate. The flesh is white to pink 

in color, firm, mealy, coated with a parchment-like material on the inner surface and 2.5 to 3.8 centimeters (1 

to 1.5 inches) thick. The interior of the fruit contains juice and arils that are yellow, whitish, or purple-pink 

in color. The flavor of the flesh is mild and the flavor of the arils (pulp) is subacid, sweet-acid or bland. 

Purplish-brown, flattened-oval seeds are 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch) long. Fruit is highly aromatic. The 

largest fruit in its genus. A widely cultivated plant (PERENNIAL, MORTON, QUISQUALIS, ECOCROP).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In Venezuela, flowering occurs May to October and fruiting takes place from July to 

October. In Indonesia and Queensland, Australia, vines fruit continually all year. Fruit matures in 

65 to 85 days. Fruit is produced in 1 to 2 years from seed and less than 1 year from cuttings 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires warm to hot, wet tropical lowlands. Prefers warm, humid conditions both 

day and night, elevations of 213 to 2,195 meters (700 to 7,200 feet), and deep, fertile, moist, 

well-drained soil. Does not tolerate dry areas, flooding or extreme cold. Propagation is by seed and 

cuttings. Seeds germinate in 2 to 3 weeks. Seedlings should be planted in the field when 15 to 30.5 

centimeters (6 to 12 inches) high. Cuttings should be 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) long and 

deeply planted in well-watered sand. Transplanting should occur in 30 days. Vines should be set 2 

to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet) apart. When 2 meters (6.5 feet) high, vines are trained to a trellis. 

Pruning, water, and fertilizer should be used in commercial plantings. For commercial purposes, 

trees may need to be replaced every 5 to 6 years. Fruit are harvested with clippers when the skin 

becomes translucent, glossy and yellowish at the tips (PERENNIAL, MORTON, QUISQUALIS, 

ECOCROP).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Juice from the arils is bottled and sold in local Indonesian 

restaurants; pulp is canned in syrup (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Flesh is consumed fresh and in desserts. Flesh can be added to fruit 

salads, cooked with sugar, candied, or canned in syrup. Jelly can be made from the unpeeled flesh. 

The aril is consumed fresh, in beverages, and desserts. Arils can be consumed raw without 

removing the seeds. Juice from the arils is used to make beverages including wine. The flesh and 

arils can be eaten together with sugar, fruit juice, cream and shaved ice. Flesh and arils can be used 

as pie filling. The entire immature fruit can be steamed, boiled, or cut up, breaded and fried and 

consumed as a vegetable. The root of mature vines is baked and eaten as a substitute for yam in 

Jamaica (PERENNIAL, MORTON).
Page	

54

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit are a source of phosphorus and vitamin A. Leaves, skin and immature 

seeds are toxic. If the pulp is consumed too much, lethargy occurs. The raw root is poisonous and 

induces vomiting (MORTON, ECOCROP).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit is used to aid scurvy and the digestive system. Flesh is used to relieve 

headaches, asthma, diarrhea, dysentery, insomnia, and nervous problems. The seeds are used as a 

sedative. A leaf decoction is used to aid skin and liver conditions and remove parasitic worms. The 

root is used to aid skin wounds, induce vomiting, remove excess water and remove intestinal worms 

(MORTON).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii; grown occasionally in South Florida (MORTON).

5. Other commercial production regions: Java, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Malaya, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, the 

Philippines, tropical Africa, Australia; widely cultivated in the tropics including Barbados, Bermuda and

Caribbean Islands. Annual yields in Indonesia and Queensland, Australia may reach 25 to 35 large fruit and 

70 to 120 small to medium fruit. In younger vines, 16 to 50 fruits are produced per year (GRIN, MORTON).

6. Use: Beverage base, fruit, medicinal purposes (GRIN). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, MORTON, QUISQUALIS, ECOCROP, JANICK.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PAQQU
Page	

55

1. Guriri [(caxandó, coco da pria, seashore palm (JANICK))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Allagoptera arenaria (Gomes) Kuntze [(syn: Cocos arenaria Gomes (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A small, slow-growing, bushy palm that reaches a height of 1.8 meters (6 feet) and a diameter of up to 2.1 

meters (7 feet). Native to the Atlantic coast of Brazil from Bahia to Sao Paulo. The stem is short, solitary or 

branched, and subterranean. In rare cases, the stem is visible. The growing point may be lower in the ground 

than the base of the stem. Bright green to silvery green leaves emerge out of the ground in groups of 4 to 15 

and grow in a swirling pattern. Individual leaves are pinnately compound, narrow, tough, arching, bushy,

densely waxy underneath, sharp, and 0.6 to 2 meters (2 to 6 feet) long,. The petioles are short. Leaflets

radiate in different planes and are narrow, clustered irregularly, split at the tip, and 0.6 meters (2 feet) long. 

Inflorescences are spicate, unbranched, borne among the leaves, and 51 centimeters (20 inches) long. Many

greenish yellow flowers occur on the short broad flowering branch. On the lower portion of the flowering 

branch flowers occur in triads of two lateral male flowers and one central female flower. This results in the

female flowers growing in distinct spirals. Male flowers occur on the upper part of the flowering branch. 

Oval fruit are yellowish-green to yellowish-orange, shaped like small coconuts, and 1.3 to 2.5 centimeters

(0.5 to 1 inch) long by 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch) in diameter. Each fruit contains one to two seeds. Fruit are 

densely clustered on the fruiting stem (JANICK, FLORIDATA, PACSOA, TOP TROPICALS, DESERT 

TROPICALS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: No specific entry.

b. Cultivation: Trees prefer seasonally dry habitats, sandy soils with good drainage and moisture 

and moderate to full sun. Grows on exposed areas including dunes, coastal tropical and subtropical 

moist broadleaf forests, and coastal strand above the high tide mark. Trees form large colonies in 

tropical and subtropical coastal areas. Prefers elevations of sea level to 10 meters (33 feet). Tolerant 

of some cold (-4 °C or 25 °F), poor soils, and wind. Extremely salt tolerant. Propagation is by seed. 

Germination is erratic and can take 3 to 6 months. High temperatures and humidity aid the 

germination process. The tree is widely cultivated as an ornamental. Fruit are not produced 

commercially (JANICK, FLORIDATA, PACSOA, TOP TROPICALS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is consumed by the locals (PACSOA).

d. Preparation for cooking: The sweet mesocarp of the fruit and seeds are edible. Fruit is consumed 

raw or in drinks (JANICK, FLORIDATA, TOP TROPICALS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Brazil (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental, beach screen; leaves are used to make baskets (GRIN, FLORIDATA). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, FLORIDATA, PACSOA, TOP TROPICALS, DESERT 

TROPICALS.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
Page	

56

292

1. Ilama [(anona blanca, llama, perpauce (GRIN))]

Annonaceae

Annona macroprophyllata Donn. Sm. [(syn: Annona diversifolia Saff.) (GRIN))]

2. A small spreading to erect slender tree that grows to a height of 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 feet). Native to 

Central America and Mexico. The trunk measures 25 centimeters (10 inches) in diameter. Furrowed bark is 

aromatic and pale brownish-gray in color. Branching may occur from the ground, forming 3 to 6 main stems. 

Leaves are glossy, thin, elliptic, obovate or oblanceolate in shape, rounded at the apex, and 5 to 15 

centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long. Young foliage is reddish to coppery in color. One to two leaf-like, nearly 

circular glabrous bracts that measure 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) long occur along the base of the 

flowering branchlets. Undersides of the leaves, small branches and fruit have a powdery whitish appearance. 

Maroon, pinkish, or purplish-red flowers are solitary, long-stalked and open to the base. Individual flowers 

contain small rusty hairy sepals, 3 narrow, blunt, minutely hairy linear-oblong outer petals that measure 2 to 

5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) long, and 3 minute stamen-like pollen-bearing inner petals. Pale green, deep 

pink or lavender fruit is solitary, spherical, heart-shaped, ovoid globose, conical, or ovoid in shape, 15 

centimeters (6 inches) long, 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) in diameter, and 400 to 900 grams (0.9 to 2 

pounds) in weight. The surface of the fruit is rough and contains pronounced triangular protuberances. The 

leathery soft, granular rind is coated with a dense, velvety gray-white bloom and is 0.6 centimeter (0.25 inch)

thick. Pulp is white or pinkish in color, smooth, fibrous, or custard-like in texture and dry to juicy. The 

flavor varies according to cultivar. Green types contain white flesh that is sweet in flavor. Pink to purple 

types contain light to dark pink flesh that is tart in flavor. Some believe the aromatic fruit resembles 

cherimoya or atemoya in flavor. Each fruit contains 25 to 80 seeds enclosed in a membrane that are hard, 

smooth, brown, cylindrical in shape, and 2 centimeters (0.75 inch) long by 1 centimeter (0.375 inch) wide

(PERENNIAL, MORTON, MAHDEEM, POPENOE, ECOCROP).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from April to May in Florida. Fruit matures in 150 days. Fruit are 

harvested in late June in Mexico, late July to September in Guatemala and July to December in 

Florida. Fruit production occurs in 7 to 8 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from grafts (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON). 

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical lowlands with low to medium rainfall of 100 to 140 

centimeters (39 to 55 inches), rich, loose loam to fertile volcanic soils, and elevations of up to 1,798 

meters (5,900 feet) on the Pacific slope. Prefers a long dry season followed by adequate rainfall. 

Grows wild in the mountains and foothills of Central America. Does not tolerate frost. Propagation 

is by seed and grafting. Cultivated trees should be irrigated in dry areas. Fruit are usually harvested 

when they begin to crack open. Fruit can also be harvested early and left to soften for up to 3 days. 

Fruit has a short shelf life. The ilama is grown together with other fruit trees, in small fields, or on 

patios (PERENNIAL, MORTON, MAHDEEM, POPENOE).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Sold in the markets of Guatemala and other indigenous areas 

(MAHDEEM).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh in the half shell or scooped out, chilled, and 

served with cream, lemon and sugar; also made into sherbets and other desserts (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: It can be grown in California, Florida, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Ilama production is 

rare in the U.S (MARKLE).

5. Other production regions: South America including Chile, Mexico, Central America including 

Guatemala and El Salvador. Yield is low. In Mexico, 3 to 10 fruit are produced per tree. Some trees can 

bear 85 to 100 fruit in one season (GRIN, MORTON).
Page	

57

6. Use: Pulp is eaten fresh in sherbets and other desserts. Some consider the fruit flavor lesser than that of 

Cherimoya; grown in gardens (MARKLE, POPENOE).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0337) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Sugar apple = ilama

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, MORTON, MAHDEEM, POPENOE, 

ECOCROP.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ANUDI (listed as Annona diversifolia SAFF)
Page	

58

1. Ingá 

Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae). Also placed in: Mimosaceae

Inga vera Willd. subsp. affinis (DC.) T. D. Penn. [(syn: Inga affinis DC. (basionym), Inga 

meissneriana Miq., Inga uraguensis Hook. & Arn. (GRIN))]

2. A large, attractive, semi-deciduous fruit tree growing to a height of 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet). Native 

to Brazil. Branches are spreading. Compound leaves are pinnate with a winged stalk. Each leaf contains 4 

to 5 pairs of leaflets with pubescent veins that measure 4 to 14 centimeters (1.6 to 5.5 inches) long. Between 

each leaflet, a nectar gland occurs on the leaf rachis. White and yellow inflorescences occur in solitary, 

axillary racemes and resemble pompoms. Indehiscent fruit are legumes that are cylindrical in shape,

resemble tamarind pods and measure 12 by 2 by 0.5 centimeters (5 by 0.8 by 0.2 inches). The skin of the 

fruit is dense-pubescent. The pulp is white in color, juicy, and has a soft cotton wool texture. Each fruit 

contains few seeds. The flavor of the aril is sweet and resembles vanilla ice-cream. A nitrogen-fixing tree

(LORENZI, TOP TROPICALS, CIRAD-FLHOR).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowers form from August to November (LORENZI).

b. Cultivation: Grown in the Atlantic Forest from Sao Paulo to Rio Grande do Sul. Fruit is 

cultivated for use in landscaping. Propagated by seeds. Seeds often germinate while the fruit is still 

attached to the tree (LORENZI, TOP TROPICALS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: The aril of the fruit is consumed raw. Consumed mostly by children 

(LORENZI, TOP TROPICALS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Central America, northern South America, Brazil, the Guianas,

Western South America, southern South America (GRIN, CIRAD-FLHOR).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental (GRIN, LORENZI). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, LORENZI, TOP TROPICALS, CIRAD-FLHOR.

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
Page	

59

300

1. Jackfruit [(jack, jak, bo luo mi, jacquier, Jackfruchtbaum, Nangka, kathal, jaqueira, jaca, árbol del pan, 

jaqueiro (GRIN))]

Moraceae

Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. [(syn: Artocarpus integrifolius auct. (GRIN))]

2. A fast-growing medium size evergreen tree that grows to a height of 8 to 25 meters (26 to 82 feet). Native 

to tropical Asia, specifically the rain forests of India and Malaysia. Close relative of the chempedak. 

Jackfruit has been cultivated since ancient times in Southeast Asia and widely cultivated in many tropical 

countries. The tree produces large quantities of latex. The greyish-brown trunk is straight, rarely buttressed, 

rough, uneven, and reaches 30 to 80 centimeters (12 to 31 inches) in diameter. Bark is scaly and contains 

minute, 0.05 centimeter (0.02 inch) long white hairs. The canopy is dome to pyramidal shaped and 3.5 to 7 

meters (11.5 to 23 feet) in diameter. Large dark green leaves are glossy, leathery, entire, simple, stiff, pale 

green underneath, smooth along the margins, round, elliptic, oval or oblong in shape, arranged alternately on 

horizontal branches, spirally on ascending branches, and 4 to 25 centimeters (1.6 to 10 inches) long by 2 to 

12 centimeters (0.8 to 5 inches) wide. The stipules are fused around the stem. Young leaves can be oblong 

or deeply lobed. The tree contains both male and female flowers. The male inflorescence is elongated,

oblong, cylindrical or club-shaped, hanging or drooping, dense, fleshy, produced singly, and 5 to 15 

centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long by 2 to 4.5 centimeters (0.8 to 1.8 inches) wide. Spikes are smooth and 

whitish green to dark green when young, turning yellowish and rough when mature. Male flowers occur 

throughout the tree. The female inflorescence is solitary to paired, elliptical to round in shape, rough, light to 

dark green, and 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long. Female spikes are contained on a 0.8 to 0.9 

centimeter (0.3 to 0.4 inch) thick peduncle. Female flowers occur on the main trunk and branches. 

Pollination occurs by wind; hand pollination can also be done. Compound fruit are borne from an entire 

flower cluster. Large greenish yellow, yellow or brownish multiple fruit are pear to barrel-shaped syncarps 

that measure 30 to 100 centimeters (12 to 39 inches) long, 25 to 50 centimeters (10 to 20 inches) in diameter, 

and 4.5 to 60 kilograms (10 to 132 pounds) in weight. Achenes that make up the syncarp fruit are 

indehiscent and contain one seed. The fruit contains large amounts of latex. Each fruit is borne on a 5 to 10 

centimeter (2 to 4 inch) stalk on the main branches or directly on the trunk. Immature fruit are pale to dark 

green. The rind is thick, rubbery, hard, pebbly, 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) thick, and contains short, blunt spines. 

Pulp (perianth) consists of large bulbs that are yellow to orange-yellow in color, waxy, leathery, smooth,

firm to soft, and fleshy. In between the bulbs are narrow ribbons of thin, tough, undeveloped perianths and a 

central pithy core. The receptacle is not separable from the pulp. Each bulb encloses one seed. The flavor is 

sweet, strongly aromatic and resembles a combination of pineapple, banana and melon. When ripe, the fruit 

produces a fruity onion odor. Each fruit can contain up to 500 seeds. Each seed is smooth, oval, and 2 to 4 

centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long by 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) wide. Seeds are surrounded by a horny 

endocarp and sub-gelatinous exocarp. Fruit are classified into two general types: Koozha chakka, which are 

fruit with small, fibrous, soft, mushy, sweet carpels and Koozha pazham, commercially important fruit that 

contain crisp carpels. Largest edible tree fruit in the world (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, LORENZI, MORTON, TRADITIONAL).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs June to July and December to February in Florida and June to August 

in Brazil. In hot, humid tropical climates, flowering and fruit development occur throughout the 

year. In the subtropics, flowering occurs in late spring and fruit maturation occurs late summer to

early autumn. In areas with wet and dry seasons, flowering takes place in the first 2 months of the 

dry season. Heavy loads of fruit can suppress flowering. In Asia, fruit ripen from March to June, 

April to September or June to August. Off-season crops can occur from September to December. In 

the West Indies, fruit ripen in June and in Florida fruit ripen from late summer to fall. Fruit matures 

in 90 to 200 days, depending on the climate and altitude. Fruit tend to be biennial in bearing. Trees 

from seed bear in 4 to 14 years (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, LORENZI, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires a warm to hot, humid tropical climate with minimum temperatures of 16 to 

22 °C (61 to 72 °F) and mean temperatures of 25 to 30 °C (77 to 86 °F). Also grown in equatorial to 
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60

subtropical maritime climates. Prefers lowland forests, moist tropical environments, semi-dry 

forests, full sun, elevations below 1,600 meters (5,249 feet), 100 to 240 centimeters(39 to 95 inches)

of evenly distributed rainfall, and fertile, well-drained sandy to clay loams. Tolerates a variety of 

well-drained soils with a pH of 5 to 7.5 and slightly saline conditions. Does not tolerate frost, 

droughts, exposed locations, wind, infertile, dry soils, and floods. Propagation is by seed, root and 

stem cuttings, air layers, budding, tissue culture and grafting. Seed must be planted at a depth of 2 

centimeters (0.8 inch) within 1 month after being removed from the fruit. Germination occurs in 3 

to 8 weeks. Seedlings should be grown in shade. Trees should be spaced 6 to 12 meters (20 to 39 

feet) apart. For commercial practices, shoots are thinned and branches cleared for harvesting 

purposes. Fruit is mature when a hollow, dull sound is heard once the fruit is tapped. Yellowish 

brown skin color, a strong onion odor, and flattening of the surface spines also determine when the 

fruit is ripe. Fruit is harvested by cutting the peduncle and allowing the latex to drain. In other areas, 

fruit is harvested after falling from the tree. The shelf life for harvested fallen fruit is 2 to 3 days. 

Fruit can also be stored at 10 to 12 °C (50 to 54 °F) for 2 to 3 weeks Fruit is favored most in Asia

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, MORTON, TRADITIONAL).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in local markets. Mature fruit are cut open and 

sliced into pieces for sale, since the fruit is so large. Fruit is also sold mixed with other fruit. Young 

fruit is canned and sold commercially (JANICK, VAN WYK).

d. Preparation for cooking: The aril of mature fruit can be eaten fresh. Fruit is also preserved in 

simple sugar syrup, dried into chips, candied, frozen, made into liquor, canned in syrup or used to 

make jam, jelly, chutney, paste, fruit leather, nectar, drinks, custard, or ice cream. Used in soups, 

fruit salads and curries. Cooked with rice or coconut milk. Since fruit contains large quantities of 

latex, gloves should be worn and oil should be applied to knives. Seeds are roasted, boiled and 

consumed like chestnuts. Cooked seeds can be ground into flour, canned in brine or curry or mixed 

into tomato sauce. Raw seeds are poisonous. The rind can be used to make a jelly. The immature 

fruit is prepared by peeling, slicing and boiling the fruit. Fruit can then be cooked, pickled, dried, 

canned, seasoned or mixed with other food. Jackfruit is made into curry in India and Malaysia. 

Leaves and young male flowers are cooked and eaten as a vegetable; flowers are also grated or 

smashed and eaten with salt and vinegar or pickled (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, TRADITIONAL).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, potassium, iron, 

nicotinamide and vitamin A. Seeds are high in starch and a good source of vitamins B1 and B2

(JANICK, VAN WYK, MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: Unripe fruit can cause digestive disorders. Fruit pulp and seeds are used to 

cure hangovers; seed starch is used to relieve digestive problems; roasted seeds are an aphrodisiac; 

the ash of leaves burned with corn and coconut shells is used to heal ulcers; dried latex is made into 

steroids; dried leaves mixed with vinegar promotes the healing of abscesses, snakebites and 

swellings. The root is used to cure skin diseases, fevers, diarrhea and asthma. Bark and leaves are 

used to cure wounds (MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: In 1994, 2 hectares (5 acres) was grown in Florida. The plant is likely to be grown in 

south Florida, Puerto Rico and Hawaii (MARKLE, CRANE 1995a).

5. Other production regions: Thailand, Brazil, Surinam, Guam, Jamaica, tropical Asia, Malaysia, Malay 

Peninsula, Sri Lanka, Burma, Fiji, Java, southern China; Southeast Asia, tropical Africa including Kenya, 

Uganda and former Zanzibar; Pacific Islands including the Philippines; the Caribbean, Queensland, 

Mauritius; widely cultivated in the tropics. Trees can produce 20 to 500 fruit per tree per year. Commercial 

yields average 70 to 100 kilograms (154 to 220 pounds) per tree per year. Important food source in several 

tropical areas, including India, where there are over 5,666 hectares (14,000 acres); In Malaysia, orchards 

produce an average of 17,000 kilograms (37,479 pounds) per hectare. In 2000, the Philippines produced 

11,735 hectares (28,998 acres) of jackfruit and yields were 4.08 tonnes (4.50 tons) per hectare (GRIN, 

MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, TRADITIONAL).
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6. Use: Fruit, medicinal purposes, ornamental; yellow timber for woodcarvings and furniture; dye; young 

leaves and flowers can be used as a vegetable; seeds consumed; shade tree; waste from the rind is used in 

tobacco curing; fruit and leaves are fed to cattle; latex is used as glue and caulking; tannin in the bark is made 

into cloth (GRIN, MARKLE, MORTON, TRADITIONAL).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit; pectin extracted from rind, bulbs and seeds for food products. 

Sometimes leaves and flowers are consumed.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0338) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, CRANE 1995a, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, LORENZI, MORTON, TRADITIONAL.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ABFIN (listed as Artocarpus integrifolius L.f ) 
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1. Jatobá [(amami-gum, Brazilian copal, jatoba, South American-locust, West Indian-locust, caroubier de la 

Guyane, courbaril, Heuschreckenbaum, jataí, jutaí, farinheira, jitaí, copal, curbaril, guapinol, paquio

(GRIN))]

Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae). Also placed in: Caesalpiniaceae

Hymenaea courbaril L. [(syn: Hymenaea stilbocarpa Hayne (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing large tree that reaches a height of 15 to 40 meters (49 to 131 feet). Native to Central and 

South America and the West Indies. The sap is resinous, thick and clear-yellow. The trunk is cylindrical, 

straight and up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) in diameter. The base can sometimes develop buttresses. Greyish to 

brown bark is smooth, thick, contains lenticels, and measures 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) thick. 

The wood is hard, durable, tough and reddish-brown. The roots are superficial and large roots occur near the 

surface. The crown is open or dense and hemispherical to umbrella-shaped. Leaves are semi-deciduous, 

alternate, compound and consist of 2 leaflets. Petioles are 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long. The 

two leaflets are shiny, thick, smooth, waxy, leathery, ovate, lanceolate, narrowly oblong, elliptical, or 

elliptic-lanceolate in shape, acute to obtuse at the tip, asymmetrical, rounded at the base, contain entire 

margins, and range in size from 3 to 14 centimeters (1.2 to 5.5 inches) long by 1.5 to 7 centimeters (0.6 to 3 

inches) wide. The inflorescences consist of short, dense, terminal corymb panicles containing few branches 

and flowers. Inflorescences measure 8 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long by 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 

inches) wide. Pedicles are 0.3 to 1.0 centimeter (0.1 to 0.4 inch) long. Individual whitish to purplish

rounded flowers are 1.5 to 5 centimeters (0.6 to 2 inches) long by 3 centimeters (1.2 inch) in diameter and

contain both male and female reproductive structures, 4 to 5 concave sepals, 5 petals, deciduous corollas, ten 

stamens, one pistil an ovary with one locule, 6 to 18 ovules, and an anther. Flowers are pollinated by bats. 

The dark brown legume is indehiscent, rigid, oblong in shape, and 6 to 17 centimeters (2.4 to 7 inches) long,

6.5 centimeters (2.6 inches) wide, and 10 to 50 grams (0.4 to 2 ounces) in weight. The pod is dull, hard, and 

woody. The pod contains yellow, creamy brown or greenish pulp that is starchy, mealy, and powdery, 

resembling dry flour. When placed in the mouth, the texture turns into a paste. The flavor is sweet and 

reminiscent of bananas or dates. The aroma is uncommon. Each pod also contains 1 to 6 light, dark, or

reddish-brown seeds that are flattened, hard, and measure 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inch) long

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, WINROCK, CDS, ECOCROP).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs during the dry season and early rainy season (December to May) in 

Panama. In Brazil, flowers form from October to December. In Costa Rica, flowering occurs from 

February to May. Fruit mature during the late rainy season in Panama. In Brazil, fruit ripen July to 

October. In Costa Rica, fruit forms one to two months following flowering. Fruit stay on the tree for 

seven to ten months (JANICK, LORENZI, DUKE, WINROCK, CDS).

b. Cultivation: Requires a hot tropical climate, full sun, annual rainfall of 150 to 300 centimeters (59 

to 118 inches), an annual temperature of 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F), deep, fertile, moist well-drained 

sandy soil with a pH of 4.8 to 6.8, and elevations of sea level to 900 meters (2,953 feet). Trees grow 

best on ridges, hillsides, slopes, high river banks, stream banks, humid Pacific lowland forests,

semi-deciduous forests of the Parana River basin and dry forests of the Amazon. Tolerates a variety 

of conditions including tropical dry to wet to subtropical dry to wet forest, poor fertility, 

waterlogging, and 4 months or more of drought. Does not tolerate shade. Propagation is by seed

and cuttings. Seeds germinate in 20 to 30 days. Scarification is used to reduce germination time. 77 

trees per hectare should be used for commercial plantings. This fruit is locally important but rarely 

cultivated outside of native areas (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, WINROCK, CDS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Pulp is consumed locally and is sometimes sold in food markets, 

especially in El Salvador (WINROCK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh; can be powdered and made into gruel, 

beverages, or cakes. Jatobá bark tea is consumed by lumberjacks in Brazilian forests (PERENNIAL, 

WINROCK).
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e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry. 

f. Medicinal aspects: Bark tea is used as an energy tonic, stomach soother, and antifungal aid. Bark 

is also used as a tonic for the respiratory and urinary systems; bark is an astringent, balsamic, 

vermifuge, haemostatic, cough reliever and diarrhea reliever by people of the Amazon; used as a 

cure-all. Bark, sap, or resin, and leaves are used to cure cyctitis, hepatitis, prostatitis and coughs. 

Sap is used to aid coughs and bronchitis. The fruit is used to aid mouth ulcers. Leaves and wood are 

used to aid diabetes. The tree has been used as an anodyne, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, 

laxative, pectoral, purgative, sedative, stomachic, stimulant, tonic, and vermifuge (JANICK, 

DUKE).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico, Southern Florida (GRIN, DUKE).

5. Other production regions: Mexico, Central America including Panama, El Salvador and Costa Rica; the

Caribbean including Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago; South America including Brazil, Peru, French 

Guiana, Bolivia and Colombia (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, DUKE, WINROCK).

6. Use: Bee plant (pollination), agroforestry, fruit, beverage base, beads, roots and trunk yield pale yellow or 

red gum/resin known as copal that is used in varnish, incense and medicines; wood for fuel, furniture, 

carpentry and construction; medicinal purposes; seeds are used as fodder; ornamental (GRIN, JANICK, 

DUKE, ECOCROP).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Whole fruit; pectin extracted from rind, bulbs and seeds for food products. 

Sometimes leaves and flowers.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, WINROCK, CDS, ECOCROP, 

DUKE.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: HMYCO
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1. Kei-apple [(Keiapfel, manzana cafre (GRIN))]

Salicaceae. Also placed in: Flacourtiaceae

Dovyalis caffra (Hook. F. & Harv.) Warb. [(syn: Aberia caffra Hook. f. & Harv. (basionym) 

(GRIN))]

2. A vigorous shrub or small evergreen tree that grows to a height of 3 to 9 meters (10 to 30 feet) and a spread 

of 8 meters (25 feet). Native to the Kei River area in southwestern Africa. Bark is smooth, grey and fissured

on young branches and flaky or corky on old branches. Young branches contain 4 to 7 centimeter (1.6 to 2.8 

inch) long spines. Stems contain few to no spines. The crown is branched. Leaves occur in tight clusters on 

lateral branches or at the bases of the thorns, and alternate on young shoots. Individual leaves are simple,

glossy, waxy, obovate, obovate-elliptic or oblong-obovate in shape, rounded at the tip, tapered at the base, 

and 2 to 7.5 centimeters (0.8 to 3 inches) long by 0.5 to 3 centimeters (0.2 to 1.2 inches) wide. The petioles 

are short and measure 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) long. Cream-green flowers are small, petalless, and occur in 

dense clusters in the leaf axils on lateral shoots. Pale-yellow male flowers occur in clusters of 5 to 10 and 

measure 0.3 centimeters (0.1 inch) long. Pale-yellow female flowers are solitary or occur in clusters of 2 to 

3 on stalks that measure 0.4 to 1.0 centimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inch) long. There are separate male and female 

plants. Pollination occurs by insects. Bright yellow to yellow-orange fruit is solitary, fleshy, ovoid, oblate,

or almost spherical in shape and 2.5 to 6 centimeters (1 to 2.4 inches) in diameter. Immature fruit is green in 

color. The skin is tough, thin, and velvety. The pulp is yellow, mealy, apricot-textured and juicy. The flavor 

is sour, subacid or acid and pleasant. Fruit is aromatic. Each fruit contains 5 to 15 seeds in two circles. 

Individual seeds are flat, pointed, surrounded by fibers and 1.0 centimeter (0.4 inch) long. Fruit resembles a 

small flattened apricot (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, POPENOE, TRADE 

WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from February to June in Florida. In southern Africa, flowering and 

fruiting occur November to January. In other areas including the Mediterranean region and U.S., 

flowering occurs in the spring (April and May) and fruit ripening occurs from August to October. In

Tanzania, fruit ripen from February to March. Fruit matures in 90 days to 4 months. Fruit is 

produced in 5 to 6 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from vegetative propagation (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON, POPENOE, JØKER).

b. Cultivation: Prefers semiarid tropical and subtropical climates, full sun or light shade, elevations 

of 200 to 2,450 meters (656 to 8,038 feet), rainfall of 150 to 300 centimeters (59 to 118 inches), 

mean annual temperatures of 11 to 31 °C (52 to 88 °F), and deep, well-drained, loamy to sandy soil. 

Trees grow in open bush, wooded grassland associated with termite mounds, dry areas, valleys and 

forest edges. Tolerant of high rainfall, hot weather, drought, sea breezes, salt spray, and 

temperatures down to -8 °C (18 °F). Not tolerant of soils with a high water table. Propagation is by 

seed, cuttings, layering and grafting. Cleaned, dried seeds must be planted in flats of light sandy 

loam soon after being removed from the ripe fruit. Germination occurs in 18 to 20 days. Trees for 

fruit production should be spaced 4 to 5 meters (12 to 15 feet) apart. Trees for hedges should be 

spaced 0.9 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) apart. Pruning aids growth and harvesting. Trees can grow 60 

centimeters (24 inches) per year. Harvesting is done when fruits turn yellow-orange and become 

soft. Fruit are collected from the ground after branches are shaken. Widely cultivated in the 

Transvaal. Also cultivated along the shores of the Mediterranean (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, POPENOE, JØKER, PLANTZAFRICA).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in local markets in Africa and elsewhere

(PLANTZAFRICA).
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d. Preparation for cooking: Most people believe the fruit is too acid for eating out-of-hand. 

Therefore, fruit should be cut in half, peeled, seeded, sprinkled with sugar, left to stand for a few 

hours, and served in desserts or fruit salads. In addition to being consumed fresh, fruit can also be 

cooked. Fruit can only be cooked for a short period of time before turning into sauce. Fruit is most 

commonly preserved into jelly and jam. Under ripe fruit is processed into pickles (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON, POPENOE).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is rich in vitamin C (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The roots, stems and fruit possess antibiotic properties (MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Southern California, Puerto Rico (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Costa Rica, England, Australia, Egypt, Albania, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, 

Greece, Israel, Kenya, Tanzania, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, United Kingdom,

Algeria, southern France, Italy, the Philippines, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, 

Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, South Africa; cultivated elsewhere in tropical and subtropical areas

(GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, JØKER).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental, hedge; leaves are used as fodder for cattle, goats, and game; fermented fruit can be 

used as a herbicide (GRIN, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible pee

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, POPENOE, 

TRADE WINDS, JØKER, PLANTZAFRICA.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10 and 13

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: DOVCA
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1. Langsat [(duku, langsep, lansium, longkong, Lansibaum, arbol-do-lanza, árbol de lanza, lanzón, 

lanzones (GRIN, JANICK))]

Meliaceae

Lansium domesticum Corrêa 

2. A slender, tall, evergreen tree that grows to a height of 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet) in cultivation and up 

to 30 meters (98 feet) in the wild. Native to southeast Asia, specifically peninsular Thailand, Malaysia and

Borneo. The trunk is straight, short and up to 75 centimeters (30 inches) in diameter. Mottled grey and 

orange, red-brown or yellow-brown bark is deeply and irregularly fluted with steep buttresses; contains 

sticky, milky sap. The crown is erect and open. Dull green leaves are glossy, coarse, pinnate, alternate and 

22 to 50 centimeters (9 to 20 inches) long. Petioles are up to 7 centimeters (3 inches) long. Each leaf 

contains 5 to 9 oval, leathery, dark-green, glossy, alternate obovate to elliptic-oblong, pointed leaflets that 

measure 7 to 20 centimeters (3 to 8 inches) long by 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) wide. Petiolules are 

0.5 to 1.2 centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inch) long. Both langsat and duku produce many flowered, hairy, solitary 

or clustered racemes that range in size from 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) long. Racemes are showy 

and can occur in groups of two to five directly on the trunk and large branches. Individual langsat and duku 

flowers are small, yellow to white in color, perfect and sessile; flowers occur in clusters of 20 to 30 and

measure 1.2 centimeters (0.5 inch) wide by 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) long. Each flower contains 5 fleshy, 

cup-shaped 5-lobed greenish-yellow sepals, 5 fleshy, erect ovate petals, 10 anthers and united stamens. Ripe 

fruit occur in clusters of 2 to 30, are oval, ellipsoid, ovid-oblong or round in shape, and generally measure 2.5 

to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) in diameter. The skin of the mature fruit is generally light greyish-yellow,

pale yellow with brown blemishes, pale brownish or pink in color, velvety, leathery and thin to thick. Pulp 

(aril) is clear, white translucent, juicy and divided into five segments. The flavor is acid, subacid or sweet. 

Seeds are green, large, bitter, and 2 to 2.5 centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) long by 1.25 to 2 centimeters (0.5 to 0.8 

inch) wide. Pale green immature fruit contains white latex. Lansium domesticum consists of three types of 

fruit: longkong, langsat, and duku. 

 The longkong tree consists of a round, upright trunk with little roughness; the trunk lacks a white stripe. 

The dark green leaves of this tree contain deep veins. Leaves are large, thick, smooth underneath, and 

glossy. The tip of the leaf is oval and wavy. Light yellow fruit is large, oval in shape and occurs in clusters 

of 10 to 40. The peel is thick, rough, hairless, and hard. No latex is present in the peel. Pulp is translucent 

and hard. Each fruit contains few or no seeds. Yellow-greenish seeds are large, oval and bitter. Longkong 

fruit are sweeter and contain less latex compared to langsat. Because of this, longkong fruit are more 

expensive compared to langsat fruit in Thailand. 

 The langsat tree is meager, slender, open, and consists of a white-striped trunk with upright, hairy

branches. Native to the north of the Malay Peninsula. Leaves are long, tapered, thin, hairy underneath, and

contain shallow veins. Overall, foliage is sparse. White-yellow fruit are smaller than longkong and duku

fruit and are grown in clusters of 15 to 25. Individual fruit are ovoid to oblong in shape and 3 to 5

centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) in size. The pale, greyish buff peel is thin, soft and contains very short hairs and 

sticky sap. Pulp is white-translucent. Each fruit contains five segments with 1 to 5 seeds that are small and 

green.

 The duku tree is robust, broad-topped, densely foliaged, and consists of a trunk with knobs and a 

spreading dome-shaped canopy. Native to the south of the Malay Peninsula. Leaves are long, tapered, 

smooth underneath, and similar to the coffee leaf. Leaves contain a thin oval tip and shallow veins. 

Light-yellow fruit are round, larger than longkong and langsat, 4.0 to 5.0 centimeters (1.6 to 2 inches) in size,

and contain 4 to 12 fruit per cluster. The peel is thick, rough, brownish buff in color and contains short hairs

and no sap. The crusty rind can be removed easily, revealing 5 segments. Fruit contain less pulp compared 

to other fruit. The aroma of the fruit is strong. All carpels contain 1 to 2 non-bitter seeds. The duku is the 

more popular fruit form (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, ECOCROP, GLOBINMED).
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3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Longkong plants form flower buds from April to June. Flowering usually occurs during 

the 1 to 2 months when it is not raining. In langsat and duku trees, flower-bud differentiation occurs 

during the early part of the dry season. Flowering occurs after the beginning of the monsoon rains. 

In some areas, flowering occurs once during the spring and once during the fall. Fruit is harvested 

from September to November in Thailand. In Malaya, langsats bear twice per year in June to July 

and December to February. In India, fruit ripen from April to September. In the Philippines, the 

season is short. Langsat and duku take 180 to 220 days to develop from anthesis. Fruit production 

occurs in 7 to 15 years from seed and 3 to 5 years from vegetative propagation (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Longkong requires hot, humid (70 to 80% humidity), wet tropical lowlands, part 

shade, well-drained, deep, rich, mildly acid soil high in organic matter (sandy loam), elevations of 

less than 750 meters (2,461 feet), temperatures of 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F), and a uniform 

distribution of 250 to 300 centimeters (98 to 118 inches) of rain. Grows in equatorial climates with 

no dry season. Prefers rainforests and humid river valleys. Does not tolerate frost, heat above 30 °C

(86 °F), high wind, waterlogging, or drought. Propagation is by seed, layering, and grafting

(approach, cleft, whip or side veneer). Seeds must be planted soon after being removed from the 

fruit. Longkong seeds are fertile and germinate with many seedlings. Langsat and duku seeds 

germinate with only one seedling. Grafting is done during the rainy season. Trees should be spaced 

8 by 8 meters (26 by 26 feet) to 12 by 12 meters (39 by 39 feet) apart. Irrigation can be used to 

promote flowering. Fertilization promotes new growth. Pruning is done to promote an open shape. 

Mature plants are pruned after harvest, at the beginning of the rainy season when dormant. Flower 

thinning is done to prevent small fruit and lower fruit set. Fruit thinning is done when fruit reach 0.5 

centimeter (0.2 inch) in diameter to promote uniformity. Fruit is harvested when the skin color turns 

green to yellow, the aroma increases, the fruit becomes sweeter, and the quantity of latex is reduced. 

Longkong fruit are harvested when the skin changes from light yellow to dark yellow and the 

peduncles and calyxes are dry. Longkong fruit must be harvested as soon as they turn ripe or fruit 

drop occurs, resulting in a short shelf life. Clusters do not mature uniformly. However, clusters of 

fruit are harvested and sold intact. Individual fruit are sold at a lower price. 4 to 5 harvests are 

required to collect mature fruit. Fruit can be stored for 21 days at 18 °C (64 °F) and 90% relative 

humidity (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in clusters or individually; plentiful in local 

markets (JANICK, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is easily consumed by peeling from the stem end. Varieties with 

large amounts of latex should be dipped into boiling water before peeling. The aril is consumed 

fresh out-of-hand; also preserved, canned in syrup, candied and dried; made into jellies, jams or 

juice. Served as a dessert (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Longkong fruit have a good source of carbohydrates and potassium; source 

of vitamins A and C (ECOCROP, JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The peel contains resin that is used to halt diarrhea and intestinal spasms. The 

dried peel is burned to aid tuberculosis sufferers. Crushed seed is used for scorpion stings, reduce 

fevers, and kill intestinal worms. A bark or bark and leaf decoction is used as a treatment for 

dysentery, stings, and malaria. Leaf juice is used as eye drops to aid inflammation (JANICK, 

MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico, Hawaii (JANICK, MORTON). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Southeast Asia, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Australia, China, 

Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, Surinam, Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Archipelago, Cuba, 

Honduras, Tobago, Trinidad, the Philippines; the Tropics. Langsat and duku are grown most in Malaysia;

longkong and langsat are grown most in Thailand. Fruit yield varies depending on the type of fruit. Langsat 

and duku yields are highly variable. Ten year old longkong trees can produce 40 to 50 kilograms (88 to 110 
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68

pounds) of fruit per tree and 80 to 150 kilograms (176 to 331 pounds) of fruit after 30 years. In the 

Philippines, approximately 25 tonnes (28 tons) per hectare per year of duku fruit is produced and in Thailand,

approximately 5.6 tonnes (6.2 tons) per hectare per year of duku is produced (GRIN, PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, GLOBINMED).

6. Use: Fruit, medicinal purposes; the dried peel is burned and the smoke is used as a mosquito repellant in 

the Philippines and as incense in Java; shade tree; wood for construction; arrow poison has been made from 

the peel and bark (GRIN, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Interior pulp of fruit.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, ECOCROP, 

GLOBINMED, AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: LNIDO
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1. Lanjut

Anacardiaceae

Mangifera lagenifera Griff.

2. A tree that grows up to 40 meters (131 feet) tall. Native to Indonesia. The trunk is up to 18 meters (59 feet) 

long, 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) in diameter and contains thick buttresses that may reach up to 30 

centimeters (12 inches) high. Bark is scaly, red brown to grey brown in color, smooth when young, and 

irregularly cracked and slightly to broadly fissured when older. Ridges in the trunk are wrinkled, flaky and 

up to 0.3 centimeters (0.1 inch) thick. Live bark is hard, laminated, up to 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) thick and 

dark reddish, reddish yellow or pink in color with longitudinal stripes. Sap is sticky, watery, and chocolate 

brown to dark red brown in color. Sapwood is white in color. Bud scales are pinkish in color, small, acute, 

and stiff. The crown is dense and consists of many subcrowns. Dark green leaves are spirally arranged and 

crowded on the upper half of twigs. Individual leaves are smooth, leathery, obtuse at the base, 

obovate-lanceolate to spathulate in shape and up to 11 by 16 centimeters (4 by 6 inches) in size. Flowers are 

in panicles that are subterminal or in the axils of apical leaves. Panicles are slightly hairy and up to 30 

centimeters (12 inches) long. The pedicel is up to 0.15 centimeter (0.06 inch) long. Individual dark velvety 

black-violet, dark violet or pale lilac flowers contain 5 broadly ovate to broadly elliptic 0.15 to 0.25 

centimeter (0.06 to 0.1 inch) long hairy sepals, 5 dark to light purple oblong, linear-oblong, or oblanceolate, 

0.5 to 0.7 centimeter (0.2 to 0.3 inch) long erect to reflexed petals, 5 fertile stamens, filaments that are purple 

to blue, tipped with yellow, a slender disc and a style. Fruit are large in size, pear-shaped, and 10.5 

centimeters (4 inches) long by 7 to 8 centimeters (2.8 to 3.1 inches) in diameter. At maturity, fruit are green 

flushed with pink and at full maturity, fruit turn brownish in color. Pulp is up to 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) 

thick, stringy, fibrous, and white to dirty pink or purple in color. The flavor is very sour, acidic and bitter. 

Foul smelling (KOSTERMANS). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs at very long intervals as long as 5 to 10 years (KOSTERMANS).

b. Cultivation: The tree requires a wet evergreen tropical lowland forest. Cultivated in western 

Malesia (KOSTERMANS). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry. 

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed cooked or uncooked. Uncooked fruit are prepared 

into pickles and preserved with salt or sugar with chillies or other spices before consumption 

(KOSTERMANS). 

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry. 

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry. 

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data.

5. Other commercial production regions: Malesia including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Malay Peninsula, 

and Singapore (GRIN, KOSTERMANS).

6. Use: Fruit (KOSTERMANS).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: The pulp is the only part consumed. 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, KOSTERMANS.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry.
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345

1. Longan [(Mamoncillo chino, Dragon’s eye; longanier, oeil de dragon, Longanbaum, Longanbeere, mata 

kucing, longán (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Sapindaceae

Dimocarpus longan Lour. [(syn: Euphoria cinerea (Turcz.) Radlk., Euphoria longan (Lour.) Steud., 

Euphoria longana Lam., Euphoria malaiensis (Griff.) Radlk., Nephelium longan (Lour.) Hook., Nephelium 

longana (Lam.) Cambess., Nephelium malaiense Griff. (GRIN))]

2. An erect, large, semi-deciduous to evergreen tree that grows to a height of 8 to 20 meters (26 to 66 feet)

and a spread of 14 meters (46 feet). Native to northeastern India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand and southern 

China. Cultivated in China for 2,000 years. Roots are 2 to 4 meters (7 to 13 feet) deep. The trunk is massive

and sometimes buttressed. Bark is corky, rough and 0.8 meter (2.5 feet) thick. The canopy is dense, 

many-branched and rounded. Young branches are brownish grey and hairy. Main branches are long, 

spreading and somewhat drooping. Leaves are dark green above, minutely grey velvety below, pinnately 

compound, alternate, and 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. Leaves contain 6 to 12 leaflets that are alternate

to nearly opposite, shiny, smooth, leathery, oblong, elliptic, ovate-oblong, or lanceolate in shape, blunt or 

pointed at the ends, wavy on the edges and 5 to 30 centimeters (2 to 12 inches) long by 3.5 to 5 centimeters

(1.4 to 2 inches) wide. Young leaflets are wine-red in color. Flowers are borne in large terminal panicles in

the upper leaf axils and measure 10 to 40 centimeters (4 to 16 inches) long. Fragrant flowers are small,

greenish-yellow, yellow-white or brownish in color and hairy stalked. Each flower contains five sepals and 

five petals. Trees have three different flower types: staminate flowers, hermaphrodite flowers functioning 

as females and hermaphrodite flowers functioning as males. Pollination is accomplished mostly by 

honeybees. Fruit are contained in large clusters of 20 to 30. Individual fruit (drupes) are yellowish-brown to 

reddish-brown in color, spherical to ovoid in shape and 1.5 to 2.5 or even 4 centimeters (0.6 to 1 or 1.6 inch)

in diameter. Fruit is smaller compared to lychee. The skin is thin, fragile, leathery, crusty and pebbly to 

almost smooth with a honeycomb pattern. Pulp (aril) is juicy, mucilaginous, translucent, clear to whitish or 

golden. The flavor is strong, musky, sweet or sweet-sour and more delicate than a lychee. The aroma is 

spicy. Each fruit contains one round, dark-brown, red-brown or black shiny seed with a circular white spot 

at the base. The seed resembles an eye. Fruit is well-known and esteemed in Asia (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, MORTON, ECOCROP).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In most areas, flowering occurs once per year in spring. In Brazil, flowering occurs 

August to September. In order to promote flowering, the tree must be exposed to cool weather of 15 

to 22 °C (59 to 72 °F) for 2 to 3 months. Fruit matures in 4 months, usually in late summer. In Brazil, 

fruiting occurs February to March. In Thailand, fruiting is mainly from June to August. Trees can 

bloom and fruit erratically. Fruiting can occur in alternate years. Trees produce fruit in 6 to 10 years 

from seed and 3 to 5 years from asexual propagation (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, CULL, 

MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Grown in the humid tropical and warm subtropical climates of the world. Also 

grown in temperate areas that lack heavy frosts. Requirements are similar to that of lychee. Prefers 

a deep, well-drained, highly fertile, slightly acid clay loam or sand with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5,

sheltered, full sun, an elevation of 152 to 1,500 meters (500 to 4,921 feet), high rainfall of 150 to 300 

centimeters (59 to 118 inches) and high humidity. Grows well in humid mountain woodlands and 

warm tropical lowlands. Tolerates a variety of soils including limestone, and brief exposure to

below freezing temperatures. Does not tolerate waterlogging for long periods of time, drought, or 

wind. Young trees do not tolerate low temperatures. Trees do not flower in lowland, equatorial

areas with uniform hot, dry conditions. Greater flowering and fruiting occur in areas with cool 

winters. Propagation is mostly vegetative (air layering, budding, cuttings, grafting). Propagation is 

not often done by seed since fruit quality is unpredictable. If propagating by seed, plant seeds 2 

centimeters (0.75 inch) deep. Germination occurs in 7 to 10 days. Seedlings should be transplanted 

to a shaded area during the spring and placed in the field 2 to 3 years later during dormancy. Trees 
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should be planted 5 to 12 meters (16 to 39 feet) apart between trees and 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 feet)

between rows when there is sufficient moisture and warm temperatures. Thinning flower clusters 

can promote more even fruiting and increased fruit size. Irrigation, fertilization, and pruning aid

growth and yield. Fruit shape, skin color and flavor influence when harvesting occurs. Fruit are 

ready for harvest when fruit develop a smooth, dark skin and reach 8 to 10 grams (0.3 to 0.4 ounce)

in size. Harvesting is accomplished by clipping fruit from the stem. Rapid skin browning occurs, 

making fruit hard to market. A sulfur dioxide acid treatment is used to treat this problem in many 

countries. Fruit should be stored at 4 to 7 °C (39 to 45 °F) at 90 to 95% relative humidity for 2 to 3 

weeks (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, MORTON).

c. Availability in the marketplace: In Asian markets, fruit are sold still attached to the panicle in 

bunches. In Western markets, individual fruits are sold in containers. Canned fruit is available in 

supermarkets (JANICK, VAN WYK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh, frozen, canned, crystallized, or dried; used in 

fruit salad; made into a drink or liquor; served with Asian desserts including almond jelly; dried 

longans are cooked with black rice to make rice pudding. Fruit tea is made from dried fruits. 

Longan flowers are a source of honey (PERENNIAL, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a fair source of vitamin C, phosphorus and potassium. Fruit is a poor 

source of calcium, iron, thiamine and riboflavin (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LAMBERTS).

f. Medicinal aspects: In some areas, the fruit is believed to improve brain functioning, insomnia, 

amnesia, and mental health. The pulp is used to aid the stomach, reduce fevers, and remove 

intestinal worms; regarded as an antidote for poison. In Southeast Asia, parts of the tree are used for 

therapeutical purposes. Seeds are ground into powder and used to treat skin diseases and snake bites

(BARWICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Home gardens; Hawaii, Florida, California; in 1994, Florida reported 81 hectares

(200 acres) (MARKLE, CRANE 1995a, PERENNIAL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

5. Other production regions: West Indies; longan is commercialized in China, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka,

Brazil, Australia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand; cultivated 

elsewhere. China is the largest producer of longan; 444,400 hectares (1,098,136 acres) were grown and 

495,800 tonnes (546,526 tons) in 1997 were produced. In other areas, 181 to 227 kilograms (400 to 500 

pounds) of fruit are produced during good years (GRIN, MARKLE, MORTON, VAN WYK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit; dried after seeds and rind removed; seeds and rind are burned for fuel; medicinal purposes; 

beverage base; seeds are used in shampoo; wood is used for construction purposes; planted as a forest tree 

for soil conservation; shade tree (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible pee

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0342) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Lychee = longan

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, CRANE 1995a, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, 

BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, MORTON, ECOCROP, LAMBERTS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10 and 13

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: DMCLO
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1. Lúcuma [(lucmo, lúcumo (GRIN))]

Sapotaceae

Pouteria lucuma (Ruiz & Pav.) Kuntze [(syn: Achras lucuma Ruiz & Pav. (basionym), Lucuma 

obovata Kunth (GRIN))]

2. A tall, subtropical evergreen tree that grows to a height of 8 to 20 meters (26 to 66 feet). Native to South 

America, specifically the inter-Andean valleys and the cool highlands of Ecuador and Peru. Grown since 

ancient times. Similar in appearance to the avocado tree. The canopy is dense, rounded and 6 to 10 meters

(20 to 33 feet) in diameter. Branchlets contain velvety hairs and large amounts of latex. Dark green leaves 

are clustered at the ends of small branches. Individual leaves are simple, thin, leathery, obovate, oval or 

elliptic in shape, blunt at the apex, pointed at the base, pale green with brown hairs underneath, 12.5 to 25 

centimeters (5 to 10 inches) long and up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) wide. Compared to the avocado, leaves 

are darker, smaller, and more leathery. Small, yellowish-green flowers are borne solitary or in clusters of 2 

or 3 in the leaf axils. Flowers are tubular with hairy sepals and a five to seven-lobed opening that measures

1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch) across. Flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs. Trees are 

self-fertile and pollinated by insects. Yellow, yellowish-green, or brownish-green fruit is solitary, oblate,

ovate or elliptic in shape, pointed or depressed at the apex, and 4 to 10 centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) long. 

Immature fruit are green in color. The skin is thin, delicate,smooth, and overlaid with russet. Pulp of mature 

fruit is bright yellow, soft, firm, dry and mealy. Pulp of immature fruit is hard and contains latex. The flavor 

is very sweet and delicate, but has an unfavorable aftertaste. Some have described the taste as a combination 

of pumpkin and maple-syrup with a tart aftertaste. Each fruit contains one to five round to broad-oval dark 

brown glossy seeds. Seeds contain a whitish hilum on one side. Fruit is similar to canistel, but larger in size

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, MORTON, CAMPBELL, SKYFIELD).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from June to August in Florida. Trees may bloom and fruit all year 

long. Fruit matures in approximately 180 days. In Chile, fruit are harvested April to December. 

Trees begin to produce fruit 5 to 20 years from seed and 4 years from grafting (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK). 

b. Cultivation: Requires a tropical, subtropical or temperate climate, medium rainfall of 100 to 180 

centimeters (39 to 71 inches), shade to part sun, slightly acidic fertile, well-drained soil, elevations 

of 2,700 to 3,000 meters (8,858 to 9,843 feet), and mean temperatures of 20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F). 

Grows in the inter-Andean valleys. Cultivated in forest stands in the highlands of South America. 

In Chile, fruit are grown in frost-free, 100 meter (328 feet) altitude areas of the Aconcagua and Elqui 

river valleys. In Bolivia, fruit are grown in dry areas at 200 to 2,000 meters (656 to 6,562 feet) and 

up to 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in Peru. Tolerates periodic dry weather. Does not tolerate hot 

tropical lowlands or freezing temperatures. Propagation is by seed and grafting. Germination 

occurs in 25 to 40 days. Cleft or tongue grafts are made in the early spring when the stem is pencil 

size. Trees should be spaced 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) in-row and 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet)

between rows. Young trees should be pruned to promote branching and fruiting. Mature fruit may 

or may not ripen while on the tree. Fruit are generally ripe when the pulp becomes soft, sweet, 

orange yellow in color, and the soluble solids content increases from 9 to 16%. Fruit will not ripen if 

picked when immature. After harvesting, fruit are kept in the shade for several days to become soft

prior to packing (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, MORTON, CAMPBELL).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in local markets of Chile and Peru; sold in some 

markets in Ecuador. Fruit are sold in the markets of La Paz. Fruit are shipped from Chile to England 

for dessert use. Dried fruit is marketed as a health food supplement (NAGY, MORTON, 

SKYFIELD).
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d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh, dried, and powdered; fruit can be stewed in 

syrup and prepared into preserves. Fruit is also used to flavor desserts and beverages. In Peru and 

Chile, pulp is dried and ground into powder or frozen pulp and placed in ice cream, chocolate, 

confections, milk, pastries, milk shakes, pies, tarts and other desserts (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

NAGY, MORTON, CAMPBELL).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit pulp contains calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C; rich in minerals 

carotenes, B vitamins, and carbohydrates; high calorie fruit (JANICK, SKYFIELD).

f. Medicinal aspects: Dried fruit is used as a health food supplement (SKYFIELD).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Hawaii, Southern California (MORTON, SKYFIELD).

5. Other commercial production regions: South America including the Andes, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, 

Peru, Chile; Mexico, Costa Rica; grown for processing on a commercial scale in Chile, Peru and Ecuador. 

Peru has approximately 600 hectares (1,483 acres) under cultivation; in 1997, 3,010 tonnes (3,318 tons) of 

pulp was produced; in 1998, 2,624 tonnes (2,892 tons) of pulp was produced. Approximately 18 tonnes (20 

tons) per hectare of fruit are produced 10 years after planting. Trees can yield over 300 fruit and each fruit 

can weigh 150 to 200 grams (5 to 7 ounces) (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

6. Use: Beverage base, fruit; wood for furniture manufacturing; ornamental; medicinal purposes (GRIN, 

NAGY, SKYFIELD).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Interior pulp only.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel 

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NAGY, MORTON, CAMPBELL, SKYFIELD.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: POJLU (listed as Lucuma obovata H.B.K.)
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351

1. Lychee [(leechee, litchi, cerisier de Chine, litchi de Chine, Litchi, Litchibaum, Litchipflanze, lici, litchia, 

lichia (GRIN))]

Sapindaceae

Litchi chinensis Sonn. [(syn: Euphoria didyma Blanco, Litchi philippinensis Radlk., Nephelium

litchi Cambess. (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing, long-living, spreading, evergreen subtropical tree that grows to a height and width of 4 to

30 meters (13 to 98 feet). Native to the low elevations of the Kwangtung and Fukien provinces in southern

China. Cultivated for thousands of years. Closely related to the longan. Trees contain taproots. The trunk 

is smooth, gray, and brittle. Depending on the cultivar, trees can be broad with low-hanging branches or 

contain upright branches with a dense, compact rounded crown. Branches are brittle. Leaves are alternate,

pinnately compound and measure 8 to 25 centimeters (3 to 10 inches) long. Each leaf contains two to five 

pairs of dark green, smooth, shiny leaflets that are arranged oppositely. Leaflets are pale underneath, pointed, 

elliptic, elliptic-oblong or lanceolate in shape, flat to curved upwards, and 2.5 to 6.4 centimeters (1 to 2.5 

inches) wide by 5 to 20 centimeters (2 to 8 inches) long. Leaflet edges can be smooth, wavy, or undulating. 

Young leaves are pale green, pinkish or copperish red in color. Flowers are borne in large quantities on 

leafless or leafy well-branched, erect, terminal panicles. Panicles measure 10 to 75 centimeters (4 to 29.5 

inches) and are located on branch tips. Each panicle can contain a few hundred flowers. Individual flowers 

are yellow-green, greenish-white, creamy yellow, or brownish-yellow in color, small, and 0.3 to 0.6 

centimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inch) long. Each flower contains small valvate sepals, a fleshy disk and 

approximately 8 stamens; flowers do not contain petals. Trees contain three types of flowers. Type I flowers 

are male. These flowers contain six to ten stamens and measure 0.5 to 0.7 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) long. 

Type II flowers contain both male and female parts, but function mostly as female flowers. These flowers 

contain a pistil and stigma and measure 0.2 to 0.3 centimeters (0.08 to 0.12 inch). Type III flowers contain 

both male and female parts, but function as male flowers. These flowers contain a pistil and six to ten

stamens. Trees are self-fertile and can be pollinated by insects. Yellow, orange-red, pink or deep red fruit 

occurs in long-stemmed, drooping clusters of 2 to 30. Individual fruit are spherical, elongated, conical or 

ovoid in shape, 2.5 to 4 centimeters (1 to 1.6 inches) in diameter, and 15 to 30 grams (0.5 to 1 ounce) in 

weight. The skin is thin, hard, fragile, leathery, warty, and covered with angular protuberances. Pulp is 

whitish, grayish or pinkish in color, glossy, succulent, thick and translucent. Pulp texture is reminiscent of a 

grape. The flavor is sweet to acidic and resembles a grape or rambutan. Seeds are glossy, hard, round, 

oblong or bullet-shaped, brown in color, and up to 2.0 centimeters (0.8 inch) long. Two subspecies of the 

fruit exist. The philippinensis subspecies originates from the Philippines and has a long, oval-shaped fruit 

with thorn-like protuberances that split when ripe. This fruit is inedible. The javanensis subspecies 

originates from Indonesia and grows in hot equatorial areas. This fruit is edible. Many varieties exist 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LORENZI, VAN WYK, 

MORTON, CRFG, ECOCROP).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Growth flushes of leaves can occur several times per year, depending on the climate. In

the Northern hemisphere, panicles can appear from November to April. Flowering occurs March to 

April in Florida. In Brazil, flowers form in August and September. In other areas, flowering occurs 

from late winter to early spring. Fruit matures in 60 to 90 days. Fruiting occurs from June to July in 

Florida, from late November to March in Australia, and at the beginning of summer in Brazil. Trees 

are erratic in bearing fruit. Fruit production occurs 8 to 12 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from 

vegetative propagation (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, LORENZI, GILMAN). 

b. Cultivation: Grown in cool tropical and warm subtropical climate with, high humidity, full sun, 

elevations of 0 to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), well-distributed medium to high rainfall of 125 to 200 

centimeters (49 to 79 inches), and deep, moist, fertile, well-drained medium acid (pH 6 to 7) soil 

with high organic matter. In China, trees grow best on alluvial silty loams to clays or laterite soils. 

Grows in the lower plains where there are cool, dry winters and autumns and warm, wet summers. 

Other cultivars prefer hillsides or orchard systems. Trees are water-loving; grown along banks and 
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dykes in the Pearl River delta in Guangdong. Temperature affects flowering and fruiting. Mature 

trees tolerate light frosts (-1 to -2 °C or 28 to 30 °F), floods, and a variety of soil types including 

neutral or slightly alkaline soils. Does not tolerate drought, wind, or hot, lowland tropics. Young 

trees are damaged or killed at -2 to -3 °C (27 to 28 °F). Propagation is by seed, air layering, cuttings

and grafting. Seeds should be removed from the fruit within one month after harvest. Viability is 

lost 4 to 5 days after being removed from the fruit. Germination occurs in 4 to 10 days. Air layering 

is the most popular technique and should be done when there are warm temperatures and the ground 

is moist. Trees 6 to 12 months old can be planted during any time of the year when there is sufficient 

moisture. Trees should be spaced 5 to 12 meters (16 to 39 feet) apart. Irrigation and fertilization are 

given to trees following harvest in summer to promote new growth. Panicles without fruit are cut to 

promote growth flushes. Fruit are harvested when the skin turns red in color, a mature size has been 

reached, and pulp has increased in sweetness and juiciness. Fruit do not ripen if harvested when 

immature. Fruit are harvested by packing individual fruit in cartons or cutting or breaking off the 

panicle containing the cluster of fruit. In some countries, a portion of last year’s wood is removed

while harvesting to enhance a higher production of terminals next spring. Fruit quickly turn brown 

if left to dry. Fruit can be stored at 8 °C (46 °F) for 4 weeks. Without refrigeration, fruit can be 

stored for only 3 to 5 days (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, BARWICK, MORTON, ECOCROP).

c. Availability in the marketplace: In Asian countries, fruit are sold while still attached to the 

panicle in bunches. In Western countries, individual fruit are sold in containers. Fruit has been sold 

in Chinese markets for thousands of years; sold in the U.S. and Canada (JANICK, CULL, 

MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: The aril is mostly consumed fresh after being chilled and hand-peeled;

Hot-lye dip and mechanical peeling are also used. Fruit can be dried, pickled, spiced, frozen, canned 

or preserved; made into sauce, jellies and preserves. Fruit is used in desserts, including ice cream

and salads; added to stir fries, stuffings, meat and fish dishes and curries; processed into fruit juice 

and liqueur (PERENNIAL, MORTON, JANICK, CULL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN 

WYK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit are a poor source of calcium, iron, thiamine and riboflavin. Fruit are a 

fair source of phosphorus. Fruit are a good source of niacin, potassium and vitamin C. The seed is 

toxic (JANICK, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LAMBERTS).

f. Medicinal aspects: Seeds are used in China as a painkiller for neuralgia. The fruit peel is used to 

treat diarrhea and smallpox. The fruit is used to relieve coughing; can aid stomach pain, tumors, and 

enlarged glands. Decoctions of the root, bark and flowers are taken to aid throat ailments. Roots 

may aid certain cancer tumors (BARWICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Hawaii, California, Texas. Florida is the largest producer of lychee. In the 

1980s, 59 to 81 hectares (146 to 200 acres) were grown in Florida; after 1992, 207 hectares (512 acres) were 

grown. Approximately 620 tonnes (683 tons) were harvested from 206 hectares (509 acres). Mature trees 

beared 9,802 kilograms (21 610 pounds) per hectare. In Hawaii, 91 hectares (225 acres) were grown in 1996 

and 123 hectares (304 acres) were grown in 2002. One-third of the trees bore fruit and yielded 52 tonnes (57 

tons) of fruit (CRANE 1995a, KAWATE 1995, JANICK).

5. Other commercial production regions: China (Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, Hainan, and Xichuan 

provinces), India, South Africa, Thailand, Bangladesh, Japan, Burma, Taiwan, Malaysia, Africa,

Madagascar, Réunion, Pakistan, Australia, Mexico, most countries in Latin America including Brazil, the 

Caribbean, Cuba, Honduras, Guatemala, the Canary Islands, Madeira Islands, Mauritius, Trinidad, Israel,

Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines; cultivated elsewhere. The major exporters of lychee fruit are China, 

Taiwan, Madagascar, Pakistan, Thailand, South Africa and Israel. In 2002, Madagascar shipped 18,079 

tonnes (19 929 tons) of fruit to France. 7 to 8 year old trees can produce 45 kilograms (99 pounds) per tree. 

10 year old trees can yield 50 to 70 kilograms (110 to 154 pounds); 15 year old trees can yield 100 kilograms

(220 pounds) and 20-24 year old trees can yield 150 to 180 kilograms (331 to 397 pounds) of fruit; yields can 

be 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) in older trees (GRIN, LOGAN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 
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MORTON).

6. Use: Mainly as fresh fruit in U.S.; in China, canned and dried; ornamental, wood for construction,

medicinal purposes; honey plant (GRIN, MARKLE, MORTON, ECOCROP).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Interior fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0343) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel 

d. EPA Crop Definition: Lychee = lychee, longan, Spanish lime, rambutan, pulasan

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, CRANE 1995a, KAWATE 1995, LOGAN, PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, CULL, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LORENZI, VAN WYK, MORTON, CRFG, 

ECOCROP, GILMAN, LAMBERTS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 6, 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: LIHCH
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1. Mabolo [(mabola-tree, velvet persimmon, velvet-apple, yi se shi, pommier velours, pécego-de-Índia, 

camagón (GRIN))]

Ebenaceae

Diospyros blancoi A. DC. [(syn: Cavanillea philippensis Desr., Diospyros discolor Willd., 

Diospyros philippensis (Desr.) Gürke (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing evergreen tree that reaches a height of 7 to 33 meters (23 to 108 feet). Trees can be small 

and straggly with drooping branches or erect with a stout, furrowed trunk. Native to the Philippines. The 

trunk is black in color, furrowed, and can reach 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) in diameter. Wood is smooth, 

durable and pinkish to dark red, mottled with grey. The crown is dense and elongated to conical in shape. 

Dark green leaves are smooth, glossy, leathery, silvery and hairy underneath, alternate, oblong in shape, 

pointed at the apex, rounded or pointed at the base and 8 to 30 centimeters (3 to 12 inches) long by 2.5 to 12

centimeters (1 to 5 inches) wide. New leaves are silky, hairy, and pale green to pink in color. The petiole 

measures up to 1.7 centimeters (0.7 inch) long. Creamy white flowers are fragrant, tubular, four-lobed,

waxy, and held on a short stalk. Trees contain either male or female flowers. Male flowers are borne in 3 to 

7-flowered axillary cymes on short pedicels, contain 24 to 30 stamens united at the base, a tubular 4-lobed 

calyx, and measure 0.6 centimeter (0.25 inch) wide. Female flowers are larger than male flowers. Female 

flowers occur singly on separate trees, contain four to five staminodes, and measure 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch)

wide. Male flowered trees must be planted close to female trees in order for fruiting to occur. Purplish red,

pink, yellow, brownish, or orange fruit is a berry that is oval, globose, depressed-globose, or oblate in shape, 

and 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in diameter. Fruit are solitary or occur in pairs. Unripe fruit are 

greenish brown in color. The skin is velvety, thin, pliable and tough; tough and papery when chewed. The 

fruit skin gives off an unpleasant cheese-like odor. The hairs are short, golden brown to copper colored. 

Fruit is capped at the base by a stiff dull-green calyx. The pulp is white to yellowish in color, firm, moist,

and creamy to mealy. Resembles an overripe apple in texture. The flavor is dry and sweet to astringent. 

Some describe the taste as a banana-flavored apple. Each fruit contains four to eight brown seeds that occur 

in a circle around the core of the fruit. Seeds are smooth, wedge-shaped, and 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long

by 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide. A whitish membrane is contained around each seed that is translucent 

when fresh and opaque when dried. Seedless cultivars exist. Tree shape, hairiness of the leaves and 

branches, and fruit size, shape, color and sweetness vary (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, 

AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from March to May in Florida, mainly during the dry season (February 

to April) in the Philippines, August to September in Brazil, and March to April in India. Fruit 

matures in 150 to 180 days. Fruit form in the summer in Brazil, July and August in India, June to 

September in the Philippines, and June to September in Florida. Additional fruiting can occur 

during any time of the year. Trees bear fruit in 6 to 7 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from grafts

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY). 

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid tropical lowlands and a monsoon climate. Prefers elevations of 

up to 800 meters (2,625 feet) and loam soils. Grows in primary and secondary low and 

medium-altitude forests. Tolerates many soil types, typhoons, and wind. Propagation is by seed, air 

layering, budding, rooted shoot cuttings, and shield and cleft grafting. Germination occurs in 24 

days. Grafting can produce shorter trees, more lateral branches, and pistillate trees with good fruit 

quality. At the beginning of the rainy season, grafted trees should be spaced 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 

feet) apart and seedling trees should be spaced 10 to 15 meters (33 to 49 feet) apart. Tree branches 

should be pruned. Fruit are harvested when fruit color changes from greenish-brown to dull-red. 

After fruit are harvested, the fruit are wiped with a cloth to remove the hair (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in the Philippines and Bogor (Indonesian) markets 

(JANICK).
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d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp of the fruit is consumed fresh after the skin is peeled and the fruit is 

chilled in the refrigerator. Peeling also reduces the cheese-like odor. Fruit are sliced, diced, 

seasoned with lime, lemon juice or syrup and served as dessert; fried in butter; preserved; used as a 

vegetable in fried dishes or salads; served with spicy meat (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B (MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Grown in experimental gardens in Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean (MORTON).

5. Other commercial production regions: Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, peninsular Malaysia, India; 

cultivated in domestic orchards in Brazil; widely cultivated in the tropics (GRIN, LORENZI, MORTON).

6. Use: Fruit, wood for handicrafts, ornamental; rootstock for Japanese persimmon; fruit are fed to animals

(GRIN, JANICK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Interior fruit pulp only.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: DOSDC (listed as Diospyros discolor WILLD)
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1. Madras-thorn [(blackbead, camachile, guayamochil, Madrasthorn, Manila-tamarind, sweet-inga, pois 

sucré, Camambilarinde, opiuma, guamúchil, huamúchil, madre de flecha (GRIN))]

Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae). Also placed in: Mimosaceae

Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. [(syn: Inga dulcis (Roxb.) Willd., Mimosa dulcis Roxb. 

(GRIN))]

2. A fast-growing, medium-sized, hardy tree that reaches a height of 5 to 22 meters (16 to 72 feet). Native to 

America, from California to South America. A broad-spreading thorny tree with irregular branches. Wood 

is reddish-brown, hard, heavy, brittle, and strong. The trunk is short, spiny and 30 to 100 centimeters (12 to 

39 inches) in diameter. The bark is grey in color, smooth or rough, furrowed and peeling. Branches are 

slender, irregular and drooping. The crown is broad, spreading and up to 30 meters (98 feet) across. 

Deciduous leaves are bipinnately compound. Each leaf contains 4 leaflets. Leaflets are oblong to 

ovate-oblong in shape, asymmetric, and 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long by 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 

to 0.8 inch) wide. Each leaf contains a pair of short, thin, sharp spines at the base that measure 0.2 to 4 cm

(0.08 to 1.6 inches) long. Spines are longer than the petioles. New leaves are borne directly after the loss of 

old leaves. Flowers occur on short-stalked whitish, racemelike or spiciform panicles in terminal compound 

inflorescences that range in size from 5 to 30 centimeters (2 to 12 inches) long. Each panicle contains 20 to 

30 densely hairy flowers. Individual white to greenish-white flowers are small, fragrant, sessile, and

measure 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter. Flowers contain a hairy corolla, green calyx and 50 thin 

stamens united in a tube at the base. Pollination is by bees. The pinkish, black, brown, or reddish-brown pod 

can be linear, curved, or coiled in shape, thin, flattened, or irregular, and 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch)

wide by 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. The immature pod is green. The pod splits along both margins, is 

swollen, constricted between the seeds, and slightly hairy. Pulp (arils) is thick, white to red in color, and 

surrounds the seeds. The flavor is sweet, acidic and resembles a chestnut in flavor. Each pod contains 

approximately 5 to 12 black, shiny, elliptical, bean-like seeds that measure 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) long. 

Seeds hang on a reddish thread from the pod. Trees can become weedy and shade out other trees (DUKE, 

WINROCK, PIER, PARROTTA, AGROFORESTRY, BONNER, FAO).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs in April in Hawaii, October to November in the Philippines, April to 

June in West Java, and December to May in Central America. Flowering generally occurs in 2 to 4 

years. Fruiting occurs from February to August in Central America, June to August in West Java, 

and January to February in the Philippines. In Puerto Rico, fruiting can occur throughout the year. 

Fruit ripen approximately 3 to 4 months after flowering (WINROCK, PARROTTA, 

AGROFORESTRY).

b. Cultivation: Prefers a warm climate, full sun, an annual precipitation of 25 to 165 centimeters (10 

to 65 inches), a mean annual temperature of 0 to 48 °C (32 to 118 °F), a low to medium altitude of up 

to 1,800 meters (5,906 feet), a pH of up to 8.3, and a well-drained, deep, fertile loamy soil. Also

prefers clay, oolitic limestone, or sand. Also grown in dry, warm, semi-arid climates with dry 

seasons of 4 to 5 months, subtropical regions, or tropical regions. Tolerates tropical lowlands,

tropical or subtropical deserts along water courses, severely eroded montane wastelands, dry 

thickets, wet sands with a brackish water table, grass ecosystems, plains, hilly areas, thorn forests, 

tropical deciduous forests of the native Pacific slope range, dry pine-oak forests, and forests on 

coasts, plains and hillsides. Trees tolerate heavy animal feedings, disturbed areas, drought, heat, fire,

poor soil, salt, sand, dry areas, wet areas, and shade. Does not tolerate extremely windy conditions

and frost. Propagated by seeds and cuttings. Seeds are viable under dry cool conditions for a period 

of 6 months. Germination occurs in 1 to 2 days. Seedlings should be placed in the field when 40 

centimeters (16 inches) tall. For hedge use, seedlings should be spaced 15 centimeters (6 inches)

apart in two rows that are 30 centimeters (12 inches) apart. Pods are picked from trees or the ground 

and air-dried in the sun. Seeds are harvested by hand-flailing or use of a macerator. Pod fragments 

are removed with a screen (DUKE, WINROCK, PIER, PARROTTA, AGROFORESTRY).
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c. Availability in the marketplace: Pods are sold in Mexico, Cuba, India and Thailand on roadside 

stands (DUKE, PARROTTA, AGROFORESTRY).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp and seeds are consumed fresh or roasted; the seed and pulp is made 

into a sweet drink that is similar to lemonade. In India and Southeast Asia, seeds are consumed fresh

in curries; greenish oil from the seed can be used as food (DUKE, WINROCK, PARROTTA).

e. Nutritional aspects: Seeds are rich in protein (DUKE).

f. Medicinal aspects: The tree is used to cure convulsions, dysentery, stomach problems, earache, 

leprosy, ulcers, sores, toothache, and venereal disease; bark is used as a fever reducer; root and bark 

is used in Haiti to reduce diarrhea. Fruit is used to aid coughs. Seed juice is taken for chest 

congestion. Leaves are placed on sores; an abortifacient, anodyne, astringent, larvicidal and 

guamachil (DUKE, PARROTTA, AGROFORESTRY). 

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Southern Florida (weedy), Puerto Rico (weedy), Hawaii (weedy), coasts of California, 

U.S. Virgin Islands, Southwest U.S. (DUKE, WINROCK, AGROFORESTRY, FAO).

5. Other commercial production regions: Northern and Central Mexico, Central America, South America 

including Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, 

Uruguay and Colombia; weedy on the Caribbean Islands including Cuba, Jamaica and St. Croix; Asia 

including Thailand; the Philippines, Guam, India, Pakistan; tropical Africa; naturalized elsewhere in the 

tropics (GRIN, DUKE, WINROCK, PIER, AGROFORESTRY, BONNER).

6. Use: Agroforestry, ornamental, shade/shelter plant, land rehabilitation, hedge/fence, soil improver, fruit; 

fruit pods, seeds, press cake residue from seed oil, hedge clippings and leaves are used as forage for livestock; 

nitrogen fixer, fuel wood, beads, wood for boxes, wheels and other construction; gum from the trunk is used 

for mucilage; tannin from bark is used for tanning; yellow dye from bark is used; medicinal purposes; oil 

from seeds are used for food purposes or soap-making; bark is used as a fish poison in the Philippines; tree is 

used for the cultivation of the lac insect; flowers produce honey (GRIN, DUKE, WINROCK). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, DUKE, WINROCK, PIER, PARROTTA, AGROFORESTRY, BONNER, 

FAO.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Regions 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PIFDU
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355

1. Mammy-apple [(abricó, mammee-apple, tropical-apricot, abricotier d’ Amérique, abricotier des Antilles, 

Mammiapfel, abricó-de-São-Domingos, abricó-do-Pará, abricó-selvagem, abricoteiro, albricoque, mamey

(GRIN))]

Clusiaceae (alt. Guttiferae)

Mammea americana L. [(syn: Mammea emarginata Moc. & Sessé ex Choisy (GRIN))]

2. A, slow-growing, long-lived evergreen tree that grows to a height of 6 to 25 meters (20 to 82 feet).

The tree resembles a magnolia. Native to the West Indies, Central America and northern South 

America. Grown as a food crop for thousands of years. Heartwood is reddish or purple-brown in 

color. Sapwood is light brown in color. Wood is hard, heavy, fine-grained and strong. The trunk is 

short, erect and can reach 0.9 to 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) in diameter. Bark is grey brown in color,

smooth, or fissured, and contains a gummy, pale yellow latex. The canopy is erect and oval to 

pyramidal. Branches are ascending and densely foliaged. Dark green leaves are simple, thick, shiny,

smooth, opposite, leathery, broadly elliptic to oblong-ovate in shape, rounded to blunt at the apex,

and up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) long by 10 centimeters (4 inches) wide. Each leaf contains many

closely arranged parallel lateral veins. The petiole is short. Showy flowers occur singly or in 

clusters of two to three on thick stalks on the axils of young branches. Individual white, fragrant 

flowers are waxy, large, and 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) wide. Male flowers resemble 

camellia flowers; contain 4 to 6 waxy, white petals and a bunch of golden stamens. Female flowers 

contain a pistil. Male, female and hermaphrodite flowers occur together or on different trees. Light 

brown to greyish-brown fruit is a drupe that is spherical to irregular in shape, solitary, 8 to 15 

centimeters (3 to 6 inches) in diameter, and 0.5 to 2 kilograms (1.1 to 4.4 pounds) in weight. Fruit is 

borne on a short, thick stem. Each fruit contains a distinct tip or bristle-like floral remnant at the 

apex. The skin is leathery, 0.3 centimeter (0.1 inch) thick, bitter and rough. Skin contains small, 

scattered, warty or scurfy areas. Directly beneath the skin, there is a thin, dry, astringent, bitter, 

whitish membrane that adheres to the pulp. Pulp is light to golden yellow, reddish or orange in color, 

non-fibrous, and can range from firm, crisp and dry to tender, melting and juicy. Immature pulp is 

usually hard, while mature pulp is usually slightly softer. Pulp contains milky latex. The flavor is 

sweet to sub-acid and is reminiscent of apricots or red raspberries. Small fruit are usually single 

seeded and larger fruit usually contain two to four seeds. Seeds are red-brown to russet brown in 

color, large, rough, ovoid, oblong or ellipsoid in shape, and 6.25 centimeters (2.4 inches) long

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, LORENZI, MORTON, POPENOE, VOZZO).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs May through October in the West Indies and Puerto Rico, and January 

to March in Brazil. Fruit ripen from July to February in the West Indies, April to May in Barbados, 

May to July in the Bahamas, June to December in Brazil, and late June to August in southern Florida. 

In Puerto Rico, fruiting can occur twice per year. In Colombia, fruiting occurs June and December. 

Fruiting occurs in 6 to 13 years from seed and 4 to 5 years from grafts (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, MORTON, VOZZO). 

b. Cultivation: Requires warm to hot tropical, near tropical, or subtropical moist to wet climates, 

elevations of sea level to 1,600 meters (5,249 feet), full sun to bright shade, deep, rich, moist,

well-drained soil, a mean annual temperature of 27 to 30 °C (81 to 86 °F), and a mean annual rainfall 

of 150 to 400 centimeters (59 to 158 inches). Grows in semi-cultivated or disturbed areas, and dry 

and moist, coastal forests. Tolerates a variety of soils including shallow, sandy and limestone soils,

low to high rainfall, dry conditions, and saline conditions. Does not tolerate frost. Propagation is by 

seed, cuttings, air-layering and grafting. Germination occurs in 1 to 4 months. Seed should not be 

allowed to dry out. Seedlings should be grown under light shade. When 3 to 5 months old and 40 to 

50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) tall, seedlings can be transplanted at the beginning of the rainy 

season. Grafting can help achieve earlier fruiting. Plants should be spaced 10 meters (33 feet) apart. 

Fertilizer can aid growth. When mature, fruit should be clipped from the tree, leaving a small 
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portion of stem attached. Harvesting can occur when the fruit skin becomes more yellowish in color. 

As a test for ripeness, fruit can also be scratched. If the scratched surface is green, fruit are not 

mature. If yellow underneath, fruit are fully ripe. Cultivated in many tropical areas (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, MORTON, VOZZO).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold fresh, canned or preserved on local markets and 

roadside stands (VAN WYK, MORTON, POPENOE).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh; for fresh consumption, fruit can be sliced and 

left to macerate in water for a few hours; added to fruit salads, ice cream and fruit drinks; cooked in 

pies or tarts; used as a filler for products made of other fruit; served with cream, sugar, or wine; fruit

can be stewed, preserved, canned, or made into wine. Under-ripe fruit is rich in pectin and can be 

made into jelly, jam, purées, pastes, sorbets, marmalade, chutney, or preserves. Sap from the tree is 

used to make a fermented toddy. Liquor can be distilled from the flowers (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

BARWICK, VAN WYK, LORENZI).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit are rich in carotenoids (which are converted to vitamin A), other 

vitamins, minerals, and amino acids (including lysine). Seeds are poisonous (BARWICK, VAN 

WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Various parts of the tree are used to treat scalp infections, diarrhea, digestive 

problems and eye problems. Powdered seed are used to treat parasitic skin diseases. An infusion of 

fresh or dry leaves are used to cure fevers; an antibiotic principle was reported in the fruit. A liqueur 

made from the flowers is used as a digestive aid (JANICK, MORTON). 

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Minor crop production in South Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin 

Islands (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK).

5. Other commercial production regions: The West Indies including the Bahama Islands, the Greater and 

Lesser Antilles, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and St. Croix; northern South America

including Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador and northern Brazil; cultivated 

in the Amazon region; Central America; southern Mexico; West Africa; Southeast Asia; Java; the 

Philippines; widely cultivated in the tropics; grown as an ornamental in the lowlands of Costa Rica, El 

Salvador and Guatemala. In Puerto Rico, trees can yield 150 to 200 fruits per crop and 300 to 400 fruit per 

year (GRIN, MORTON, JANICK, VAN WYK, LORENZI, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: The fruit may be eaten fresh; cooked as a sauce, preserves or jam; beverage base; sap is used to make 

a fermented toddy; medicinal purposes, dooryard tree; home garden plant; shade; windbreak; erosion control;

wood is used for construction and fuel; tannin from the bark is used to treat leather; all parts of the tree have 

insecticidal properties (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, BARWICK, AGROFORESTRY). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0344) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, LORENZI, 

MORTON, POPENOE, VOZZO, AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MAFAM
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1. Manduro [(torchwood, y-thorn torchwood, nulo, mguguni, mkonga (GRIN))]

Zygophyllaceae. Also placed in: Balanitaceae

Balanites maughamii Sprague

2. A long-lived, medium to large, deciduous to semi-deciduous tree that grows to a height of 8 to 25 meters

(26 to 82 feet). Native to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Young trees surround older trees. Older trees have 

an upright, straight, deeply folded, multi-fluted, or buttressed trunk. Grey, yellowish-brown or mottled bark 

is smooth when young, becoming roughly fissured when older. The crown is sparse, spreading, sometimes 

rounded and high-branching. Older trees contain an umbrella-like or V-shaped canopy. Branches are 

greyish green to yellow in color, hairy when young, and smooth when mature. Branches zig-zag, and grow 

outwards. Low branches remain close to the trunk. Branches on the upper bole and younger branches

contain unequally forked green spines with brown tips that can be simple or y-shaped and 3 to 15 centimeters

(1.2 to 6 inches) long. Fruit-bearing branches contain thinner, short, straight spines. Dark grey olive green 

leaves are leathery, alternate, compound, arranged spirally, and 3 to 9 centimeters (1.2 to 3.5 inches) long by 

2 to 7 centimeters (0.8 to 3 inches) wide. Leaves contain triangular stipules that are hairy, corky, and 0.3 

centimeters (0.1 inch) long. Each leaf contains two leaflets that are hairy or smooth, acute or shortly 

acuminate, asymmetrical, and ovate, broadly elliptic, obtuse, or round in shape. Leaflets contain a rounded 

apex, a tapering base, and an entire margin. The central vein of the leaf can be off-center and the base can be 

unequal. Petioles and petiolules are velvety. Flowers are borne in fascicle-like cymes of 3 to 7 in leaf axils. 

Scented green to greenish-yellow flowers are star-shaped, small, hairy above, smooth below, and 2 

centimeters (0.8 inch) in diameter. Individual flowers contain 5 ovate to obovate sepals (0.5 centimeters or 

0.2 inch long), 5 densely hairy oblong-lanceolate to oblanceolate petals (0.5 to 0.9 centimeters or 0.2 to 0.4 

inch long), 10 stamens, a 5-chambered ovary, a short velvety stalk (0.5 to 1 centimeter or 0.2 to 0.4 inch 

long), and both male and female reproductive structures. Flowers can be sessile. Brownish-yellow to 

reddish-brown fruit is a drupe that is large, fleshy, ovoid to oblong-ellipsoid in shape, depressed at both ends,

date-like or plum-like in appearance and 3 to 8 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) long by 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 

1.2 inch) wide. Fruit contains 5 grooves at the base. The skin is firm, thin, hairy, and brittle at maturity. 

Pulp is thin, spongy, sticky to oily, dark and fibrous. The flavor is sweet to bitter. Each fruit contains a large, 

hard, grooved, cream-colored, ellipsoid to spindle-shaped woody stone that measures 2.5 centimeters (1 inch)

long. The kernel contains a clear, yellow, edible oil that is tasteless and odorless (PLANTZAFRICA, 

ZIMBABWEFLORA, ECOTRAVEL, KZNWILDLIFE, PROTABASE, FAO).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from July to November in South Africa and September to November in 

Zimbabwe. Fruit ripens from May to July, September to May, or November to March, depending on 

the area in Africa (PLANTZAFRICA, ZIMBABWEFLORA).

b. Cultivation: Trees grow in small colonies in the bushveld (subtropical dry open woodland of 

South Africa), African savannah, arid regions, dry forest, sand forest, coastal forest, thorn thicket,

sandstone outcrops, along river banks, near springs, on seasonally waterlogged floodplains, and 

around pans. Trees mainly grow on sandy soils or sandy- or clay-loam; trees tolerate many soil 

types. Grows at elevations of sea level to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Does not tolerate frost. 

Propagated by seed. The fleshy part of the fruit should be removed before planting. The seed should 

be covered with the same amount of soil as the seed is thick. Germination occurs in 3 to 4 weeks. 

When ripe, fruit falls to the ground with the stem attached (PLANTZAFRICA, 

ZIMBABWEFLORA, ECOTRAVEL, KZNWILDLIFE, FAO).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed raw; can be used for sweets and alcoholic beverages;

oil from the fruit is used for cooking (KZNWILDLIFE, PROTABASE, FAO).

e. Nutritional aspects: The kernel has a high fat content (FAO).
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f. Medicinal aspects: Roots and bark are used in purgative medicine. Roots have emetic properties. 

Leaf and twig extracts have genotoxic effects, causing DNA damage. Bark is placed in water and 

used as a refreshing bath. Extracts from the tree can be used to induce vomiting (PLANTZAFRICA, 

ECOTRAVEL, PROTABASE).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, 

Zimbabwe, province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, East Africa, West Africa, Nigeria, Arabia,

Swaziland. Trees can produce 125 kilograms (276 pounds) of fruit per year. It is estimated that there are a 

million trees grow in the Blue Nile province that can produce approximately 100,000 tonnes (110,231 tons)

of fruit and 14,000 tonnes (15,432 tons) of oil annually (GRIN, PROTABASE, FAO).

6. Use: Fruit, oil/fat; fruit is used to make rattles; fruit yields an oil that burns well; wood produces charcoal, 

fuel wood; dry kernels burnt as torches; oil pressed from the seed kernel is used as a dressing for hides and 

skins and as massage oil; oil cake for animal feed; lipids, wood for handicrafts, construction and furniture, 

medicinal purposes, disease vector control (non-vertebrate poison), vertebrate poison (fish); elephants 

consume leaves; humans use the tree for magical purposes; ornamental (GRIN, PLANTZAFRICA, 

PROTABASE, FAO). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PLANTZAFRICA, ZIMBABWEFLORA, ECOTRAVEL, 

KZNWILDLIFE, PROTABASE, FAO.

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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356

1. Mango [(Mangga, mangue, manguier, Mangobaum, Mangopalme, mangueira, manga (GRIN, 

MARKLE))]

Anacardiaceae

Mangifera indica L.

2. A long-lived, fast-growing, exotic evergreen fruit tree that reaches a height of 8 to 45 meters (26 to 148 

feet). Native to Southeast Asia, specifically the region of Northeastern India and Burma. Relative of the 

cashew. Trees have been cultivated for thousands of years. The taproot can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet)

and the lateral fibrous roots can extend beyond the canopy drip-line. The canopy can be broad, dense, round

and reach 38 meters (125 feet) in width or upright, oval and slender. Mature, dark green leaves are large,

simple, alternate, spirally arranged on the tips of branches, leathery, shiny, drooping, aromatic, lanceolate,

oblong or oblong-elliptic in shape, smooth-edged, pale underneath, and 7 to 40 centimeters (3 to 16 inches)

long by 2 to 10 centimeters (0.8 to 4 inches) wide. Petioles are slender and 2.5 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 

inches) long. Flowers are borne on large erect, showy, pyramidal, branched, red-stemmed, terminal or 

axillary panicles that measure 6 to 60 centimeters (2.4 to 24 inches) long. Each panicle can contain 300 to 

6,000 individual male and perfect flowers (containing both male and female reproductive organs). 

Individual small flowers are green, greenish-yellow, yellow, reddish-pink, or pink in color and fragrant; each 

flower contains a five-lobed calyx and five petals. Perfect flowers contain one pistil, one functional stamen 

and four staminodes. Male flowers contain one functional stamen and four staminodes. Most varieties are 

self-fertile, but can be cross-pollinated. Trees may be pollinated by insects. Fruit is a large drupe that grows 

solitary or in small clusters on long, stout stalks. Individual fruit is lop-sided, round, oblong, oval,

ovoid-oblong, kidney-shaped, heart-shaped, or oblate in shape and ranges from 6 to 30 centimeters (2.4 to 12 

inches) long and 100 to 2,300 grams (0.2 to 5 pounds) in weight. Fruit can contain a pronounced beak and a 

flower scar at the apex. Fruit color is green to light green with blushes or combinations of yellow, orange, 

purple or red. The skin is waxy, smooth, thick, leathery and inedible; skin can contain a powdery bloom. 

Pulp of mature fruit is light yellow to orange in color, more or less fibrous, soft, juicy and peach-like. 

Immature pulp is hard and white to light yellow in color. Mature mangoes are sweet and mild to strong and 

turpentine-like in taste. Immature mangoes are sharp, acid, and lime-like in taste. Fruit emits a strong to 

mild aroma. Each fruit contains one flat, oval or kidney-shaped longitudinally-ribbed, pale yellowish-white, 

woody, fibrous stone. The starchy seed is contained within the stony endocarp. Each seed can contain one 

or many embryos. Fruit form, size, color, and quality vary. Sap from the fruit stem can highly irritate the 

skin. Trees in bloom can cause irritation in some individuals. There are two main races of mango. The 

Indian race evolved in the warm subtropical climate of India, contains monoembryonic seeds, is highly 

colored, and is susceptible to anthracnose. The Indo-Chinese race evolved in the hot, humid, lowland 

tropical areas of Southeast Asia, contains ployembryonic seeds, is green, light green, or yellow in color, and 

is more resistant to anthracnose. There are many species and varieties that are consumed on a commercial 

scale (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, BARWICK, 

MORTON, CRFG).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In some growing areas, new leaves are borne from late winter to early spring. Flowering 

can occur during any time of the year and depends on variety, latitude, and climate. Flowers form in 

the winter in Brazil, in December and January in most of India, in January to March in northern India, 

and in late November to March in southern Florida. In other locations, flowering occurs in the 

spring. Fruiting can occur during any time of the year and can be biennial in certain areas. Fruit 

ripen from November to February in Brazil and in January, June and October in Thailand. Fruit 

matures in 120 to 180 days. Fruit production occurs in 6 to 10 years from seed and 3 to 5 years from 

grafts (PERENNIAL, LORENZI, BARWICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Depending on the mango cultivar, the tree requires warm-temperate, warm 

subtropical or hot, humid, tropical lowlands or forests. In Southern California, trees are grown in the 

foothills, away from marine influence. Trees grow best in areas with a non-freezing cool period (8 

to 15 °C (46 to 59 °F)) night/ < 20 °C (< 68 °F) day) and/or an extended dry period that lasts at least 
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3 months prior to flowering, hot temperatures of 30 to 33 °C (86 to 91 °F) during fruit development, 

optimum growing temperatures of 24 to 30 °C (75 to 86 °F), full sun, rich, well-drained deep loam

soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, elevations of up to 914 meters (3,000 feet), rainfall of 76 to 254 

centimeters (30 to 100 inches) in June to September, and access to irrigation from flowering to 

harvest. Tolerant of drought, a variety of climates, periodic and repeated flooding, and soil 

conditions including sands, loams, clays, limestone, and rocky soils. The Indo-Chinese race is 

tolerant of excess moisture. Mangoes are moderately freeze tolerant. Young trees are damaged or 

killed at temperatures below -1.1 to -1.7 °C (29 to 30 °F); mature trees are damaged or killed at

temperatures of -3.9 to -6.0 °C (21 to 25 °F). Not tolerant of saline soil and water, and windy 

conditions, especially during flowering and fruit development. The Indian race of mango is not 

tolerant of humidity. Propagation is by seed, budding, marcottage, rooted cuttings, tissue culture

and grafting. Monoembryonic cultivars must be propagated vegetatively, by budding or grafting. 

Seeds should be removed from the fruit when the fruit has become mature and planted. To increase 

the speed of germination, kernels should be husked before planting. Germination occurs in 8 to 14 

days in warm climates and 3 weeks in cooler climates. Before planting out into the field, the taproot 

of young trees should be pruned to 31 centimeters (12 inches), and plants should be set out for a 

week in full morning sun. Young plants are planted in 0.6 meter (2 feet) holes during the rainy 

season or irrigated until established. Tree spacing and pruning varies depending on climate, cultivar, 

soil type, and economics. Generally, trees should be spaced 4 to 12 meters (13 to 39 feet) in-row and 

6 to 15 meters (20 to 49 feet) between rows. Initial tree training is required in most orchards. 

Maintenance pruning should be done after harvest. For young trees, 100 to 200 grams (3.5 to 7 

ounces) of an NPK material should be applied two to four times per year. As trees mature, rates

should increase and frequency should decrease. Trees should be irrigated from flowering to near 

harvest. For commercial production, there are many techniques to induce or enhance flowering 

including cincturing the trunk or branches, root pruning, smudging and application of saline 

materials or other chemicals. Fruit is harvested depending upon the end use of the fruit (crunchy or 

soft), the distance and time to market, available storage conditions, and required quarantine 

treatments. Fruit is picked by hand or with a picking pole. Fruit are mature when the fruit stem 

snaps easily from the tree. Fruit to be exported are pre-cooled, washed, treated with fungicide, 

waxed, graded, packed, stored, and shipped. In some areas, fruit are placed stem-end-down to drain 

the sap. Fruit can be stored for 2 to 3 weeks at 8 to 21 °C (46 to 70 °F) and 85 to 90% relative 

humidity. Mango is grown on a commercial scale throughout warm to cool subtropical and tropical 

areas of the world (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, BARWICK, MORTON, 

CRFG).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are available in local, regional, and national markets 

year-round around the world, depending upon production location and cultivars available. In 

tropical areas, mangoes are one of the most commonly eaten and purchased fruits in tropical 

countries (JANICK, CRFG).

d. Preparation for cooking: The pulp of ripe fruit is consumed fresh after washing and chilling. Fruit 

is usually prepared by slicing off the cheeks on either side of the seed, scoring the flesh in a 

criss-cross pattern, flipping the skin inside out and spooning out the pulp. Fruit may be difficult to 

peel. Pulp can also be cooked, dried, canned in syrup, preserved, powdered, pureed, or frozen. Pulp 

is added to beverages, cereals, custards, desserts, ice cream, sorbets, preserves, purées, yogurts, 

soufflés, jellies, fruit salads, savory salads, sauces, jams, chutneys and pickles; made into fruit 

leather. Depending on the variety, immature/unripe/green peel fruit can be made into chutney,

pickles, pie filling, jelly, sherbet, and sauces; added to salads and salsas. Unripe mangoes can be 

peeled, sliced, and sundried to make a fine off-white to gray powdery spice called amchur. This 

spice is reminiscent of lemon juice and is used as a souring agent in Indian, African and Southeast 

Asian cooking including curries, stews, dips, vegetarian dishes, sauces, soups, dhals, pickles, 

chutneys, marinades, stir-fries, meat, fish, and bean dishes. Mango leaves are consumed raw in 

Thailand. Seeds are ground into flour or added to pudding in India (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a good source of vitamins A, B and C; high in anti-cancer 

antioxidants and phenols. Fat from the kernel is edible and has been proposed for use as a substitute 

for cocoa butter in chocolate. The peel is a source of pectin (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 

MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: All parts of the tree have been used medicinally. The sap (latex), flowers, 

seeds, and leaves are used as astringents to treat diarrhea, hemorrhages, bladder problems, fevers, 

hypertension, and hemorrhoids. The bark is astringent and is used to treat rheumatism and 

diphtheria. Gum from the trunk is placed on cracks on the skin and sores. Leaves are used to 

alleviate coughs, chest problems, diarrhea, fever, diabetes, skin irritations, and dental problems. 

Flowers are used as an aphrodisiac and mosquito repellent. Ground seeds are used to treat scorpion 

stings; also used as a vermifuge and an astringent. Some parts of the tree have antibiotic activity

(JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, southern California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico. In 1995, 761 hectares (1,880 acres)

was grown in south Florida and 1,012 hectares (2,500 acres) was grown in Puerto Rico. There was minor 

production in Hawaii with 20 hectares (50 acres) in 1994 and 16 hectares (40 acres) in South California

(MARKLE, CRANE 1996a, MONTALVO-ZAPATA 1995).

5. Other commercial production regions: A major fruit in all tropical countries including tropical and 

subtropical Asia, India, Burma, Malaysia, the Andaman Islands, the East Indies, the West Indies, the Malay 

Archipelago, Africa, China, Thailand, Malaya, Indonesia, Australia, Egypt, the Philippines, Pakistan, Sri 

Lanka, Mexico, Central America and South America including Brazil. The top ten mango-producing 

countries include India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, 

Guinea and Brazil. India is the world’s leading producer of mango. The top five mango-exporting countries 

include Mexico, India, Brazil, Peru and the Philippines. The top five mango importing countries include the 

U.S., the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Brangladesh. Approximately 3.7 

million hectares (9.2 million acres) of mangos are produced worldwide. In 2004, mango production was 

approximately 26.6 million tonnes (29.3 million tons). Average yields are 2 to 30 tonnes (2.2 to 33 tons) per 

hectare. Productive orchards can produce 22 to 25 tonnes (24.2 to 28 tons) per hectare. Mango is ranked 7th

in worldwide fruit production (GRIN, KALRA, JANICK, LORENZI, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

MORTON, CRFG).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental, medicinal purposes, shade tree, vertebrate poison (mammals); bark and leaves 

produce a yellow dye; honey plant; kernels can be used as animal feed; seed fat is used for soap-making; 

wood is used for building; bark is used for tanning hides; gum from the trunk is used to mend crockery and is 

sold as a substitute for gum Arabic (GRIN, MARKLE, BARWICK). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pulp only, skin contains allergens.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit with stem and pit removed and discarded.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0345) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Papaya = mango; Avocado = mango

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, CRANE 1996a, MONTALVO-ZAPATA 1995, KALRA, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, BARWICK, MORTON, 

CRFG.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13 with some production in Region 10. 

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MNGIN (M. indica), MNGOD (M. odorata GRIFF)
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1. Mango, Horse [(bachang mango, gray mango (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Mangifera foetida Lour. 

2. A tree that grows to a height of 25 to 40 meters (82 to 131 feet). Trees rarely reach 40 meters (131 feet) 

tall. Native to southeast Asia. The trunk is straight, long, and can reach a diameter of 100 centimeters (39 

inches). Bark is light brown, dark greyish brown, grey, or whitish grey in color and contains longitudinal 

shallow fissures with broad flat ridges. Inner bark is red and has a strong turpentine smell. Wood is cream in 

color and soft. The tree exudes a milky white, sticky sap that turns black on exposure. Branches are massive. 

The crown is dense and globose to ovoid-globose in shape. Dark green leaves are scattered to subaggregate, 

stiff, smooth, leathery, oblong, elliptic-oblong, oblanceolate, or broadly elliptic in shape, blunt or notched at 

the tip, acute at the base, and 12 to 40 centimeters (5 to 16 inches) long by 9 to 15 centimeters (3.5 to 6 inches) 

wide. The petiole is stout, swollen at the base, and 1.5 to 10 centimeters (0.6 to 4 inches) long. Deep 

reddish-pink panicles are sub-terminal, pyramidal, upright, densely flowered, and 10 to 40 centimeters (4 to 

16 inches) long. Peduncles are stout and red. Individual reddish-pink flowers emit a turpentine odor when 

crushed, contain red to greenish yellow bracts that are lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate in shape and 0.4 

centimeter (0.2 inch) long, a black-purple flower stalk that is short and 0.05 to 1.1 centimeter (0.02 to 0.4 

inch) long, five sepals that are erect, thick, red, ovate, ovate-lanceolate or obovate-lanceolate in shape, and 

0.3 to 0.5 centimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inch) long, five petals that are erect, reflexed, narrowly lanceolate in shape, 

pale reddish-pink at the base, pale yellow at the tip, and 0.6 to 0.9 centimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inch) x 0.15 to 0.25 

centimeters (0.06 to 0.1 inch) and one to five 0.5 to 0.8 centimeter (0.2 to 0.3 inch) long violet stamens. 

Yellowish green, dark olive green or brownish fruit is subglobose, ovoid-oblong, or globose in shape and 9 

to 16 centimeters (3.5 to 6 inches) long by 7 to 12 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) wide. The skin is thick, smooth, 

glossy to dull, covered with dirty spots and brown lenticels, and 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) thick. Pulp is pale 

to dark yellow or orange in color, fibrous and juicy. The flavor is sweet to turpentine-like. Fruit emits a 

strong unpleasant turpentine odor. Fruit contains one stone that is fibrous and 6 x 5 x 3 centimeters (2.4 x 2 

x 1.2 inches). Similar in appearance to the mango. There are different forms of this mango that vary in fruit 

size, shape and color. One of the best known and most commonly cultivated mango species (PERENNIAL, 

KOSTERMANS, AGROFORESTRY, FAO, TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering takes place from May to August in Sarawak. In East Kalimantan flowering 

occurs April to September. Fruit ripening occurs August to November in Sarawak and August to 

January in East Kalimantan. Fruit are harvested during the rainy season from October to December 

in West Java (AGROFORESTRY).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical lowlands and a monsoon climate. Grown in wet, evergreen 

lowland forests and primary lowland forests in the wet tropics at elevations of 1,000 to 1,500 meters 

(3,281 to 4,921 feet). Less tolerant of cold temperatures compared to mango. Does not tolerate a 

pronounced dry season. Propagated by seed, budding and grafting. Seedlings require a large 

amount of moisture and light shade. Plants should be planted 14 to 16 meters (46 to 52 feet) apart. 

Grown wild and cultivated (PERENNIAL, KOSTERMANS, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in local markets in Southeast Asia 

(AGROFORESTRY).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is most commonly used in curries, chutneys, preserves, and sambal. 

Pulp can be consumed fresh in fruit cocktails. Mature fruit should be peeled thickly to prevent 

contact with the irritating sap which produces blisters on the lips and tongue. The irritating juice is 

found throughout immature fruit and must be washed with salt water. Sometimes unripe fruit is 

used to make pickles and is placed in vegetable salads. Seeds are ground up and used in dishes 

(PERENNIAL, KOSTERMANS, AGROFORESTRY).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit provides a source of vitamins A and C (PERENNIAL).
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f. Medicinal aspects: Sap is used to aid ulcers and deepen tattoo scars; Leaves are used to reduce 

body temperature. Seeds are used to cure fungal infections, eczema and other skin conditions 

(KOSTERMANS, AGROFORESTRY).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Southeast Asia; Thailand, Indonesia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, the Moluccas, 

Sulawesi, Malay Peninsula, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma (Myanmar), Indochina, the Lesser Sunda 

Islands. Widely cultivated in its area of origin (GRIN, PERENNIAL, KOSTERMANS, AGROFORESTRY, 

FAO).

6. Use: Fruit, wood for construction, ornamental (GRIN, AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, KOSTERMANS, AGROFORESTRY, FAO, TRADE 

WINDS.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MNGFO
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1. Mango, Saipan [(kuwini, kuweni, manguier odorant, bembem, kuini, kweni (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Mangifera odorata Griff.

2. Saipan mango is a medium-sized to large tree that grows to a height of 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet). 

Native to Malesia. The trunk is straight and cylindrical. Bark is grey in color, smooth when young, fissured 

when old, and contains clear sap which is irritating to the skin. Branches are thick, cylindrical, smooth, dark 

green, and contain leaf scars. Leaves are irregularly scattered on the branches. Individual leaves are papery 

to leathery, glossy, oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate-elliptic in shape, pointed or rounded at the tip, 

wedge-shaped or obtuse at the base, smooth around the edges, and 12 to 35 centimeters (5 to 14 inches) long

by 4 to 10 centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) wide. New leaves are red purple to dark wine red in color. The 

petiole is swollen at the base, yellowish-green, cylindrical, and 3 to 7 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) long. 

Reddish, yellowish or whitish flowers are in densely-flowered terminal or pyramidal panicles that are 15 to 

50 centimeters (6 to 20 inches) long. Flowers are fragrant and 0.5 to 0.7 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) in 

diameter. Each flower contains 5 dark red 0.2 to 0.4 centimeter (0.08 to 0.2 inch) long ovate, oblong-ovate, 

obtuse, or acute, concave, smooth sepals, 5 reddish to yellowish 0.4 to 0.6 centimeter (0.16 to 0.24 inch) long

by 0.12 to 0.2 centimeter (0.05 to 0.08 inch) wide, lanceolate petals, 5 to 6 stamens, one 0.5 centimeter (0.2 

inch) long filament, 0.15 to 0.2 centimeter (0.06 to 0.08 inch) long staminodes, a subglobose ovary and a 

style. Green to yellowish-green fruit is a drupe that is ellipsoid-oblong, round-oblique or oblate in shape,

plump, and 10 to 13 centimeters (4 to 5 inches) long by 6 to 10 centimeters (2.4 to 4 inches) wide. Fruit 

contains a small beak. Skin is thick (0.3 to 0.4 centimeters or 0.1 to 0.2 inch), tough, and can be spotted with 

dark brown or yellow lenticels. Skin contains acrid juice that is very acrid when the fruit is immature. Pulp 

is orange-yellow, pale-orange or yellowish in color, firm, fibrous, resinous and juicy. Each fruit contains a 

stone that is covered with soft fibers and measures 8 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) by 4.5 to 5 centimeters

(1.8 to 2 inches) by 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches). The flavor is sour to sweet, with an aftertaste of 

turpentine. Fruit has a strong turpentine smell (AGROFORESTRY, MORTON, KOSTERMANS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Fruit season in West Java is from August to November. Trees can produce two crops per 

year in areas with two dry seasons (AGROFORESTRY, KOSTERMANS).

b. Cultivation: Trees thrive in wet tropical climates with elevations below 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), 

and fairly heavy, equally-distributed rainfall. Fruit is not found in the wild; grown in tropical rain 

forests. In Borneo, fruit is grown in areas near coastal towns or along travel routes. Tolerates areas 

with no prolonged dry periods and moderate rainfall of 120 centimeters (47 inches). Compared to 

Mangifera indica, Mangifera odorata is more tolerant of humid to wet climates. Propagation is by 

seed and grafting. Trees should be planted 12 to 14 meters (39 to 46 feet) apart. Trees are mainly 

grown with other tree species in village orchards or homes. Mangifera odorata, Mangifera 

langenifera and Mangifera zeylanica fruit is cultivated or gathered commercially on a small scale in 

parts of Southeast Asia (PERENNIAL, AGROFORESTRY, KOSTERMANS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is popular and has local economic significance in places 

where the common mango (Mangifera indica) cannot be grown (AGROFORESTRY).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh after being peeled thick (due to an acrid juice). 

To reduce acidity, the fruit can also be soaked in diluted lime-water before consumption. Fruit are 

used to make chutney, curries, and pickles. Young fruit are also used to make pickles. In Java, a 

flour is made from the seed kernels. This flour is used for dishes including ‘dodol’ and ‘jenang 

pelok’ (AGROFORESTRY, MORTON, KOSTERMANS).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit contains vitamin C (AGROFORESTRY).

f. Medicinal aspects: A leaf poultice is applied externally in the treatment of hysteria and epilepsy. 

A bark poultice is applied externally in the treatment of hysterio-epilepsy (AGROFORESTRY, 

KOSTERMANS). 

g. Crop Photos
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4. Production in U.S.: No data. 

5. Other commercial production regions: Fruit is only cultivated; Malesia, Malay peninsula, southern 

Vietnam, Christmas Island, Guam Islands, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, peninsular Thialand, Indochina, South 

Sulawesi, the Philippines on the south coast of Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago and neighboring islands; 

Southeast Asia (GRIN, AGROFORESTRY, KOSTERMANS). 

6. Use: Fruit; home garden plant; medicinal purposes, wood (GRIN, AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pulp only, skin contains allergen.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit with stem and pit removed and discarded.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, AGROFORESTRY, MORTON, KOSTERMANS, PERENNIAL.

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MNGOD (Mangifera odorata GRIFF.)
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357

1. Mangosteen [(king’s-fruit, mangostan, mang ji shi, mangoustanier, Mangostanbaum, Mangostane, 

manggis, mangostão, mangostán (GRIN))]

Clusiaceae (alt. Guttiferae)

Garcinia mangostana L.

2. A slow-growing, erect, evergreen tree that grows to a height of 6 to 25 meters (20 to 82 feet). Native to 

Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia and Indonesia. Mangosteen may be a hybrid of G. hombroniana and 

G. malaccensis. Bark is dark-brown or nearly black in color and flaking. Inner bark contains yellow, 

gummy, bitter latex. The crown is pyramidal to conical and densely foliaged. Olive-green to dark green

leaves are large, opposite, simple, thick, leathery, glossy, smooth, yellow-green below, oblong, ovate-oblong, 

or elliptical in shape, pointed at the tip, and 9 to 25 centimeters (3.5 to 10 inches) long by 4.5 to 13 

centimeters (1.8 to 5 inches) wide. New leaves are reddish in color. Fragrant flowers are terminal, solitary 

or in groups of 2 to 9 on the tips of older mature shoots and more hidden branches. Individual flowers 

measure 4 to 5 centimeters (1.6 to 2 inches) in diameter and contain four thick, persistent sepals in two pairs

(2 outer yellowish and 2 inner reddish), four small, thick, fleshy, ovate yellow-green to red petals, a 

prominent 5 to 8 celled round to mushroom-shaped ovary, short stamens, a four- to eight-lobed stigma, and 

staminodes. Flowers open midday. All trees are female; therefore fruit develops parthenocarpically. Large 

purple to reddish-purple fruit is a berry that is ovoid to round in shape, slightly flattened at each end, and 3.5

to 8 centimeters (1.4 to 3 inches) in diameter. Fruit are grown on twiggy limbs. The fruit skin is smooth,

dense, bitter, leathery, soft to woody, tough, thick (0.6 to 1 centimeter or 0.2 to 0.4 inch), and contains a 

bitter yellowish latex and purple juice. The calyx occurs at the stem end. The pulp (aril) is white to cream in 

color, fleshy, succulent, and 4 to 8 segmented. Flesh resembles the texture of a plum. One or two of the 

larger segments contains 1 to 5 soft seeds that are ovoid-oblong in shape, slightly flattened, 2.5 centimeters

(1 inch) long and 1.6 centimeters (0.6 inch) wide. The flavor is sweet to sweet-sour, resembling a 

combination of grapes and strawberries (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

BARWICK, VAN WYK, LORENZI, MORTON, ECOCROP, POPENOE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from May to August in Brazil. Flowering can occur twice per year

(spring and fall), depending on growing conditions. Fruiting can also be irregular and yield can vary 

depending on the tree and season. In India, fruiting occurs during the monsoon season from July to 

October and from April to June. Fruiting occurs from November to February in Brazil. In Sri Lanka, 

trees at lower elevations, fruit May through July and at higher elevations, trees fruit July through

August or August through October. In Puerto Rico, unshaded trees fruit in July through August and 

shaded trees fruit November through December. Trees can bear in alternate years. Heavy fruiting in 

one year can be followed by a smaller crop the next year. Fruit matures in 150 to 180 days. Fruit 

production occurs in 7 to 10 years from seed and 4 to 5 years from grafts (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Mangosteen is mainly cultivated and is rarely found in the wild. Requires hot, wet, 

humid, tropical lowlands with deep, fertile soils (including sandy loam or laterite), full sun, and 

elevations of sea level to 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). Grows as a lower canopy tree in the humid 

tropics where there is a short dry season of 15 to 30 days followed by an uninterrupted water supply. 

Irrigation is required during dry conditions if the annual rainfall is less than 127 centimeters (50 

inches). Some trees grow along the banks of streams, lakes, ponds and canals. Tolerant of a wide 

variety of soils (including poorly drained heavy soils), some waterlogging, and shade. Not tolerant 

of strong winds, salt spray, drought, limestone soils, sandy alluvial soils, sandy soils low in humus, 

and temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F) or over 40 °C (104 °F). Leaves and fruit are susceptible to 

sunburn. Propagated by seed and grafting (top wedge grafting). Seeds are viable for 3 to five days if 

dried or 3 to 5 weeks if left in the fruit. Seeds should be planted in well-drained growing medium 

with high humidity and shade. Germination occurs in 2 to 3 weeks. Plants are transplanted when 

plants reach 60 centimeters (24 inches) in size. Transplanting must be done carefully due to the long 
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taproot and poor lateral root development. A 40 to 80 square meter(431 to 861 square foot) area 

should be utilized per mangosteen tree. 60 centimeter (24 inch) trees are planted at the beginning of 

the rainy season and spaced 8 to 12 meters (26 to 39 feet) apart. Young trees should be shaded for 2 

to 4 years. Then trees should be exposed to full sun. Mangosteen trees should be interplanted with 

more dominant trees including durian, rambutan, and coconut. Dead branches, suckers and inside 

shoots should be pruned when the tree contains no flowers, fruit or flushs of new leaves. Cultivation

occurs in Southeast Asia. Fruit are harvested by hand or with a pole and basket every 2 to 3 days 

when fruit are soft, dark purple in color, and contain a peduncle. Export fruit picked at an earlier 

stage when the fruit is mature and light greenish yellow with irregular pink-red spots. Marketable 

fruit contains a fresh and complete green calyx, an unbroken peduncle, and translucent flesh. Fruit 

should be greater than 80 grams (3 ounces) in size and free from internal latex. Since fruit serves as 

a fruit fly host, harvested fruit are inspected by cutting open the fruit and inspecting the aril before 

the fruit is frozen whole and shipped. Heat treatments can also be made to fruit shipments. Fruit can 

be stored at 12 to 14 °C (54 to 57 °F) for 20 days (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit can be exported and sold in local markets. Since fruit 

serves as a fruit fly host, movement in international trade is limited (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: The aril of the fruit is mostly consumed fresh. Fruit is enjoyed by 

cutting through the rind and lightly pulling and twisting the fruit apart. Fresh fruit can be added to 

fruit salads, ice cream, sorbets or fruit purées. Also consumed in a partially frozen state. Fruit are 

used to make sorbets, jams, and preserves. However, preserving causes the color to darken and the 

unique flavor to be lost. Fruit that are canned or made into juice lose flavor. Immature fruit can be 

canned. Seeds can be eaten fresh or roasted. The rind can be made into a purplish jelly

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit has a low vitamin A and C content, is rich in sugar and carbohydrates,

has a high energy value and contains little nutritional/mineral value (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN 

WYK, ECOCROP).

f. Medicinal aspects: The fruit rind, dried fruit and bract are used in traditional medicine. The rind 

contains the compounds xanthones, which have antioxidant properties. The dried rind is powdered 

and taken to aid dysentery, diarrhea, cystitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and skin disorders. A 

decoction of the leaves and bark is used to reduce fevers, diarrhea, thrush and urinary disorders

(JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: There are a few small plantings in Puerto Rico, South Florida, and Hawaii (5 hectares 

or 12 acres in 1996) (MARKLE). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Central America including Honduras, Guatemala, and Panama;

South America including Brazil and Ecuador; the Caribbean; Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Thailand,

Vietnam, Singapore, China, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Indonesia; Sri Lanka, southern India, northern 

Australia; Madagascar; warm subtropical regions; widely cultivated in the tropics. Mature trees can produce 

200 to 2,000 fruit per tree or 4 to 8 tonnes (4.4 to 8.8 tons) per hectare. Trees around 45 years of age can 

yield approximately 3,000 fruit per tree. Very old trees do not yield as well. The average yield in Thailand 

is 4.5 tonnes (5 tons) per hectare (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON, ECOCROP, POPENOE).

6. Use: Fruit; seeds; medicinal purposes; pericarp can be used to tan leather and dye fabric black; wood for 

carpentry; yard tree; twigs are used as chewsticks (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: The pulp is the only part consumed. 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit 
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0346 and FI 4137) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

BARWICK, VAN WYK, LORENZI, MORTON, ECOCROP, POPENOE.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: GANMA
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1. Marang 

Moraceae

Artocarpus odoratissimus Blanco

2. An evergreen tree that reaches a height of 6 to 25 meters (20 to 82 feet). Native to Southeast Asia, 

specifically the Philippines, Malaysia, and Borneo. Fruit is similar to the jackfruit, but is generally smaller, 

different in shape and contains spines on the rind. The trunk is up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in diameter 

with low buttresses. Leaves are papery, large, simple, entire to trilobed, rough on the upper surface, elliptic, 

oval or obovate in shape, wedge-shaped at the base, shortly pointed at the tip, and 16 to 50 centimeters (6 to 

20 inches) long by 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) wide. Leaf margins are smooth to scalloped. 

Stipules are ovate in shape, contain yellow to red hairs, and measure 1 to 8 centimeters (0.4 to 3 inches) long. 

The solitary inflorescences are unisexual and are borne terminally or in the leaf axils. Individual trees 

contain both male and female flowers. Male flowers are in ellipsoid club-shaped spikes that measure 4 to 11 

centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) by 2 to 6 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches). Female flowers are in globose spikes 

that contain short, soft hairs, simple bracts, and simple styles that measure 0.15 centimeters (0.06 inch). 

Trees are pollinated by nocturnal insects. Yellowish-brown compound fruit are borne at the ends of 

branches, are round, ellipsoid or oval in shape, and approximately 16 centimeters (6 inches) long and 13 

centimeters (5 inches) in diameter. Fruit range in size from 1 to 2.5 kilograms (2.2 to 5.5 pounds). The rind 

is thick, fleshy, and is covered with short brittle spines and protuberances. Immature fruit is light green in 

color. Pulp is snow white in color, juicy, succulent, and separated into segments that cling to the central core. 

Each segment contains an ellipsoid shaped, smooth, white seed that measures 1.5 centimeters by 0.8 

centimeters (0.6 inch by 0.3 inch). Each fruit can contain 100 to 200 seeds. The flavor is sweet and fruity. 

Strongly aromatic (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, BOTANIX, FRUITANDNUT, NTBG).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from October to November in northern Australia and September to 

November in Brazil. In Hawaii, flowering and fruiting occurs year round with sufficient rainfall. 

Fruit are harvested the following February in Australia and March to April in Brazil. Fruit 

production occurs in 3 to 6 years from seed (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet tropical lowlands, shaded areas, rich, loamy, well-drained soils, 

elevations of up to 800 meters (2,625 feet), and abundant equally-distributed rainfall. Temperature 

requirements are similar to the jackfruit. In Sarawak, trees are grown at elevations of up to 1,300 

meters (4,265 feet) in sandy clay soil. In the wild, trees grow in sandy to sandy clay soils in

secondary forests at elevations up to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet); can grow in some subtropical regions. 

Not tolerant of frost; not as hardy as the jackfruit. Propagation is by seed, inarching and grafting. 

Seeds should be sown in sandy well-drained soil after being taken from ripe fruit and cleaned with 

water. Germination occurs in approximately 1 week. One-year-old seedlings should be planted 12 

to 14 meters (39 to 46 feet) apart in the field at the beginning of the rainy season. Pruning can be 

done to maintain a 3 to 5 meter (10 to 16 foot) tree. Shoots can be thinned and branches can be 

cleared for harvesting access. Irrigation is required in dry areas. Fruit can be harvested while still 

hard and left to mature until soft. Fruit harvested off of the ground has a shelf life of 2 to 3 days. 

Mature undamaged fruit are stored at 10 to 12 °C (50 to 54 °F) for 2 to 3 weeks. Fruit is mostly 

cultivated in the Philippines and Malaysia for local markets in neighboring countries (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, BOTANIX, FRUITANDNUT, NTBG).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is sold whole and in pieces at local markets. Since fruit 

have a short shelf life, fruit are transported rapidly to the market (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: The aril of mature fruit is consumed fresh. Fresh fruit are prepared by 

cutting open the fruit and slicing it into pieces; a dessert fruit. Mature fruit can also be dried,

preserved in simple sugar syrup or used to flavor ice cream. Fruit can be eaten unripe (25 to 50% 

full size) as a vegetable. Seeds are consumed boiled or roasted and resemble the taste of chestnuts

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI).
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e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit provides a source of iron and vitamin C (PERENNIAL).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii (JANICK).

5. Other production regions: Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Borneo, Malaysia, Thailand and the 

Philippines; Australia; Brazil; introduced into neighboring countries; grown in the Tropics. A mature tree 

can produce an average of 180 fruit per year (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI).

6. Use: fruit, seeds, home garden plant (GRIN, FRUITANDNUT).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, BOTANIX, FRUITANDNUT, 

NTBG.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ABFOD
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362

1. Marmalade-box [(genip, genipap, confiture de singe, génipa, caruto, genipa, huito, irayol, yagua 

(GRIN))]

Rubiaceae

Genipa americana L. [(syn: Genipa americana var. caruto (Kunth) Schumach., Genipa caruto

Kunth (GRIN))]

2. A medium-sized, semi-deciduous erect tree that grows to a height of 8 to 33 meters (26 to 108 feet). 

Native to the West Indies and South America (Amazon Basin). Fruit has been widely distributed as a 

cultivated fruit since pre-Columbian times. Wood is white, tan, yellowish-white, or slightly pinkish or 

lavender in color with light, reddish-brown streaks; flexible, fibrous, hard, even-textured, strong, compact, 

and reasonably durable. The trunk is straight, tall, slender, and may reach 30 to 80 centimeters (12 to 31 

inches) in diameter. Bark is thick, smooth, and green-greyish in color. The canopy contains many leaves 

and an abundance of whorled, horizontal spreading branches. One form of the tree contains a dense coating 

of soft hairs on the young branchlets and undersides of the leaves. Dark green leaves are simple, opposite,

leathery, smooth, shiny, sometimes faintly toothed, obovoid, oblong-obovate, or oblong in shape, pointed or 

rounded at the tip, and 10 to 35 centimeters (4 to 14 inches) long by 4 to 13 centimeters (1.6 to 5 inches) wide. 

Leaves grow densely on the tips of branches. Petioles are short and triangular. Flowers are arranged in small 

cyclical subcymose inflorescences, and are solitary or in short, branched axillary or terminal groups of two 

or more. Individual large, fragrant pipe-shaped flowers contain 5 white to yellowish 4 centimeter (1.6 inch)

wide petals and both male and female reproductive organs. Pollination is by large bees. Red-brown to 

yellow-brown fruit is a berry that is round, elliptic, rounded oval or ovoid in shape, tapered at the stem end,

5 to 9 centimeters (2 to 3.5 inches) in diameter, 9 to 15 centimeters (3.5 to 6 inches) long, and 200 to 500 

grams (7 to 18 ounces) in weight. Immature fruit is gray in color. Clear colored yellowish fresh juice from 

the immature fruit oxidizes into a dark bluish-black color. The apex of the fruit contains remains of the stylar 

tube. The skin is thin, leathery, and scurfy. Pulp is succulent, astringent, fleshy, yellowish gray, gray or 

white in color, spongy to rubbery, and 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inch) thick. The central cavity of each fruit 

contains as many as 480 seeds in rows enclosed in grayish-yellow mucilaginous membranes. Individual 

seeds are cream, yellowish or brown in color, flattened, circular, and 0.7 by 1.25 centimeters (0.3 by 0.5 inch)

long. The flavor is sweet, acidic or sour and strong and resembles dried apples, pears, or quinces. Musky

aroma (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, ECOCROP, FRANCIS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs in October, at the end of the dry season or in December, at the 

beginning of the rainy season in Amazonia. In Brazil, flowering occurs in November or from July 

through December. Flowering and fruiting occurs continuously from spring to fall in Puerto Rico. 

Fruit ripen during the rainy season from November to March in Amazonia and from September to 

January with a peak in October and November in Haiti. Fruiting occurs from February to March or 

October through June in Brazil. There are some varieties in Brazil that bear fruit all year. Trees 

begin producing fruit 6 to 8 years after the seedling stage (JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, 

FRANCIS).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid tropical lowlands, full sun, elevations of sea level to 1,500 

meters (4,921 feet), deep, rich, loamy, moist, acidic soil, medium to high rainfall of 120 to 400 

centimeters (47 to 157 inches) per year, and annual average temperatures of 18 to 28 °C (64 to 82 °F). 

Grows in semi-deciduous rainforests in swampy areas, damp flood plains, and humid habitats. 

Trees grow along clear water and sediment-rich rivers in the Amazon Basin. Trees in some areas are 

adapted to dry seasons that last up to 5 months. In these areas, trees shed leaves to prevent drought 

stress. Tolerant of a seasonal dry period and a variety of fertile soil types in the humid tropics with a 

pH of 4.6 to 6.5. Not tolerant of near freezing temperatures. Propagation is by seed, patch budding, 

air layering and grafting. Seeds should be sown after directly being removed from the fruit. 

Germination is high (90%) and occurs within 25 to 30 days. Seed can be stored dried and may 

remain viable for 3 to 4 months. Seedlings take 9 months to reach a proper planting size of 20 to 50 

centimeters (8 to 20 inches). A 60 by 60 by 60 centimeter (24 by 24 by 24 inch) planting pit with 
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fertilizer should be prepared for each seedling. Seedlings should be planted in deep soils with high 

water-holding capacity. Each tree should be spaced 10 to 15 meters (33 to 49 feet) apart. Seedlings 

can be interplanted with annual or semi-perennial crops during the first years to provide shade. 

Pruning should be done on older branches after fruiting. Fruit usually fall from the tree when ripe 

and spoil a few days after harvest. To avoid damage, fruit should be harvested from the tree before 

ripening fully. The tree is currently of little economic importance due to its low quality wood and 

lack of use of the fruit. Fruit is not produced commercially but is grown in small domestic orchards 

and home gardens (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, BARWICK).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in local markets in Brazil (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit pulp can be consumed fresh with sugar when overripe and soft to 

the touch. Fruit is mostly used to make beverages including juices (like lemonade), soft drinks,

wines and liquors. Fruit juice is commonly mixed with cane alcohol to prepare ‘huitochado’ or 

‘jenipapada’ beverages. Fruit is also made into syrups, jellies, preserves, sherbets, ice cream, and 

crystallized candies. Fruit flesh is sometimes added as a substitute for commercial pectin to aid the 

gelling of low-pectin fruit juices (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit contains concentrations of two B vitamins, riboflavin and thiamine 

(JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit is consumed to aid jaundice, anemia, liver problems, and remove 

intestinal worms. The juice from the fruit is used as a diuretic and cold remedy. The pulp is used as 

a dental anesthetic and has bactericidal and germicidal properties. An alcoholic drink from the fruit 

is used to aid rheumatism. A sweet drink made from the juice of the mesocarp of the fruit or the 

residual water left over from cooking the fruit is taken to cure asthma and reduce respiratory 

inflammation. Bark is used as a diuretic, dental anesthetic, and cure for ulcers. A mixture of the 

crushed green fruit and bark are used to aid sores and sore throats. A decoction of the roots is used 

as a purgative. Leaf juice is used as a fever reducer. Flowers have tonic properties and are used to 

reduce fevers. Gum from the trunk is used to treat eye diseases (JANICK, MORTON, BARWICK).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Southern Florida (MARKLE, JANICK).

5. Other production regions: South America including northern Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay,

Peru, Bolivia, and southeast Brazil; Central America, including Panama; Mexico; the West Indies including 

Cuba, Hispaniola, Guadeloupe, and Trinidad; other areas in the tropics. Trees 15 to 20 years old can produce 

400 to 600 fruits per year (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, FRANCIS).

6. Use: Fresh fruit; beverages; wood is used in construction, carpentry, handicrafts, and fuel; juice extracted 

from the immature fruit is used as a body paint; medicinal purposes; magic; ornamental; shade tree;

reforestation; pulp is used as an insect repellent; bark is used to tan leather and yields a fiber for making 

clothing; fruit is used as fish bait; foliage is consumed by cattle; flowers yield nectar for honeybees (GRIN, 

MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON, BARWICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0347) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, ECOCROP, 

FRANCIS, BARWICK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: GEIAM
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1. Matisia [(South American sapote, sapote, sapotillo, zapote (GRIN))]

Malvaceae. Also placed in: Bombacaceae

Matisia cordata Humb. & Bonpl. [(syn: Quararibea cordata (Humb. & Bonpl.) Vischer (GRIN))]

2. A large, fast-growing, erect, evergreen tree that grows to a height of 12 to 45 meters (39 to 148 feet). 

Trees usually grow 12 to 15 meters (39 to 49 feet) tall in cultivation. Native to South America. Most roots

are superficial. There are only a few deeper, stabilizing roots. Wood is lightweight and light-colored. The 

trunk is slender, unbranched, and sometimes buttressed. Bark is smooth, light brownish grey in color, 

slippery when wet, and usually covered by lichens. Sap is yellow and gummy. Branching is pagoda-shaped

(tiered whorls of 5). Individual branches are stiff. Individual leaves are semi-deciduous, alternate, simple, 

leathery, broadly heart-shaped, and 15 to 40 centimeters (6 to 16 inches) long and wide. Leaves are clustered 

in rosettes near the ends of branches. Irregularly-shaped, pale yellow-orange, yellowish-white or rose-tinted

flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs, five obovate petals measuring 2.5 to 3 

centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches), 5 stamens, and one pistil. Flowers are borne on the older branches and the

trunk and can be axillary, solitary or in small groups. Pollination occurs at night by hummingbirds, bees, 

wasps, and bats. Brown to green fruit is a large berry that is round, ovoid, oblong, or elliptic in shape, 12 to 

14 centimeters (5 to 5.5 inches) in diameter, and 200 to 800 grams (7 to 28 ounces) in weight. A rounded 

knob occurs at the apex and a 2 to 5- lobed velvety, leathery, strongly persistent calyx occurs at the base. 

The rind is thick, leathery, downy and elastic. Pulp is bright orange to orange-yellow in color, soft, fibrous, 

dense, and juicy. The flavor is sweet and reminiscent of pumpkin. Each fruit contains 2 to 5 seeds with long 

fibers that measure 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long and 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide. Wild trees produce 

smaller fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, FRUITANDNUT).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from January to February in Florida, and August to November in the 

western Amazon of Brazil. Fruit mature in November in Florida and from February to May in the 

Western Amazon of Brazil. Fruit mature in 270 to 300 days. Fruit production occurs in 6 to 8 years

from seed (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid, tropical or subtropical lowlands, lowland rainforests,

seasonally flooded forests, or dry land forests, deep, fertile, well-drained, non-flooding clay soil

with high organic matter content, or Amazonian dark earth soils (that contain high amounts of 

carbonized organic matter, phosphorous, calcium, and magnesium), full sun, elevations of sea level 

to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), and a favorable rainfall distribution of over 250 centimeters (98 inches). 

Native to the foothills of the Andes in the region between the Amazon tropical rainforest and the 

sub-montane humid forest in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Also grows throughout lowland 

rainforests and adjacent areas of Brazil, around the mouth of the Javari River, in the Cauca and 

Magdalena River valleys of Colombia, and near the sea in Colombia. Tolerates cultivation on the 

slopes of the Andes and dry, oolitic limestone. Does not tolerate near freezing temperatures, high 

winds, dry periods, or prolonged high water tables. Propagation is by seed, stem cuttings, side 

veneer grafting, and top cleft grafting. Seeds must be planted immediately after being removed from

the fruit. Trees should be spaced 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 feet) apart. Fruit are harvested when the 

calyx contracts slightly and leaves a light-colored ring around the edge of the calyx. Fruit are 

harvested with a knife or long cutting-pole. Fruit do not fall from the tree, but remain on the tree 

until rotting occurs. Fruit ship well and can obtain a high price at the market. Not a widely 

cultivated crop due to alternate bearing, and the lack of high-quality varieties. Indigenous and 

peasant communities plant the tree in home gardens and orchards and consume the fruit. A good 

alternative crop (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, FRUITANDNUT). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is used as a source of family income. During harvest season, 

fruit are sold in the markets of Antioquia, Buenaventura, Cali and Bogotá in Colombia, Puerto Viejo 

in Ecuador, Tefé, São Paulo de Olivença, Tabatinga, Benjamin Constant and Atalaia do Norte in 

Brazil and Iquitos in Peru (JANICK).
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d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh out of hand. Fruit is used most in desserts but 

can also be made into juice (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit has low nutritional value, but the carotene content and fiber is high

(JANICK, CAPETRIB).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida (PERENNIAL).

5. Other production regions: Costa Rica, Panama; South America including the foothills of the Andes, the 

Amazon region, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Southwestern Venezuela; Australia; a mature tree can 

produce 300 to 3,000 fruit. Trees can produce yields of 100 tonnes (110 tons) per hectare per year (GRIN, 

JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit; home gardens; wood is used in construction (GRIN, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, FRUITANDNUT, 

CAPETRIB.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MSJCO
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1. Mesquite [(ironwood, bayarone, mesquitebaum, algaroba, prosópis, algarroba, algarrobo, cují 

negro (GRIN))]

Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae). Also placed in: Mimosaceae

Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. [(syn: Mimosa juliflora Sw., Prosopis horrida Kunth, Prosopis 

vidaliana Náves (GRIN))]

2. A fast-growing, deciduous to evergreen thorny shrub or small tree that reaches a height of 3 to 20 meters

(10 to 66 feet). Native to Central and South America. The tree contains a deep taproot that may reach 35 

meters (115 feet) long. The short, twisted trunk grows up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) in diameter and 

contains long, strong thorns. Gum exudes from the trunk. Bark is thick, brown, reddish or blackish in color, 

rough and shallowly fissured. Branches are green-brown in color, flexible, wavy, and contain axial thorns 

on both sides of the nodes that measure 1 to 5 centimeters (0.4 to 2 inches) long. The crown is thin, open 

flat-topped or rounded and large. Dark green leaves are compound and contain 12 to 25 pairs of leaflets. 

Leaflets are linear-oblong to oblong in shape, bipinnate, smooth to hairy, rounded, obtuse or sub-acute at the 

apex, rounded at the base and 0.3 to 1.6 centimeters (0.1 to 0.6 inch) long by 0.15 to 0.32 centimeters (0.06 to 

0.1 inch) wide. Leaves contain stipular spines that are short and yellow in color and one to two pairs of 

rachis that are almost pendulous. Sweet-scented, small, greenish-yellow flowers are perfect, lateral to the 

axis, and in cylindrical spikes that measure 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long. Individual flowers 

contain a deeply lobate corolla measuring 0.4 to 0.5 centimeters (0.16 to 0.2 inch) long, stamens measuring 

0.5 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) long, a tubular, hooded toothed calyx measuring 0.15 centimeter (0.06 

inch) wide and 5 hairy petals measuring 0.3 centimeters (0.1 inch) wide. Pollinated by wind and insects.

Mature brown or yellowish pods are straight, linear, cylindrical, curved and tapered to a point, or ring shaped,

thick, leathery, several-seeded and constricted between the seeds, non-dehiscent and 8 to 30 centimeters (3 

to 12 inches) long by 0.8 to 1.7 centimeters (0.3 to 0.7 inch) in diameter. Immature pods are strongly 

compressed. Each pod contains 10 to 30 seeds. Individual seed is compressed, oval, obovoid, or elliptic in 

shape, hard, dark brown in color and 0.25 to 0.7 centimeters (0.1 to 0.3 inch) long by 0.4 to 0.5 centimeter 

(0.16 to 0.2 inch) wide. Mucilaginous endosperm surrounds the embryo. Mesquite pods are one of the 

earliest known foods of prehistoric man. A weedy plant in some areas of the world. The wood is an 

important barbeque fuel in the U.S. and produces a sweet smokey flavor in foods (DUKE, 

AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP, PIER).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs twice per year in India (February to March and August to September). 

Trees begin to bear fruit in 3 to 4 years (DUKE).

b. Cultivation: Trees grow in tropical thorn to dry through subtropical thorn to dry forest Life Zones. 

Prefers dry areas including grass and shrublands, and dry forests, elevations from sea level to 2,900 

meters (9,514 feet), annual rainfall of 5 to 20 centimeters (2 to 8 inches), an annual temperature of 

14 to 34 °C (57 to 93 °F), protected areas from wind, and a pH of 7. Introduced into tropical areas. 

Tolerates drought, grazing, a number of soil types including heavy soil, sand, rocky hills, and saline 

dry flats, seasonal water logging, saline conditions, mild frost and weeds. Propagation is by seed, 

root suckers, grafting and hardwood cuttings. Germination occurs in 4 to 6 days. Seeds germinate at 

a faster rate when exposed to hot water or acid. In India, seeds are collected and sown from May to 

June. Seed collected in September and October are sown in April. Tree spacing depends on the use. 

Trees for fuel wood are spaced 2 by 2 meters (6.6 by 6.6 feet). Trees for crop production are spaced 

5 by 5 to 10 meters (16 by 16 to 33 feet). Transplants should be sown during the rainy season. Root 

cuttings should be made when stems are 1.25 centimeters (0.5 inch) in diameter and 10.0

centimeters (4 inches) long. For crop production, thinning and pruning are done. Trees are 

harvested by hand after the fruits have fallen (DUKE, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP, PIER).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.
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d. Preparation for cooking: Flour products, bread, sweets, syrup, coffee, sugars, sweeteners, and 

gruels are made from the pods. Pods can be fermented into mesquite wine; pods can be baked after 

removing the seeds, fermented and brewed into beer. Seeds are toasted and added to coffee. 

Pulverized cotyledons and embryos are made into nutritious flour (DUKE, AGROFORESTRY, 

FAO).

e. Nutritional aspects: Ripe pods contain a good amount of crude protein; rich in sugar and nitrogen. 

Flour made from cotyledons and embryos is rich in protein and sugar and is consumed by diabetic 

people (AGROFORESTRY, FAO).

f. Medicinal aspects: Juice is used as a folk remedy for cancer; used as a cathartic; emetic; poison; 

stomachic and vulnerary; folk remedy to treat catarrh, colds, diarrhea, dysentery, excrescences, eyes, 

flu, head cold, hoarseness, inflammation, itch, measles, pinkeye, stomachache, sore throat, and 

wounds. Extracts from the plant are antibacterial. A syrup made from the ground pods is given to 

children showing weight deficiency or poor motor skills; used as an expectorant. Tea made from the 

tree is used to aid digestive disturbances and skin lesions (DUKE, AGROFORESTRY).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii, Southern U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands (GRIN, 

AGROFORESTRY).

5. Other production regions: Northern and central Mexico, Central America including Belize, Costa Rica, El 

Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama; South America including Venezuela, Bolivia, 

Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil and Peru; cultivated and naturalized in tropical Africa

including Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, Sudan, and Tanzania; Iraq, Iran, Southeast Asia including 

Brunei, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, 

Cambodia and Indonesia; Australia, the Indian subcontinent including India and Pakistan; the West Indies

including the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Tobago, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, 

Haiti and Barbados; Mascarenes. 2,000 kilograms per hectare (4,409 pounds) of pods are produced on 

unmanaged trees. 4,000 to 20,000 kilograms per hectare (8,818 to 44,092 pounds) of pods are produced in 

arid savannas (GRIN, DUKE, AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: Bee plants (pollination), source of honey, shade/shelter, erosion control, land reclamation, nitrogen 

fixer, soil improver, ornamental, charcoal, fuel wood, fiber used for the production of paper and hardboard;

wood for furniture, fence posts, and fuel, medicinal purposes, vertebrate poison (mammals), weed, potential 

seed contaminant; leaves are used for forage and fodder; seeds are added to coffee; bark is rich in tannin and 

is used for roofing; gum forms an adhesive mucilage that is used as an emulsifying agent that is used in 

confectionary and mending pottery (GRIN, DUKE, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pods and seeds

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, DUKE, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP, PIER, FAO.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PRCJU
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1. Mongongo [mangetti, manketti, mogongo, mugongo, mungomo, omunkhete (GRIN)]

Euphorbiaceae

Schinziophyton rautanenii (Schinz) Radcl.-Sm [(syn: Ricinodendron rautanenii Schinz (GRIN))]

2. Mongongo is a large 15-20 meter (49-66 ft) tree native to dry upland areas of southern Africa, particularly

around the Kalahari. It is dioecious, with palmately divided alternate leaves bearing 5-7 lance-shaped 

leaflets on a 15 cm (6 inch) long, hairy petiole. The small, white to yellow flowers are borne in loose, slender 

sprays. The bark is light grey to pale golden brown, and the light, yellowish wood is very useful for making 

boats, packing crates, and children’s toys. However, this species is primarily valued for its fruit and, 

particularly, for the nut inside. The fruits are oval and about 3.5 x 2.5 cm (1.4 x 1 in). Fruit drop from the 

tree while still green and ripen on the ground. This species is highly productive and one female tree has been 

known to produce up to 950 fruits in a year. The fruit has a fuzzy, inedible peel and a thin layer of sweet, 

edible pulp surrounding the large, hard pit. Inside the pit is a soft inner shell and an edible kernel (1.2 g/0.04 

oz) that is valued both for food and oil. The oil is used both for culinary purposes and as a skin cleanser and 

moisturizer. This is one of the most consumed nuts in Africa and in some areas, such as among the Bantu 

people or the Kung San Bushmen, it is considered a staple food. The fruit and kernels can both be stored for 

extended periods of time and remain edible (WIKIPEDIA, BLUEPLANETBIOMES, PURDUE, 

NATURAL FOOD HUB, FLORA OF MOZAMBIQUE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season, harvest: March to May (WIKIPEDIA).

b. Cultivation: This species does not appear to be commercially cultivated; fruits are gathered from 

the wild. Prefers hot, dry climates with little rainfall and does well in sandy soil. Highly 

drought-tolerant. Mainly grows on hills or sand dunes in and around the Kalahari. It often forms 

large stands (NATURAL FOOD HUB, FLORA OF MOZAMBIQUE, PURDUE).

c. Availability in the marketplace: The nuts are difficult to obtain outside of the tree’s native range. 

The oil can be sometimes purchased in specialty shops or over the internet.

d. Preparation for cooking: The fruit is often boiled fresh or dried and boiled to remove the tough 

skin. The flesh is then eaten or made into an apple-sauce like concoction. Some bushmen remove 

the flesh from the fresh fruit and dry it for later consumption. The shell around the kernel is 

extremely hard and to get to the nutritious nut, the pit must be roasted and dried for a long time, 

usually by burying in hot sand near a fire until it can be cracked open. Alternatively, some people 

collect the pits from elephant dung as elephants love the sweet fruit. The trip through the digestive 

tract leaves the pit weak enough to be cracked open with a rock. The nutmeat is eaten whole, or 

pounded and added as an ingredient to various other dishes (WIKIPEDIA, NATURAL FOOD HUB, 

BLUEPLANETBIOMES).

e. Nutritional aspects: Extremely nutritious. Contains large amounts of polyunsaturated fats, protein, 

and vitamin E (NATURAL FOOD HUB).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Southern Tanzania, southern DRC, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, 

Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and northern South Africa (FLORA OF MOZAMBIQUE).

6. Use: Timber, fruit, nut, edible oil, cosmetic oil (NATURAL FOOD HUB, WIKIPEDIA)

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Flesh of fruit and kernel of pit.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Flesh of fruit and kernel of pit.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tree Nuts and Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Crop Group 14: Tree Nuts; and Assorted tropical and 

subtropical fruit - inedible peel

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, WIKIPEDIA, BLUEPLANETBIOMES, PURDUE, NATURAL FOOD 

HUB, FLORA OF MOZAMBIQUE.

11. Production Map: No entry.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer Code: No specific entry.
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1. Monkey-bread-tree [(baobab, dead-rat-tree, calebassier du Sénégal, pain de singe, Affenbrotbaum, 

imbondeiro, baobá (GRIN))]

Malvaceae. Also placed in: Bombacaceae

Adansonia digitata L.

2. A large, deciduous tree that grows to a height of 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet). Native to Africa. The tree 

appears as if it was planted upside down. The tree contains a thick taproot and thick lateral roots that end in 

clusters of tubers. The trunk is swollen in appearance, bottle-shaped, cylindrical, short, wide, and 3 to 30

meters (10 to 98 feet) in diameter. With age, the trunk decays and becomes hollow at the center. This 

creates a storage cavity for water that can hold as much as 4,500 liters (1,189 gallons). Bark is soft, smooth

to folded, fibrous, thick, pock-marked, 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) thick, and reddish-brown, 

greyish-brown, or purplish-grey in color; bark can regenerate after it is stripped and is fire resistant.

Branches are spindly to thick, short, root-like, and small in number. The canopy is round. Leaves are 

deciduous, compound, alternate, and three- to nine-foliate. Dark green leaflets are oblong, ovate, elliptic or 

obovate-elliptic in shape, pointed at the apex, hairy, and 5 to 15 by 3 to 7 centimeters (2 to 6 by 1 to 3 inches)

in size. Lower leaflets are smaller than terminal leaflets. Each leaf can contain 5 leaflets when mature. The 

petiole is up to 12 centimeters (5 inches) long. Rotten meat-scented flowers are large, pendulous, waxy, 

white, bisexual, solitary, and up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) in diameter. Flowers mainly occur on stalks in 

the leaf axils. Individual flowers contain floral parts that occur in fives, a deeply lobed calyx with white, 

silky hairs, many stamens attached to a large central column, an ovary with five to ten chambers, and large, 

crinkly, spreading petals. Flowers open during the late afternoon. Pollinated by bats, flies and moths. Large 

brown fruit is solitary, oblong, globose, ovoid, or irregular in shape, pointed to obtuse at the apex, and 7.5 to 

54 centimeters (3 to 21 inches) long by 7.5 to 20 centimeters (3 to 8 inches) wide. The fruit shell is hard,

woody, covered with velvety yellowish hairs, and 0.8 to 1 centimeter (0.3 to 0.4 inch) thick. Pulp is white in 

color, dry, powdery, and mealy. The flavor is sour. Each fruit contains approximately 100 angular, woody,

smooth, dark brown to reddish-black kidney-shaped seeds that measure 1 to 1.3 by 0.8 to 1 by 0.4 to 0.5 

centimeters (0.4 to 0.5 by 0.3 to 0.4 by 0.16 to 0.2 inch). Trees can live up to 4,000 years. An important crop 

in Africa (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, BARWICK, PLANTZAFRICA, ECOCROP, 

GRUENWALD).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs May to June in western Africa, October to December in southern 

Africa, and January to March in Sudan. Flowering can occur during any time of the year, except the 

dry season. New leaves emerge during the rainy season in the spring and are harvested from 

October to November in some areas of Africa. Fruit matures in 5 to 6 months after anthesis. In 

some areas of Africa, fruit are harvested from April through June. Fruit production occurs in 8 to 10 

years (PERENNIAL, JANICK, FAO).

b. Cultivation: Requires a hot climate, low to medium rainfall of 30 to 50 centimeters (12 to 20 

inches), full sun, a high water table, well-drained sandy loam soil, and an elevation of 450 to 600

meters (1,476 to 1,969 feet). Widely distributed south of the Sahara; occurs as a single tree or clump

of trees in the woodlands of semi-arid to sub-humid tropics in the African savannah. Also occurs in 

coastal woodlands, scrub, and hot, dry areas. Tolerates areas with a prolonged dry season of 4 to 10 

months split into one or two periods per year, elevations of up to 1,250 meters (4,101 feet), and

many types of soils including heavy, acid, or calcareous soils. Does not tolerate drought, water

logging and frost. The trunk can shrink during water stress. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, and 

bud grafting. Seeds can remain viable for several years. Pretreatments such as scarifying the seed 

coat or subjecting the seed to acid can aid germination. Germination occurs in 4 to 6 days if treated 

or 1 to 3 months if untreated. Seedlings should be gradually exposed to full light over 4 to 7 days 

and then transplanted into the field after 3 months at the beginning of the rainy season. Trees should 

be planted 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 feet) apart. Cultivated and wild-harvested in rural areas. Fruit 

is harvested during the late rainy season. Pegs are driven deep into the trunk to form a ladder and 

fruit are obtained by climbing the tree. Fruit are also harvested by knocking down the fruit with 
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throwing sticks or waiting for the fruit to fall from the tree. Leaves are harvested with a sickle at the 

start of the rainy season and consumed fresh or are dried and stored (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN 

WYK, BARWICK, WICKENS, FAO).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Sold in the herb and spice markets of Cairo since 2500 BC. Fruit 

is sold in African markets in different parts of Africa during different times of the year. Fruit juice is 

important in rural areas in Malawi where there are high levels of deforestation (alternative to 

charcoal dealing). In East Africa, seeds are exported to several Arab states in the Middle East. 

Products made from the tree fiber including cloth and handbags are sold along roadside markets. An 

important tree in the local African economies. Imported to various countries and sold as an 

ingredient in health foods (JANICK, VAN WYK, WICKENS, GRUENWALD).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh or dried; used as a flavoring or mixed with other 

ingredients. Pulp is added to gruels after cooking and cooling. Ground dry pulp is mixed with milk

or water and is made into a refreshing drink that has a lemonade-flavor. Seeds are roasted and 

consumed as a snack, roasted as a coffee substitute, soaked and fermented, or dried and ground into 

a powder for a thickening agent in soups, or as a flavoring agent. In Namibia, dry seeds are used as 

edible nuts. In the Middle East, seeds are used as a relish (like groundnuts). Oil from the seeds is 

used in cooking. Leaves are consumed as a fresh vegetable in west Africa. Leaves are also cut, 

dried, powdered, and used in cooking during the dry season. Dried leaves are mainly used as a 

thickening and flavoring agent in sauces, soups, and cereals. The pith or seeds are used as a 

substitute for cream of tartar in baking, to curdle milk and to smoke fish. Sap, bark and roots of 

seedlings are consumed as a famine food. Flowers are consumed raw or used to flavor drinks

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, WICKENS, PLANTZAFRICA).

e. Nutritional aspects: Pulp is rich in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and citric and 

tartaric acids. Seeds are nutritious and contain a high energy value and large quantities of protein, 

fat, and carbohydrates. Seeds also contain a high amount of potassium bitartrate and tartaric acid. 

Leaves are high in vitamin C, sugars, potassium tartrate, and calcium. Flowers are high in protein

(JANICK, VAN WYK, FAO, PLANTZAFRICA, GRUENWALD).

f. Medicinal aspects: Folk medicines are made from the bark, leaves and fruit pulp; used as a fever 

reducer, anti-asthmatic, anti-histamine and anti-tension medicine. Fruit pulp and powdered seeds 

are used to cure dysentery, and fevers. Bark, fruit pulp, and seeds contain an antidote to 

Strophanthus poisoning. Powdered bark or roots mixed with porridge is used to cure malaria. Pulp 

mixed with honey is used to treat coughs. Leaves are used to cure diarrhea, fever, inflammation, 

kidney diseases, blood disorders, and asthma. Humans chew on the spongy parts of the bark during 

water scarcity (JANICK). 

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Cape Verde, east and northeast tropical Africa, west and west-central tropical 

Africa, south tropical Africa, southern Africa, Madagascar, Oman, Egypt, Yemen, India, Sri Lanka; Java;

Southeast Asia, Taiwan, the Caribbean, South America; Australia; widely naturalized in the tropics (GRIN, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK, WICKENS).

6. Use: Ornamental, beverage base, fruit, seeds; the hard fruit shell is used to make pots or is burnt as fuel for 

cooking. Ash of the fruit shell is used as salt or is pounded in sniff tobacco mortar to give tobacco a better 

taste. Inner bark fiber is used to make rope, cloth, mats, handbags, hats, baskets, nets, snares and fishing 

lines. Red dye is made from the roots; soap and glue are made from the tree; wood is used to make canoes 

and rafts. Seeds are used to make necklaces in Namibia; medicinal purposes; pith is used as a baking aid for 

food; parts of the bark are chewed during water scarcity. The tree is a good honey source. Hollow trunks 

and branches are used for beekeeping; leaves are used as fodder for animals; folklore; sap is consumed by 

humans (GRIN, JANICK, VAN WYK, BARWICK, WICKENS).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Fruit
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, BARWICK, PLANTZAFRICA, 

ECOCROP, GRUENWALD, FAO, WICKENS.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: AADDI
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387

1. Monstera [(Split-leaf philodendron, Fruit-salad plant, Window leaf, cut-leaf-philodendron, 

Mexican-breadfruit, Swiss-cheese-plant, cériman, Philodendron, banana-de-macaco, banana-do-brejo, 

banana-do-mato, harpón, piñanona monstera (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Araceae

Monstera deliciosa Liebm.

2. A large, fast-growing, stout, herbaceous vine that grows up to 24 meters (79 feet) long. Native to Mexico 

and Central America including Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama. Closely related to the Philodendron. 

The vine can spread over the ground, forming mats and can climb trees. Green stems are cylindrical, heavy,

6.25 to 7.5 centimeters (2.5 to 3 inches) thick, rough with leaf scars, and rarely branched. Numerous tough, 

fleshy, corky aerial roots are produced at the nodes. Dark green leaves are oval in shape, heart-shaped at the 

base, leathery to papery, alternate, smooth, large, deeply cut into 23 centimeter (9 inch) strips around the 

margins, perforated on each side of the midrib with oblong to elliptic holes of various sizes, and 40 to 100

centimeters (16 to 39 inches) long by 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) wide; leaves can reach up to 1 meter (3 

feet) in diameter. Young leaves are heart-shaped, and do not contain holes. Petioles are stiff, erect, flattened 

and up to 105 centimeters (41 inches) long. Multiple inflorescences on tough cylindrical stalks are borne in

groups in the leaf axils. Each inflorescence contains a cream to tan spadix that is surrounded by a waxy 

white to cream-colored spathe with a pointed apex. Flowers resemble calla lilies. The spadix develops into 

the fruit. Individual inconspicuous flowers are sessile, and contain two-carpellate and two-locular gynoecia. 

Cross fertilization is required for fertilization. Yellowish-green compound fruit is solitary, cylindrical in 

shape, corn on the cob-like or pine cone-like in appearance, and 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) long by 

5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) wide. The rind is thick, hard, and made up of hexagonal scales that cover 

the individual segments. Each segment contains pale yellow to ivory pulp that is juicy and can contain

irritating crystals that are unpleasant in the mouth. Between each segment there is a thin, black membrane. 

Each segment is an individual fruit (berry) that measure 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long by 0.5 to 0.6 

centimeters (0.2 to 0.24 inch) in diameter. When ripe, the small angular “scale” of each individual fruit 

drops off to reveal the edible fruit. A pale green, pea-size seed can occur in some of the segments. The 

flavor is sweet and reminiscent of a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango with sweet, coconut 

overtones. Some believe the taste resembles piña colada. Aromatic (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LORENZI, MORTON, GILMAN).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs throughout the year and is most prominent in the spring and summer. 

Fruit matures in 90 to 120 days. Flowering and fruiting can overlap, since it requires 12 to 14 

months from the opening of the inflorescence to fruit maturity. Fruit ripening usually occurs during 

the summer and fall. Fruit production occurs in 6 to 8 years from seed and 3 to 6 years from cuttings. 

Suckers can produce fruit in 2 to 4 years (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: A tropical species that requires hot, humid, wet tropical lowlands and forests, fertile, 

well-drained rich loam soil, a yearly rainfall above 100 centimeters (39 inches), semi-shade, and 

elevations under 600 meters (1,969 feet). Native to the wet forests of southern Mexico, Guatemala, 

Costa Rica, and Panama. Grows under the shade of large trees. Grown as an indoor plant in 

subtropical conditions. Tolerates almost any well-drained, rich soil including limestone. Does not 

tolerate saline conditions and frost. Propagation is by seed, tissue culture, and cuttings. Cuttings 

should be 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) long with two nodes and mature leaves. Suckers can 

also be used. Seeds should be sown as soon as possible after removal from the fruit. Plants can be 

transplanted near tree trunks or walls. For fruit cultivation purposes, vines are usually grown on the 

ground and spaced 91 to 152 centimeters (36 to 60 inches) apart. Fruit are not usually harvested 

until the fruit becomes ripe. Ripening is indicated by a fruity smell and small green “scales” 

dropping off or slightly separating at the base. Fruit are harvested with at least 2.5 centimeters (1 

inch) of stem attached. Fruit kept at room temperature will ripen in 5 to 6 days. Ripe fruit can be 

kept in a refrigerator for one week. Frequently cultivated as an ornamental. Often cultivated for
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fruit production in California, Florida and Australia (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LORENZI, MORTON, GILMAN).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is found for sale at roadside markets in Southern Florida. 

Shipped from Florida to gourmet grocers in New York and Philadelphia. Marketed in Queensland, 

Australia (JANICK, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Ripe pulp is consumed fresh, served as a dessert with cream in fruit 

salads or ice creams, added to purées, or made into jellies, preserves, and jam. Fruit can be stewed 

with sugar and lime juice or strained and made into a drink. Fruit should only be consumed when the 

rind has loosened the entire length of the fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Unripe fruit pulp contains oxalic acid that may cause throat irritation, hives, 

allergic reactions, diarrhea or intestinal gases if consumed. Pulp is rich in potassium and vitamin C

(JANICK, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: An infusion of the roots and leaves are taken to treat arthritis. A preparation of 

the roots is used to cure snake bites (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii, California, South Florida (MARKLE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

5. Other commercial production regions: Mexico; tropical South America including Brazil; Central 

America including Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama; Portugal, Algeria; Australia; widely cultivated in the 

tropics (GRIN, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

LORENZI).

6. Use: Pulp is eaten fresh or made into beverages and preserves; also grown as an ornamental for the 

outdoors and indoors; vertebrate poison (mammals); aerial roots are used as ropes and made into baskets

(GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pulp only. Many part of this plant are toxic due to the high concentration of 

oxalic acid. The green thick, hard rind or scales and core of the fruit are discarded.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, LORENZI, MORTON, GILMAN.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 3, 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MOSDE
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1. Muriti [(tree-of-life, Morichepalme, Yurumabrot, ite palm, moriche, aguaje (GRIN))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Mauritia flexuosa L. f. [(syn: Mauritia minor Burret, Mauritia setigera Griseb. & H. Wendl., 

Mauritia vinifera Mart. (GRIN))]

2. A robust, solitary-stemmed palm that grows to a height of 4 to 40 meters (13 to 131 feet). Native to 

northeastern South America. Trees form aerial roots in flooded soils. There are visible roots at the base of 

the trunk. The trunk is 23 to 80 centimeters (9 to 31 inches) in diameter. The tree does not contain a palm 

heart. Each tree contains 8 to 20 leaves that are concurrent, fan-shaped and form a large, rounded crown. 

Individual leaves consist of a 2.5 meter (8 foot) long blade that is divided into several hundred segments. 

The petiole can reach up to 6 meters (20 feet) long. Many dead leaves hang down below the crown.

Inflorescences are borne from the axils of the leaves and hang down. Inflorescences contain 20 to 46 

rachises. Each flower stem is approximately 2 meters (7 feet) long and contains many conspicuous bracts. 

Flower branches can contain several dozen flowers. Male flowers are catkin-like and in pairs on the 

branches. Female flowers are shorter, thicker, and solitary on the branches. Male and female flowers occur 

on different trees. Yellow, brownish-red or dark red fruit is spherical to ellipsoidal in shape, 4 to 5 

centimeters (1.6 to 2 inches) in diameter and 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) long. The fruit is covered with

hard, shiny, brownish-red scales. Pulp is yellow, orange, or reddish-orange in color, thin, soft and fleshy. 

Each fruit can contain up to a dozen seeds. Seeds are round, brownish in color, and contain a solid, white 

endosperm. One of the most extensively utilized palms of the Amazon region (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, ECOCROP, PACSOA).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering and fruiting occur annually and irregularly throughout the year. Flowering 

occurs at the end of the rainy season to the beginning of the dry season, from May to August in the 

central Amazons. In Venezuela, there are two flowering seasons, one during the beginning of the 

rainy season (male flowers) and a second in December (female flowers). In most areas, fruit ripen 

during the following rainy season. This pattern also occurs in Colombia. Fruiting occurs from 

December to June in the Amazon, February to August in Peru, and January to July in the Eastern 

Amazonas. In Venezuela, fruit are found throughout the year, but are most common from August to 

October and from February to April. Palms bear fruit after reaching a height of 6 meters (7 to 8 

years from seed germination) (JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid, wet, tropical lowlands or damp forests by rivers, full sun,

elevations of sea level to 970 meters (3,182 feet), and poorly drained or periodically/permanently or 

seasonally flooded soils. Thrives in river margins, flood plains, small groves along watercourses 

that wind through the non-flooded upland rainforests, and swamps. Trees form large stands called 

aguajales in the major Amazonian estuaries. Grown in the tropics and warm sub-tropics. Trees 

mainly occur throughout northern South America east of the Andes. Found from the Orinoco valley 

of Venezuela in the north, through French Guiana and the northern coast of the Brazilian state of 

Amapá, and west up to the Andean foothills in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Does not

tolerate freezing temperatures or dry areas. In areas that obtain less than 200 centimeters (79 inches)

of annual rainfall and areas with dry seasons, water must be provided to the palm. Propagation is by 

seed. Germination occurs in 75 days when seed are collected 10 days before sowing. Pretreatment 

in water and acid can increase the germination rate. Seedlings should be placed in shade. Most fruit 

is harvested from wild populations of palms. Fruit are harvested by collecting the fallen fruit from 

the ground before fruit fully ripens; taller trees are cut down to make the harvest easier. The fruit 

from this palm is a significant source of food in the native country (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, ECOCROP, PACSOA).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Products from muriti are important in the local commerce of the 

Amazon basin. Fruit are available in local markets from December to June in the Amazon and 

Colombia. In Peru, mature fruit are abundant in the markets from February to August and there is a 

shortage of the fruit from September to November. In the Eastern Amazonas, in Belém, fruit appear 
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in markets from January to July. In Venezuela, fruit are found in markets from August to October 

and from February to April (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp of immature and mature fruit is consumed fresh. Pulp is also dried

and ground into flour, made into bread, prepared into juice and jam, or fermented into an alcoholic 

beverage. A beverage known as ‘buriti wine’ is prepared from the pulp by softening the fruit in 

warm water for a few hours, leaving the fruit under leaves for several days, extracting the pulp by 

hand, diluting the pulp with water, and straining the liquid. The wine is consumed fresh, sweetened, 

or mixed with manioc flour. Fresh pulp can be made into a confection called ‘doce de buriti’; pulp is 

used in ice cream. Liquid from the fruit can be diluted, sweetened, and frozen into popsicles called 

dim-dim. The endosperm of seed is consumed fresh. Oil can be extracted from the fruit. Starch is 

extracted from the trunk and consumed. The inflorescence and buds can be consumed

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, PACSOA).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit pulp is an important source of calories, proteins and vitamins (including 

vitamin A and C) for the Amazon people. The mesocarp oil is high in vitamin A and contains one of 

the highest concentrations of carotene in the plant kingdom (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The pulp can eliminate all symptoms of vitamin A deficiency in children. 

Palm oil is used to treat burns (JANICK, PACSOA).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago), South America including Amazonia, Brazil,

Venezuela, French Guiana, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. An individual palm can yield 200 

kilograms (441 pounds) of fruit per year. From this quantity, 24 kilograms (53 pounds) of oil can be 

extracted. In Peru, harvests have reached 19 tonnes (21 tons) of fruit per hectare per year from plantations of 

100 palms per hectare, and a net of 190 kilograms (419 pounds) fruit / plant. Large stands of this palm 

occupy at least 1,000 square kilometers (247,104 acres) in the Amazonas (GRIN, JANICK).

6. Use: Fruit, starch, medicinal purposes, fiber for cordage; leaves, petioles and trunks are used in housing

(GRIN, ECOCROP, PACSOA).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, ECOCROP, PACSOA.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MUAFL
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1. Paho [(pahutan (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Mangifera altissima Blanco

2. An erect, large, evergreen tree that grows to a height of 12 to 54 meters (39 to 177 feet). Native to the 

Solomon Islands, New Britain, New Guinea (west and north), Moluccas, Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands, 

and the Philippines (Luzon to Mindoro). The trunk contains small buttresses and is long (15 to 20 meters or 

49 to 66 feet), straight, and 35 to 100 centimeters (14 to 39 inches) in diameter. Sapwood is thick (8 to 10 

centimeters or 3 to 4 inches), light colored with a yellowish tinge, and distinctly marked off from the 

heartwood. Heartwood is dark brown in color with narrow, nearly black longitudinal bands. Branches are 

thick, fleshy, angular and contain prominent leaf scars. Bud scales are velvety. Dark green leaves are 

leathery, smooth, narrow, wedge-shaped at the base, pointed or obtuse at the apex, entire at the margins, 

elliptic, obovate-oblong, or oblong-lanceolate in shape, and 5 to 43 centimeters (2 to 17 inches) long by 2 to 

11 centimeters (0.8 to 4 inches) wide. Petioles are 1.5 to 9 centimeters (0.6 to 3.5 inches) long. 

Inflorescences are terminal or axillary panicles that are crowded at the apex of twigs on secondary branches 

and measure 3 to 25 centimeters (1.2 to 10 inches) long. Pedicels are 0.1 to 0.5 centimeters (0.04 to 0.2 inch) 

long. White or creamy white smooth flowers occur in clusters of 4 to 5, and are male or perfect (containing 

both male and female reproductive organs). Individual flowers contain triangular bracts, a 4-lobed, 0.15 to 

0.3 centimeter (0.06 to 1.2 inches) long, ovate-oblong calyx, 4 greenish, acute, smooth, overlapping, 0.15 to 

0.2 centimeter (0.06 to 0.08 inch) long spoon-shaped sepals, 4 white, ovate-oblong, smooth, 0.3 to 0.5 

centimeter (0.1 to 0.2 inch) long petals, a 4-lobed disk, 0.2 to 0.3 centimeter (0.08 to 0.1 inch) long stamens, 

one 0.15 centimeter (0.06 inch) long filament, one smooth round ovary, and a 0.2 to 0.3 centimeter (0.08 to 

0.1 inch) long style. Yellowish fruit is a drupe that is ellipsoid to ovoid in shape, slightly compressed, 5 to 8 

centimeters (2 to 3 inches) long by 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches) wide, and 40 grams (1.4 ounces) in 

weight. Immature fruit are green in color. The peel is tender, smooth, glossy, and up to 0.17 millimeters 

(0.06 inch) thick. Pulp is slightly fibrous, firm, resinous, and white, whitish yellow, or light yellow in color. 

A small protuberance occurs below the apex. The stone is sparsely fibrous and 4.2 to 4.8 centimeters (1.7 to 

1.9 inches) by 2.3 to 2.7 centimeters (0.9 to 1.1 inch) by 0.8 to 1.5 centimeters (0.3 to 0.6 inch). The flavor is 

acid to slightly sweet (AGROFORESTRY, KOSTERMANS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs in November to December in New Guinea and early in the dry season 

(October to November to January to February) in the Philippines. Flowering and fruiting can occur 

year-round in the Philippines. Fruit are harvested approximately 70 days from full bloom. Ripening 

occurs within 6 days (AGROFORESTRY, KOSTERMANS).

b. Cultivation: Thrives in primary, lowland, inland forest and sometimes in coastal forest. The tree 

also grows in wet, evergreen forest at low and medium altitudes. In the Philippines, trees grow in 

areas with a distinct wet and dry season. Tolerates a variety of soil types, and a low to medium 

altitude of up to 400 meters (1,312 feet). Propagation is by seed and cleft grafting. Grafted trees are 

smaller and more compact compared to seedling trees. Fruit is cultivated or gathered commercially 

(AGROFORESTRY, KOSTERMANS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit and wood is found on local markets (AGROFORESTRY).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh or used to prepare marmalade in Indonesia. 

Immature fruit is consumed fresh with rice, pickled, or mixed with vegetables in the Philippines. 

Seeds are salted and pounded into an edible meal (AGROFORESTRY, KOSTERMANS).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit contains vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and iron 

(AGROFORESTRY).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data.

5. Other commercial production regions: Malesia, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, New Britain, New 

Guinea (west and north), Moluccas, Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands, and the Philippines (Luzon to Mindoro) 

(GRIN, AGROFORESTRY, KOSTERMANS). 
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6. Use: Fruit, wood for construction work, backyard tree (GRIN, AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: The pulp is the only part consumed. 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, AGROFORESTRY, KOSTERMANS.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry.
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1. Palmyra Palm [(boraço, boraso, borasse, broção, doub palm, Lontaro, palma palmira, palmira, toddy 

palm, Palmyrapalme, rônier, tala palm, wine palm (GRIN))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae) 

Borassus flabellifer L.

2. A large, slow-growing fan palm with a single trunk that grows to a height of 30 meters (98 feet). Native 

to Southeast Asia, specifically India and Myanmar. The trunk is hard, rough, dark in color, and may reach 

1.7 meters (5.6 feet) at the base. A skirt of dead leaves occurs underneath the crown. The palm contains 25 

to 40 large leaves. Grey-green to blue-green leaves are leathery, fan-shaped, folded along the midrib, 1 to 3 

meters (3 to 10 feet) wide, and divided to the center into 60 to 80 linear-lanceolate marginally spiny 

segments that are 0.6 to 1.2 meters (2 to 4 feet) long. Petioles are grooved, black at the base, black-margined 

when young, edged with hard spines, and 1 to 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) long. Male and female inflorescences 

differ in the order of branching. Male inflorescences are branched twice and female inflorescences are 

unbranched or branched once. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Male flowers are borne on 

catkin-like rachillae and female flowers are borne on thicker branches. Fruit are coconut-like and are 

three-sided when young and become rounded to oval, 12 to 15 centimeters (5 to 6 inches) wide, and capped 

at the base with overlapping sepals when older. The mesocarp is a juicy mass of long, tough, coarse white 

fibers that are coated with yellow or orange pulp. This has a sweet, fruity taste. Each fruit contains 2 to 3 

large seeds. Each seed contains a kernel. When young, the kernel is hollow, soft like jelly, translucent and 

contains a watery liquid. When mature, the kernel is solid white and resembles coconut meat. The sap of the 

tree is an important source of sugar. The fruit and seeds have been consumed for centuries. Plantings date 

back to more than 2,000 years before the present (PERENNIAL, JANICK, OREGONSTATE, PACSOA, 

VAN WYK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs at 12 to 15 years of age and continues for 50 years. Flowering occurs 

March to April in India. In other areas, flowers appear in November to December and anthesis 

occurs in March. Fruit matures in July and August. Maturation is approximately 120 days 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK). 

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, sunny, tropical climate and well-drained sandy soils in coastal areas. 

Grown from the Persian Gulf to the Cambodian-Vietnamese border. Can be found in seasonally dry 

areas and drier open forests. Adapted to dry, tropical climates, but prefers regular irrigation. 

Tolerant of temperatures to -4 °C (25 °F) and drought. Not tolerant of waterlogged soils. 

Propagation is by seed. Seeds germinate remotely and deeply. Because a long cotyledonary petiole 

is produced that may grow 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) below ground, the seeds should be planted in a 

permanent location. Germination occurs in 2 to 6 weeks. Important food crop in India. The fruits 

and young seedlings are raised on a large scale in Africa and are considered an important food 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, OREGONSTATE, PACSOA).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Immature seeds are sold in Indian markets. The soft-shelled 

seeds and the whole kernels are canned in clear, sweetened water and exported (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: The mesocarp of the fruit is consumed fresh, roasted and dried. The 

pulp of mature fruit is sucked from the wiry fibers of roasted, peeled fruit. In Sri Lanka, the pulp is 

extracted and prepared into a product called punatoo. This product is consumed by itself or with the 

starch from the seedlings. Fruit is made into a preserve in Sri Lanka. Small fruit are pickled in 

vinegar. The shell of the seed is punctured with a finger and the endosperm of the immature seed is 

consumed fresh. This takes place during April and May in India. Peeled seedlings are consumed 

fresh, cooked or sun-dried. Starch from the seedlings is made into gruel and mixed with rice, herbs, 

chili peppers, or fish. The kernels of the immature seeds are obtained by roasting the seeds and 

breaking them open. The soft-shelled seeds are sliced longitudinally to form loops or rings and 

these and the whole kernels are canned in clear, sweetened water and exported. Natives bury the
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seeds until the kernels sprout. Kernels are then dug up, broken open and consumed. The taste 

resembles coarse potatoes. The main product of the palm is the sweet sap (toddy). The sap is 

obtained by tapping the tip of the inflorescence. Sap is allowed to flow for 5 to 6 months. Sap from 

the cut inflorescences is made into sugar, molasses, palm candy, palm wine, sweets, pastries, 

confectionaries, and vinegar; Roots are consumed during times of famine in Africa (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, OREGONSTATE, FAO, MORTON, VAN WYK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Pulp is rich in vitamins A and C. Palm jaggery is more nutritious than crude 

cane sugar. The fresh sap is a good source of vitamin B complex (JANICK, FAO).

f. Medicinal aspects: There are many medicinal purposes for all part of the palm. The young plant is 

used to relieve liver problems, intestinal issues, and sexually transmitted diseases. Roots are used to 

cure intestinal worms and respiratory problems; also used as a diuretic. The ash of the spadix is used 

to aid heartburn and an enlarged spleen and liver. A decoction of the bark is used as a mouth wash 

and teeth cleaner. Sap is used as a tonic, diuretic, stimulant and laxative. Sugar from the sap is used 

to cure poisonings, coughs, pulmonary complaints, and liver disorders. Fresh toddy is placed on 

ulcers. Leaves and flowers are used as a diuretic. Pulp of the fruit is used to cure dermatitis (FAO, 

MORTON).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Southern Florida, Hawaii; no yield data is available (JANICK).

5. Other commercial production regions: Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Cambodia, tropical 

Africa, Indochina, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea. Each palm produces 6 to 12 bunches 

of approximately 50 fruit per year. An average crop in Sri Lanka is 350 fruit. Populations of palms cover 

thousands of hectares (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK). 

6. Use: Fruit, beverage base, sugar, ornamental, fiber, wood, medicinal purposes; tender fruit that fall from 

the tree are fed to cattle; planted as a windbreak in India; natural shelter for wildlife; palm leaves are used for 

construction of houses and materials including writing paper (GRIN, JANICK, FAO, VAN WYK). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp and seeds (JANICK). 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None 

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, OREGONSTATE, PACSOA, FAO, MORTON, 

VAN WYK.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer Code: BASFL
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437

1. Papaya [(Papayo, Mamao, pawpaw, papayer, Melonenbaum, Papajabaum, Papajapflanze, mamão, papaia, 

mamón, papayero (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Caricaceae

Carica papaya L. [(syn: Carica peltata Hook. & Arn., Carica posoposa L., Papaya carica Gaertn. 

(GRIN))]

2. An upright, fast-growing, large, herbaceous perennial that grows to a height of 3 to 10 meters (10 to 33 

feet). Native to tropical America, particularly the lowlands of Central America between southern Mexico 

and Nicaragua. The single trunk is erect, thick, semi- to non-woody, green, deep-purple, or brown in color,

segmented, hollow and 20 to 40 centimeters (8 to 16 inches) in diameter. Bark is smooth and marked by 

half-moon shaped leaf scars. Most papayas have a single stem that grows without branching. Some varieties 

produce lateral branching when trees reach 5 to 10 years old. The main foliage on the plant occurs as a 

cluster of leaves at the tip and along the upper part of the stem. Leaves occur singly and are large, thin, soft, 

smooth, spirally arranged, palmately lobed with prominent yellowish venation, deeply divided into 5 to 9 

main segments, and 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) wide by 40 to 50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) or 

more in diameter. New leaves form at the apex, while old leaves fall. There are approximately 15 mature 

leaves per plant. Leaves exude milky latex. Petioles are cylindrical, hollow, succulent, green to dark purple, 

and 30 to 105 centimeters (12 to 41 inches) long. Flowering occurs on modified cymose inflorescences in 

the leaf axils. The inflorescence type depends on the sex of the tree. Plants can produce three primary 

groups of flowers: pistillate, staminate, and hermaphrodite. Female trees produce only pistillate flowers. 

Pistillate flowers are small, plump, waxy, creamy white, occur in singles or clusters of two to three and 

contain a functional pistil devoid of stamens, five petals, and a short, 4 to 6 centimeter (1.6 to 2.4 inch)

peduncle. Staminate trees contain small, sessile flowers that are produced in clusters on long, thin pendulant 

racemes that are 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 feet) long. Individual staminate flowers are tubular, lack an ovary, 

and contain ten stamens that are attached to the corolla tube. Hermaphrodite flowers are ivory-white and 

contain an elongated pistil with five stigmatic rays and five petals, ten stamens, a short peduncle, 

bright-yellow anthers, short stalks, and both male and female reproductive organs. Five basic types of 

flowers exist. Type I flowers are pistillate, lack stamens, and contain an ovoid ovary and a five-lobed stigma. 

Type II flowers are hermaphrodite and contain five stamens and a globose five-furrowed ovary. Type III 

flowers are hermaphrodite and contain six to nine stamens and an irregularly ridged ovary. Type IV flowers 

are hermaphrodite, and contain 10 stamens and an elongate, smooth ovary. Type IV+ flowers are 

hermaphrodite, contain ten stamens and lack a stigma. Type V flowers are staminate, bunched in an 

inflorescence, contain 10 stamens and lack an ovary. Environmental changes can alter floral types. Wind 

and insects aid pollination. Yellow to orange melon-like fruit is a berry that grows solitary or in small 

clusters on the tree. Individual fruit is spherical, elongated club-shaped, ovoid, cylindrical, pyriform, or

ellipsoid in shape, 10 to 50 centimeters (4 to 20 inches) long, 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) thick, and 

400 to 2,500 grams (0.9 to 5.5 pounds) in weight. Unripe fruit is green and contains latex. The skin is thin, 

waxy, tough, and smooth. Ripe pulp is yellow, orange, salmon pink or red in color, juicy and soft. The 

flavor is sweet and reminiscent of cantaloupe. Some varieties are musky. Delicate aroma. Each fruit 

contains a cavity of 800 to 1,000 small, hard, ovoid, corrugated, black seeds that are 0.5 centimeter (0.2 inch)

long. Seeds are attached to the fruit wall by soft, white, fibrous tissue. Fruit vary in size and shape. Smaller 

cultivars such as ‘Solo’ and ‘Eksotika’ are used for export (PERENNIAL, JANICK. LORENZI, VAN WYK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, MORTON, DUKE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering and fruiting occurs all year in the tropics. In subtropical areas, flowering does 

not occur in the winter. In Brazil, flowering occurs mainly during the summer. Flowering and fruit 

set stops in the winter in Australia. Although fruiting occurs during most months of the year, the two 

major fruiting periods are from spring to early summer and from autumn to early winter. Fruit 

matures in four to nine months. Fruit production occurs in 8 to 10 months from seed (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, LORENZI, CULL).
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b. Cultivation: Requires warm tropical or subtropical climate, lowlands, full sun, fertile, 

well-drained loam, clay, or sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, well-distributed monthly 

precipitation of 10 centimeters (4 inches), a minimum relative humidity of 66%, temperatures of 21 

to 33 °C (70 to 91 °F), and elevations below 900 meters (2,953 feet). In Hawaii, plants are grown at 

sea level to 300 meters (984 feet) on rocky, volcanic soil. Grows from warm temperate dry to moist 

through tropical very dry to wet forest life zones. Trees are not found in the wild. Tolerates a variety 

of well-drained soil types. Does not tolerate frost, shade, waterlogging, very sandy or heavy clay 

soils, saline conditions, high temperatures, drought and wind. Propagation is mainly by seed. Seeds 

should be harvested when the fruit reaches ‘color-break’ stage. Seeds should not be directly planted 

after being removed from the fruit. Instead, seeds should be dried, kept in cool temperature storage 

at 15 °C (59 °F) for 30 to 50 days, and soaked in acid to promote germination. Germination occurs 

in 2 to 5 weeks. Seedlings should be transplanted at the eight to twelve leaf stage (6 to 8 weeks). 

Each row should be spaced 2.7 meters (9 feet) apart. Within each row, plants should be grown 1.8 

meters (6 feet) apart. Cuttings from side shoots (30 centimeters (12 inches) in size), tissue culture, 

air-layering, and grafts can also be made. Irrigation, proper temperatures and fertilizer (especially 

nitrogen, potassium, boron, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium) aids growth. For commercial 

purposes, fruit should be harvested with knives into buckets at the ‘color-break’ stage, when the fruit 

begins to turn slightly yellow. Harvesting occurs year round. Fruit are consumed when there is 3⁄4 or 

more color on the skin. Fruit should be stored at 7 to 13 °C (45 to 55 °F) with 90 to 95 percent 

relative humidity. Fruit at color-break stage can be stored at 7 °C (45 °F) for 14 days. Ripe fruit can 

be held for more than one week at 1 to 3 °C (34 to 37 °F). Cultivated commercially in the tropics, 

primarily between 23 ° N and S latitudes. Fruit have a rapid return on investment and high yield

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, CULL, MORTON, DUKE, ECOCROP).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in markets worldwide. Some Asian and Indonesian 

markets sell male flowers and leaves for consumption. Some health food stores sell dried leaves

(JANICK, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fully ripe pulp is consumed fresh after peeling, seeding and cutting into 

wedges. Pulp can also be made into juice, preserves, jam, chutneys, and other desserts; added to 

fruit salads, savory salads, salad dressings, ice cream and pies; pureed into sauces. Fruit are served 

with sugar, cream and rum. Fruit can be crystallized and dried. Fruit are consumed breakfast time 

with lemon or lime juice. Mature fruit are canned or frozen commercially. Due to the latex content, 

unripe fruit should be peeled, seeded, boiled, and chilled before consuming. In some countries such 

as Thailand and Vietnam, fruit are consumed raw. Green fruit are sliced into thin strips, and 

consumed as a vegetable or salad; processed into various products including candy, pickles or purée; 

added to curries. Young leaves are cooked and consumed like spinach in the East Indies. Mature 

leaves are bitter and must be boiled before consuming. In some Asian and Indonesian countries and 

New Guinea, male flowers are consumed as a vegetable or are candied. Young stems are consumed 

in Africa. Latex from unripe fruit and leaves contains the proteolytic enzyme papain, which is used 

to tenderize meat, clear beer and make chewing gum (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Pulp has a high content of 

potassium, calcium, vitamins A, B and C and low levels of fat and calories. Fruit contains a fair 

source of iron and calcium (JANICK, VAN WYK, CULL, MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit pulp can help with the digestion of proteins and stimulate the appetite. In 

pharmaceutics, papain is used as a wound inflammation suppresser and laxative. Extracts of ripe 

and unripe fruits can have antibiotic properties. In folk remedies, juice is used against warts, cancers, 

tumors, corns, and skin problems. Papain is used to treat ulcers, warts and freckles, dissolve 

membranes in diphtheria, reduce swelling and fever, and remove intestinal parasites. Dried leaves 

are smoked to relieve asthma and aid stomach troubles. Concoctions of the root are used to remove 

tumors (VAN WYK, MORTON, DUKE).

g. Crop Photos
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4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands; Florida produces fruits for 

the local market; Hawaii is the main producer for the U.S. A domestic production of 985 hectares (2,435 

acres) was produced in 1995. Hawaii reported production of 14,288 tonnes (15,750 tons) in 2009. Florida

had 121 hectares (300 acres) in 1995. Guam, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico reported production of 2.4 

tonnes (5,220 lbs), 5.4 tonnes (11,825 lbs), and 1,151 tonnes (25,383 cwt), respectively in 1992 (MARKLE). 

FAOSTAT reported that 15,200 tonnes (16,755 tons) of papayas were produced in the US in 2008.

5. Other commercial production regions: The Caribbean including the Dominican Republic and Jamaica;

Mexico, Central America including Nicaragua and Panama; northern/western/southern South America

including Brazil; Asia including Thailand and Malaysia; Malacca, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines; the 

South Pacific; Australia; tropical Africa; grown in all tropical countries and many subtropical regions of the 

world. Annual yields can range from 60 to 100 tonnes (66 to 110 tons) per hectare. Global production of 

papaya in 2002 was approximately 6 million tonnes (6,613,868 tons). Approximately 25% was produced by 

Brazil. Nigeria, India, and Mexico produced 11 to 12% of the world’s production. Mexico was the most 

important exporter in 2001, exporting 74,033 tonnes (81,607 tons) (37.4% of world export). Other major 

exporters were Malaysia, Brazil, and Hawaii. World production of papayas in 2008 was 9,095,875 tonnes 

(10,026,485 tons) (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, CULL). 

6. Use: Fruit; unripe fruits are used as a vegetable; production of enzyme; papain, from fruit and leaves is 

used as a food stabilizer, meat tenderizer, beer clarifier and fermentation retarder; latex can also be used to

treat wool and silk before dying, tan leather and make chewing gum; in pharmaceutics, papain is used as a 

wound inflammation suppresser and laxative; papain is used in soaps, creams, toothpastes, and lotions;

medicinal purposes, source of chymopapin; bark is used for making rope; home garden plant (GRIN, 

MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON, DUKE).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pulp only

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0350 and FI 4139) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-inedible peel

and 013 (VL 0337) Leafy vegetables (including Brassica leafy vegetables)

d. EPA Crop Definition: Papaya = papaya, star apple, black sapote, mango, sapodilla, canistel, 

mamey sapote

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK. LORENZI, VAN WYK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, MORTON, DUKE, ECOCROP.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CIAPA
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1. Passionflower, Winged-stem [(maracujá-doce, maracujá-grande, maracutão, pasionaria (GRIN))]

Passifloraceae

Passiflora alata Curtis

2. A robust, herbaceous semi-perennial vine. Climbs with well-developed tendrils. Native to Brazil and 

Peru. All parts of the plant are smooth except for the flower buds. The main stem of the plant has winged 

angles and is stout and quadrangular. Stipules are linear to linear-lanceolate and 1.0 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 

to 0.6 inch) long. Leaves are leather-like, ovate to ovate-oblong in shape, entire or finely toothed, pinnately 

veined, 7 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long by 7 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) wide. Petioles are 2.0 

to 4.5 centimeters (0.8 to 1.8 inches) long and contain 2 to 4 opposite, circular, flat, sessile glands. Fragrant

crimson or carmine flowers are solitary, occur in the axils of the leaves, and range in size from 10 to 12 

centimeters (4 to 5 inches) in diameter. The corona is 4-ranked. Corona filaments are variegated with red, 

white and purple. Sepals and petals are oblong. Bracts are ovate and 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inch) long. 

Flowers attract butterflies and insects. Yellow to orange fruit is medium-sized, obovoid to pyriform in shape, 

and 8 to 15 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) long and 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. Pulp is light orange in color 

and juicy. The flavor is sweet (JANICK, PIER, TRADE WINDS, LORENZI).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from August to March and fruit mature from December to May in 

Brazil (LORENZI).

b. Cultivation: Plants prefer warm climates, full sun and slightly acidic to neutral soil. Trees occur 

in the littoral levees and Atlantic Forest from Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul. Trees occur in the wild. 

Tolerates temperatures of 4.5 to -1.1 °C (40 to 30 °F) (light frost). Propagation is by seed. Fruit are

widely cultivated in Brazil and are prized (LORENZI, TRADE WINDS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are consumed fresh (LORENZI).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: The Amazon region including Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, 

Paraguay; naturalized elsewhere (GRIN, TRADE WINDS).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental (GRIN). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, PIER, TRADE WINDS, LORENZI.

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PAQAA
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444

1. Passionfruit [(Granadilla, Parcha, Ceibey, Passion fruit, purple granadilla, grenadella, maracujá, 

maracujá-comum, maracujá-de-comer, maracujá-de-ponche, maracujá-do-mato, maracujá-doce, 

maracujá-mirim, maracujá-peroba, maracujá-preto, maracujá-redondo (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Passifloraceae

Passiflora edulis Sims [(syn: Passiflora edulis var. verrucifera (Lindl.) Mast., Passiflora 

verrucifera Lindl. (GRIN))]

1. Yellow Passionfruit

Passiflora edulis Sims forma flavicarpa O. Deg. (Yellow Passionfruit)

1. Purple Passionfruit [Purple Granadilla]

Passiflora edulis Sims forma edulis

2. Passiflora edulis (passionfruit) is a short-lived, shallow-rooted, vigorous, semi-woody to herbaceous

perennial vine that grows up to 15 meters (49 feet) long. Native to Southern Brazil. Plants consists of a 

weak taproot and extensive ivory-colored lateral roots. The plant is hairless and contains a solitary,

cylindrical or sub-angular stem that is 7 centimeters (3 inches) in diameter. Bark is thin, flaky and light 

brown in color. The stem contains linear-subulate, entire stipules that are 0.1 to 0.13 centimeters (0.04 to 

0.05 inch) long. Twigs are yellow-green to brown. Axillary tendrils are borne in the leaf axils and help the 

plant climb. Deep green leaves contain three deep lobes. Leaves are simple, ovate, leathery, glossy above, 

paler and dull beneath, evergreen, alternate, medium to large-toothed, smooth, and 5 to 20 centimeters (2 to 

8 inches) long by 4 to 10 centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) wide. The petiole is 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 

inches) long, grooved, and contains 2 glands near the foliar base. Flowers occur at each leaf axil on new 

growth and measure 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in diameter. Individual fragrant, colorful flowers are 

solitary, large, and contain 3 large, green leaf-like bracts, 5 greenish-white sepals, 5 white petals that form a 

tubular calyx, 5 stamens with large anthers, 3 horizontal styles (0.5 centimeter (0.2 inch) in diameter), a 

fringe-like corona of straight, white-tipped rays that are purple at the base, and an ovary. Pollination is by 

insects. Vine growth is needed for continued flowering. Flower buds emerge sequentially on new shoots. If 

pollination is adequate, fruit set occurs. After 4 to 10 flowers set fruit, setting of the remaining flowers 

ceases. Fruit set resumes when the initially set fruit begin to mature. Purple, yellow or red (depending on the 

cultivar) fruit is a many-seeded berry that is spherical to oval in shape, solitary, and 4 to 9 centimeters (1.6 to 

3.5 inch) long. The rind is hard, tough, brittle, thick, smooth, waxy and wrinkled at maturity. The endocarp 

is white and 0.3 to 0.6 centimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inch) thick. Pulp consists of a mass of double-walled, yellow 

to orange membranous juicy sacs. The flavor is strong, sweet, musky or subacid. Reminiscent of guava and 

aromatic. Each fruit contains approximately 250 dark-brown to black seeds. Individual seeds have a hard

testa that is surrounded by a juicy edible aril. Seeds are attached by a funiculus to the endocarp. Fruit should 

be consumed when fully ripe in color and wrinkled. A popular fruit in most tropical and subtropical 

countries 

Passiflora edulis forma flavicarpa (yellow passionfruit) origin is unknown, but may have originated 

in Australia as a mutant form of P. edulis or the hotter regions of South America such as the Amazon region 

of Brazil. Flavicarpa may be a natural crossing between P. edulis and P. ligularis. Tendrils are reddish to 

purplish in color. Compared to purple passionfruit, vines are more vigorous, leaves are larger and are tinged 

with red or purple, and flowers are larger, showier, more colorful and more fragrant. Flowers open during 

the afternoon. Most vines are self-incompatible and require cross pollination. Yellow fruit are larger, round 

to oval in shape and 6 to 8 centimeters (2.4 to 3 inches) in diameter by 7 centimeters (3 inches) long. 

Compared to the purple passionfruit, the pulp is more acid and sour. Each fruit contains approximately 350

brown seeds.

Passiflora edulis Sims forma edulis (purple passionfruit) is native to Southern Brazil, Paraguay and 

Northern Argentina. Tendrils are green. Compared to yellow passionfruit, the vines are less vigorous, the 

leaves are smaller and the fragrant flowers are smaller. Flowers open in the morning and are self-compatible. 

Fruit are smaller, round to oval in shape and 3.5 to 7 centimeters (1.4 to 3 inches) in diameter by 4 to 9 

centimeters (1.6 to 3.5 inches) long. Pulp is yellow to orange. The flavor is very desirable and less acid 

compared to the yellow passionfruit. The aroma is richer. Fruit contain a higher proportion of juice. Seeds 
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are black (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, MORTON, 

FRANCIS, GILMAN).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In Australia, there are two vegetative flush peaks, one in late spring and the other in late 

summer/early autumn. Flowering occurs all year long in Brazil, and from March to September in 

Hawaii. Depending on the climate, there are one to three harvest peaks. In India, harvesting occurs 

August to December and March to May. In Hawaii, harvesting occurs June through January, with 

the most crops in July, August, October, and November. Trees will not set fruit if the mean 

temperature is too high. Fruit matures in 60 to 90 days. Fruit production occurs in 1 to 2 years from 

seed and less than 1 year from vegetative propagation.

Passiflora edulis forma flavicarpa flowers April to September in Puerto Rico, October to 

June in Australia and mid-April to mid-November in Florida. In Puerto Rico, Passiflora edulis 

forma flavicarpa are harvested from June to October. 

Passiflora edulis forma edulis flowers July to November and again in February to April in 

Australia and mid-March to April in Florida. Passiflora edulis Sims forma edulis trees have a 

lifespan of 3 to 4 years in tropical areas and 6 to 8 years in cooler areas (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, MORTON, CRFG).

b. Cultivation: Trees require a cool tropical or subtropical climate, full sun, well-distributed 

medium rainfall of at least 90 centimeters (35 inches), medium to high elevations, moderate 

temperatures of 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F), a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and well-drained, moist, light to heavy 

sandy loams of medium texture. Rainfall should be higher 2 months before flowering and minimal 

during flowering. Trees are established in the wild on the edges of forests, stream-bottom galleries, 

fencerows, and brushy areas. Tolerates a wide range of soil types and a pH range of 5.5 to 6.8. Not 

tolerant of frost, salt, shade, low temperatures of 10 to 15 °C (50 to 59 °F), high temperatures of 25 

to 30 °C (77 to 86 °F), extended dry periods, poor drainage, water-logging, and wind. Moisture 

stress can lead to a decline in leaf area, vegetative growth, flowering, and yield. Propagation is by 

seed, cuttings, air-layering, and grafting. A trellis of at least 2 meters (7 feet) tall is required in 

commercial plots. Minimum row spacing for the trellis should be 3 meters (10 feet). Plant spacing 

within the trellis row depends upon the type of passionfruit being grown. Planting holes should be

made 0.6 to 1.0 meter (2 to 3 feet) away from the posts. When seedlings reach 45 to 60 centimeters

(18 to 24 inches) tall, seedlings should be topped during transplanting to force lateral shoots to 

develop. Shoots should then be trained to grow in a certain direction and can be tied to stakes. 

Additional pruning at the end of the annual cycle of production encourages new growth and permits 

air flow and light. Fertilization, especially with nitrogen aids growth. Fruit are harvested by hand 

when three-quarters or more of the skin is yellowing or purpling. Fruit for juice processing is 

harvested when the skin turns fully ripe. Fallen fruit are harvested once or twice per week. Fruit can 

be waxed to increase shelf life. This is a small commercially grown crop. Yields vary with climate, 

species, cultivation practices, type of trellis, presence of diseases, and abundance of pollinating 

agents. 

Passiflora edulis forma flavicarpa prefers warm tropical or near-tropical climates, lowlands, 

and elevations of sea level to 600 meters (1,969 feet) or more. Plants grow well in Hawaii with a 

precipitation of 100 to 150 centimeters (39 to 59 inches) per year. Compared to P. edulis forma

edulis, plants grow at lower elevations and are more adaptable. Does not tolerate frost well. 

Propagated exclusively by seed. Seeds should be washed to remove the pulp, dried in the shade, and 

sown 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch) deep. Seeds can be stored at 10 to 13 °C (50 to 55 °F) until use. 

Germination occurs in 2 weeks to 3 months. Cracking the seed coat can increase the germination 

rate. Seedlings at the 2 to 4 leaf stage should be transplanted into individual plastic bags and grown 

in semi-shade for 1 to 2 months. Plants should be transplanted into the field when a height of 25 to 

50 centimeters (10 to 20 inches) is reached and the plants can tolerate full sun. For commercial 

purposes, plants should be spaced at 3 meters (10 feet). After the first harvest year, every other vine 

can be thinned to provide a permanent spacing of 4.8 meters (16 feet). After being harvested, fruit 
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can be stored for one week at 5 to 7.5 °C (41 to 46 °F). 

Passiflora edulis forma edulis plants prefer subtropical climates and highlands with cool 

periods. Plants can produce fruit for 3 to 4 years at elevations of 800 meters (2,625 feet) and 8 years 

at elevations between 1,200 and 1,500 meters (3,937 to 4,921 feet). Plants thrive and yield well at 

night temperatures of 4.5 to 13 °C (40 to 55 °F) and day temperatures of 18 to 30 °C (64 to 86 °F). 

Mature vines tolerate light frost. Plants can be injured at temperatures of 1 to 2 °C (28 to 30 °F)

below freezing. Propagated by grafting onto seedlings of the yellow passionfruit. Grafting is done 

at a height of 50 to 55 centimeters (20 to 22 inches) above ground level. The scion portion should 

have grown approximately 25 centimeters (10 inches) and hardened. For commercial production, 

plants should be spaced 2.5 to 4.5 meters (8 to 15 feet) apart. In-row spacing can be up to 5 meters

(16 feet) for vigorous varieties. For long distance transport, fruit are harvested when fruit are at the 

light-purple stage. Fruit can be kept for up to 4 to 5 weeks at 5 °C (41 °F) and 80 to 90% relative 

humidity (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, VAN WYK, CRFG, GILMAN).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fresh fruit, juice, and other products enter world trade (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are mostly processed into syrup and used as a flavoring in 

beverages. Fruit can be used as pure juice or as a constituent in frozen and heat-processed punches.

Juice can be pasteurized at 85 °C (185 °F) for 1 minute before freezing, however, heat treatments 

can destroy flavor. Extracted juice can be quick frozen as purée and kept frozen for later processing 

of finished products. Juice and concentrates are used as a mixer with alcoholic beverages including 

gin, vodka and rum. Used as a flavoring in pies, cakes, sauces, salads, candies, and sherbets. Arils 

(pulp) can be consumed fresh after cutting in half and scooping out the pulp. Pulp is added to fruit 

salads, ice cream, yogurt, soft drinks, icings, fillings for cakes, jellies, jams, sorbets, and fruit juices. 

In Australia and New Zealand, fruit is used in recipes for pavlova, a soft meringue shell filled with 

cream and fruit. Passiflora edulis is used more for eating. Passiflora edulis forma flavicarpa is 

used more for juice for the beverage industry and for preserves. Seeds are consumed in some 

countries (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, MORTON, FAO).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit are a good source of vitamins A and C, carotenes, niacin, riboflavin, 

phosphorus, and potassium (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: The use of the glycoside, passiflorine is being tested in the pharmaceutical 

industry as a sedative or tranquilizer. Juice of passionfruit is used as a digestive stimulant and 

treatment for gastric cancer. Brazilians prepare a drink from the flower to treat asthma, bronchitis, 

and whooping cough. The plant is used as a diuretic to treat urinary infections (MORTON, 

FRANCIS).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii, Florida, California, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Western Samoa;

In 1992, Florida reported 15 hectares (37 acres), Hawaii reported 6 hectares (15 acres) and California

reported 5 hectares (12 acres). The U.S. harvested 117 tonnes (256,972 pounds) with about half from 

California. Passiflora edulis forma flavicarpa yields are between 44.8 tonnes (49.4 tons) per hectare per 

year in Hawaii. Passiflora edulis forma edulis is widely grown in California as far north as San Jose, the 

Monterey Bay Area and the San Francisco Bay Area (1992 CENSUS, JANICK, CRFG).

5. Other commercial production regions: South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, Australia,

Israel, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Philippines, Guam; South America including Brazil,

Venezuela, Surinam, Colombia, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru and Ecuador; Mexico; the Caribbean; Asia

including Thailand, Taiwan; Java, Sumatra, Malaya; widely cultivated, naturalized in Macaronesia, and 

Galapagos; Commercial production is about 45,000 hectares (111,197 acres). Brazil grows 40,000 hectares

(98,842 acres) and half of the production goes to pulp processing. Most fruit is converted into juice and 

about half of which (equivalent to 25,000 tonnes (27,558 tons) fresh fruit) enters world trade. About 1,000 

tonnes (1,102 tons) of fresh fruit are exported. Ecuador exported 3,000 tonnes (3,307 tons) of concentrate in 

1995. Sri Lanka produces 800 hectares (1,977 acres) and is the most important producer in Asia. Australia 

in the Pacific region produces approximately 550 hectares (1,359 acres). In 1998, Australia produced 2,900 

tonnes (3,197 tons) of fruit and of this 900 tonnes (992 tons) was used for processing. Papua New Guinea 
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(80 hectares or 198 acres), Fiji (70 hectares or 173 acres), and the Philippines (200 hectares or 494 acres) 

also produce passionfruit. 

Passiflora edulis forma flavicarpa is mainly grown in South America including Brazil, Colombia, 

Peru and Ecuador; widely cultivated; fruit is grown mainly in South America with approximately 3,000 

hectares (7,413 acres) and annual exports of 12,000 tonnes (13,228 tons). 41.8 to 61.9 tonnes (46 to 68.2 

tons) per hectare per year was produced in Malaysia. In most commercial orchards, yields are from 20 to 30 

tonnes (22 to 33 tons) per hectare per year. Yellow passionfruit has a yield of juice per fruit of 30 to 33 

percent. 

Passiflora edulis forma edulis is grown in Brazil and southern South America; widely cultivated and 

naturalized in the tropics and subtropics. Yields are less vigorous compared to other types of passionfruit 

and range from 5 to 10 tonnes (5.5 to 11 tons) per hectare per year in Australia. Hybrids have yields up to 25 

tonnes (28 tons) per hectare per year. Purple passionfruit has a yield of juice per fruit of 45 to 50 percent

(GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, MORTON).

6. Use: Beverages, desserts, jellies and some eating of fresh fruit; medicinal purposes, weed; rind and seed

from fruit processing can be fed to swine and cattle; seed oil can be produced from the seeds for edible and 

industrial uses; ornamental (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Internal pulp only.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI0351) Assorted and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = passionfruit

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, VAN WYK, MORTON, FRANCIS, GILMAN, ECOCROP, CRFG.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PAQED (P. edulis), PAQEF (P. edulis f. flavicarpa), no specific entry for P. 

edulis f. edulis)
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1. Passionfruit, Banana [curuba, banana passionflower, banana poka, bananadilla, piesangdilla, tacso, 

Bananen-Passionsblume, curuba de Castilla, tacso de Castilla, tumbo (GRIN))]

Passifloraceae

Passiflora tripartita (Juss.) Poir. var. mollissima (Kunth) Holm-Niels. & P. Jørg. [(syn: Passiflora 

mollissima (Kunth) L. H. Bailey, Tacsonia mollissima Kunth (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A vigorously-climbing, semi-woody vine that grows 6 to 7 meters (20 to 23 feet). Native to the Andean 

valleys from Venezuela and eastern Colombia to Bolivia and Peru. Stems are nearly cylindrical and densely 

coated with yellow hairs. Leaves are deeply 3-lobed, finely toothed, downy above, grayish to yellowish and

velvety beneath, and 6 to 16 centimeters (2.4 to 6.3 inches) long by 7 to 20 centimeters (3 to 8 inches) wide. 

Petioles contain 4 to 6 scattered, minute, subsessile nectaries. Stipules are short, slender, obliquely ovate,

curved, and bristly at the tip and 0.6 centimeters (0.2 inch) long. Individual pink flowers are pendant and

contain ovate bracts that form a gray-green tube that is blushed with red (7.6 to 10 centimeters or 3 to 4 

inches long), a green tubular hypanthium (5 to 7 centimeters or 2 to 3 inches long), a corolla with 5 

lanceolate to oblong pink sepals, lanceolate to oblong deep pink petals (4 to 5 centimeters or 1.6 to 2 inches

long), and a rippled, tuberculate to dentate purple to white corona. Flowers range from 6 to 9 centimeters

(2.4 to 3.5 inches) in diameter. Peduncles are solitary, and 3.8 to 10 centimeters (1.5 to 4 inches) long. 

Self-compatible. Can be pollinated by birds and insects. Yellow-orange to whitish-yellow fruit is a berry 

that is ellipsoidal, oblong, obovate, or oblong-ovoid in shape (banana-shaped), and 5 to 12 centimeters (2 to 

5 inches) long by 2.5 to 4 centimeters (1 to 1.6 inches) wide by 57 to 156 grams (2 to 5.5 ounces) in weight. 

The rind is thick, leathery, and sometimes hairy. One form of the fruit is dark green in color and downy. 

Pulp (aril) is salmon-colored to orange. The flavor is subacid to acid and rich. Highly aromatic. Each fruit 

contains 50 to 200 small, black, flat, elliptic, reticulated seeds. Fruit is popular in Colombia. Vines form a 

dense canopy and smother surrounding vegetation. Considered a noxious weed in many areas (NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, STARR, ECOCROP).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering and fruiting occurs year round in Colombia and Hawaii. Peak flowering 

occurs in the dry season in Hawaii and South America. In New Zealand, fruiting occurs from late 

March or early April to September or October. Fruiting occurs in 2 years from seed (MORTON, 

STARR).

b. Cultivation: Prefers elevations between 1,829 to 2,195 meters (6,000 and 7,200 feet) in the Andes, 

cool to warm, temperate, subtropical or tropical, moist to wet, foggy climate, rainfall of 50 to 200 

centimeters (20 to 79 inches), and temperatures of 6 to 18 °C (43 to 64 °F). Grows wild in the

Andean upper montaine forest at elevations above 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), and scrub-land regions 

in Central Brazil. Tolerates elevations of 1,219 to 1,829 meters (4,000 to 6,000 feet) in Hawaii and 

New Zealand, and brief drops in temperature to -5 °C (23 °F). Propagation is by cuttings and seeds. 

Plants are more commonly grown from seeds. Germination occurs in 10 weeks. Soaking in 

lukewarm water or using bottom heating (21 to 27 °C or 70 to 80 °F) can reduce germination time to

1 to 5 weeks. Seedlings are transplanted at 3 months of age and are trained onto a horizontal 2 meter

(6.5 foot) trellis with cross wires spaced 41 centimeters (16 inches) apart. Vines should be spaced 2 

to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet). Crops should be weeded, pruned and fertilized properly for commercial 

production. The plant is commonly cultivated (MORTON, STARR, TRADE WINDS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are highly favored and are regularly sold in local markets 

(MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is mostly eaten out-of-hand or strained for juice. Juice is not 

consumed alone, but is mixed in cold beverages. In Bolivia, juice, alcohol and sugar are mixed 

together into a cocktail. In Colombia, the pulp is mixed with milk and sugar and consumed as 

dessert. Pulp is also made into ice cream, gelatin dessert, pie filling, sauce, spiced relish, jelly, jam, 

pudding, ice cream topping, and preserves. Added to fruit salad (MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos
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4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii, California (GRIN, MORTON).

5. Other production regions: The Andes of South America including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, 

Bolivia; Central America; widely cultivated; naturalized in tropical & south Africa, tropical Asia, the Pacific,

Australia, New Zealand, and India. 200 to 300 fruit per vine and 500,000 to 750,000 fruit per hectare

(200,000 to 303,000 fruit per acre) can be produced. This is 14 to 21 tonnes (31,000 to 47,000 pounds) per 

acre (GRIN, MORTON, STARR).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental, beverage base, weed (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: Guava = passionfruit

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, STARR, ECOCROP, TRADE 

WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PAQMO (listed as Passiflora mollissima (H.B.K.) BAILEY)
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445

1. Pawpaw [(dog-banana, Indian-banana, pawpawtree, asiminier, Papau, asimina (GRIN))]

Annonaceae

Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal [(syn: Annona triloba L. (basionym) (GRIN))]

1. Pawpaw, Small-flower [(Dwarf pawpaw, small-fruit pawpaw (GRIN))]

Asimina parviflora (Michx.) Dunal

2. A moderately small, slow-growing, deciduous tree or shrub that grows to a height and width of 5 to 10 

meters (16 to 33 feet). Pawpaw is a member of the mostly tropical custard apple family, Annonaceae. 

Native to eastern North America. The largest edible fruit native to North America. Trees consist of a taproot 

and fibrous root system. Dark green leaves are alternate, simple, oblong, obovate, or obovate-oblong in 

shape, smooth, wedge-shaped at the base, lush, long, large, drooping, and 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 

inches) long by 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) wide. Vegetative and flower buds occur at different 

nodes on the stem. Vegetative buds are narrow and pointed. Flower buds are round, covered with 

dark-brown hairs, and appear singly on the previous year’s wood before leaves in spring. Fowl-smelling 

flowers are dark maroon to purple in color and pendant to nodding. Individual flowers contain an outer 

whorl of three, three-lobed petals (measuring 5 centimeters (2 inches) in diameter), an inner whorl of petals 

that are smaller and fleshier with a nectar band at the base, a globular group of stamens, a calyx with 3 sepals,

and 3 to 7 carpels. Peduncles are sturdy, hairy, and up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long. Flowers are 

self-incompatible. Pollination is mostly by flies and beetles. Green to yellowish brown fruit is a berry that is

borne singly or in clusters (up to 9), is oblong to oblong-cylindrical in shape, custard apple-like, curved,

plump, and 3 to 15 centimeters (1.2 to 6 inches) long by 3 to 10 centimeters (1.2 to 4 inches) wide by 20 to 

1,000 grams (0.7 to 35 ounces) in weight. The skin is smooth, soft, and thin. Pulp is creamy white, orange, 

or yellow in color and mushy, custard-like or firm in texture. The flavor is unique and resembles a 

combination of banana, mango and pineapple. Flavor intensifies as fruit over-ripens and can vary by cultivar. 

Poor quality cultivars can lack sweetness, have an overly rich flavor, and a turpentine to bittersweet 

aftertaste. Each fruit contains 2 rows of seeds (12 to 20 total seeds) that are brown in color, bean shaped, 

large, flat and up to 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) long.

Asimina parviflora is a miniature version of the common pawpaw that grows to a height of 2 to 2.5 

meters (6 to 8 feet) and a width of 0.6 to 1.8 meters (2 to 6 feet). This uncommon small to medium shrub or 

low tree contains smaller flowers, smaller leaves, smaller fruit, and a shorter stature. The trunk is slender 

and up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter. Bark is smooth, gray-brown and contains warty lenticels. 

Stems and branches have soft rust-colored hairs and are spreading-ascending, dark brown, and slender. 

Shoots are red-brown in color and covered with red hairs. Dark green leaves contain a rusty pubescence 

underneath and are deciduous, simple, alternate, fragrant when crushed, large, leathery, membranous, 

obovate, oblong, or oblanceolate in shape, wedge-shaped at the base, pointed at the tip, and 6 to 20

centimeters (2.4 to 8 inches) long by 3.8 to 6.4 centimeters (1.5 to 2.5 inches) wide. Leaves turn yellow in 

the fall. The petioles are 0.5 to 1 centimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inch) long. Fowl-smelling flowers are oddly shaped, 

small, solitary, and green to purplish-brown in color, bell-shaped and 1 to 1.7 centimeters (0.4 to 0.7 inch) in 

diameter. Individual flowers contain 1 to 2 ovate-triangular hairy bracteoles (0.2 to 0.3 centimeters (0.08 to 

0.1 inch)), triangular-deltate hairy sepals (0.4 to 0.7 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch)), 6 oblong to ovate hairy 

outer petals (1 to 1.3 centimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inch)), ovate inner petals, and 5 to 7 pistils. Flowers contain both 

male and female reproductive organs. The peduncle contains red-brown to tan hairs and measures 0.3 to 0.8 

centimeters (0.1 to 0.3 inch) long. Flowers emerge with leaves in the spring. Yellow-green fruit is a berry 

that is nearly round in shape, short, fat, and 3 to 7 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) long. When ripe, fruit turns 

black or dark brown in color. Pulp is custard-like. The flavor is sweet. Each fruit contains chestnut brown 

colored seeds that are 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

CRFG, DUKE EDU, AGGIE-HORT, EFLORAS, VT).
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3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Seedlings flower after reaching 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall. Flowering begins in grafted trees 

after 3 years. Flowering occurs during the spring (April in Kentucky, March to May in California). 

Fruit ripen in late summer or early autumn. In California, harvesting occurs from mid August to 

October. Fruiting occurs in 5 to 8 years from seed and 5 to 6 years from grafts.

Asimina parviflora flowering occurs in the spring (April in North Carolina) (JANICK, 

CRFG, DUKE EDU).

b. Cultivation: Prefers temperate humid zones, warm to hot summers, mild to cold winters, full sun,

deep, rich fertile slightly acid (pH 5.5 to 7.0) well-drained soils of river-bottom lands, a minimum of 

400 hours of annual chill units, 160 frost-free days, 2,600 growing degree-days to ripen fruit, and 80 

centimeters (31 inches) of annual precipitation (most in the spring and summer). Grown in the wild 

as an understory tree or thicket-shrub in mesic hardwood forests from northern Florida to southern 

Ontario, Canada and as far west as eastern Nebraska. Thrives near rivers, streams, coasts, and 

woodlots. Trees usually grow in patches due to root suckering. Hardy from zone 5 (-25 °C or 13 °F)

to 8. Tolerates heavy soils and frost. Does not tolerate wind, low humidity, cool maritime summers,

alkaline soils, and waterlogged soils. Propagation is by seeds, budding and grafting. Seed should be 

collected from fruit when the flesh is soft to over-ripe, cleaned, and stratified by storing the seed in

moist peat moss at 2 to 5 °C (36 to 41 °F) for 60 to 100 days to overcome embryo dormancy. After 

stratification, seeds can be planted 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) deep in containers and placed in 

moderate shade. Germination occurs in approximately 7 weeks. After reaching 1 meter (3 feet) in 

height, seedlings can be transplanted into the field in fall or spring. For grafting purposes, dormant 

budwood that has fulfilled the chilling requirement should be used. The seedling rootstock should 

be 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) in diameter. Trees should be planted 2.4 meters (8 feet) within rows 

and 3.7 to 4.6 meters (12 to 15 feet) between rows. Supplemental irrigation, weeding, fertilization, 

and pruning in late winter to early spring aids growth. Fruit ripening occurs when there is an 

increase in soluble solids, flesh softening, increased volatile production and a decline in the intensity 

of green color. Since fruit in clusters ripen during different times, harvesting occurs over a period of 

3 to 4 weeks. Fruit are harvested by gently tugging the fruit from the tree. Ripe fruit also falls to the 

ground. Fruit is rapidly perishable and can soften rapidly at room temperature. Ripe fruit have a 

shelf life of 2 to 3 days. Fruit beginning to ripen have a shelf life of 5 to 7 days at room temperature 

or 1 month at 4 °C (39 °F). Immature fruit do not ripen. Good potential for commercial production, 

but orchard plantings are limited. Across the U.S., small 1 hectare sized orchards exist. Most fruit is 

collected from wild stands in the forest

Asimina parviflora is a forest understory shrub of the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions of 

North Carolina. Plants also occur in the dry pine and oak woods of Texas. Compared to the 

common pawpaw, trees prefer drier sites, open shade (partial sun), elevations of sea level to 700 

meters (2,297 feet), and moist, acid, well-drained soils. Thrives in USDA zone 7. Tolerates full sun, 

and sands, sandy loams or sandy alluvium. Does not tolerate dry, hard soils. Cultivated for fruit

(JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CALLAWAY, LAYNE, BORDELON, CRFG, GILMAN, 

AGGIE-HORT, EFLORAS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are mainly sold at farmer’s markets, directly to restaurants, 

and over the Internet. Fruit has fresh market and processing potential. There is an increasing 

interest in pawpaw as a gourmet food (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh by cutting fruit in half and scooping out pulp 

with a spoon; fruit can be processed or frozen. Pulp is used to prepare ice cream, sorbet, mousse,

compote, jam, pies, cakes, quick breads, drinks, beer, custards, and wine. Fruit is similar in taste to 

bananas and is used in recipes calling for banana. Over-ripe fruit is used for cooking purposes. 

Seeds and skin are not usually eaten (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, BORDELON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit are highly nutritious, exceeding apple, peach and grape in most 

vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and food energy value. Similar to banana in nutritive composition

and dietary fiber content (JANICK, LAYNE).
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f. Medicinal aspects: Seeds can impair mammalian digestion. Twigs, leaves and bark of the fruit 

contain annonaceous acetogenins which are being used in the development of anti-cancer drugs

(JANICK, LAYNE).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Northeastern U.S. including Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, 

Pennsylvania and West Virginia; north-central U.S. including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, 

Oklahoma; Southeastern U.S. including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, 

Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia; South-Central U.S 

including Texas; California (San Jose), the Pacific Northwest. Yields are often low. Mature grafted trees 

can produce 2 to 23 kilograms (4 to 51 pounds) per tree.

Asimina parviflora is grown in southeastern U.S. including North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, 

Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia; South-Central U.S. including 

Texas (GRIN, CALLAWAY 1992, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CRFG, DUKE EDU, AGGIE-HORT, 

EFLORAS).

5. Other commercial production regions: Japan, Italy, China, Israel, Romania, Belgium, Portugal; Canada

(GRIN, CALLAWAY 1992, JANICK).

6. Use: Primarily consumed as fresh fruit, however it can be processed into desserts. The pawpaw has been 

shown to have high nutritional quality, especially compared to typical temperate fruits. Certain vegetative 

parts (bark) of pawpaw plant may contain compounds (asimicin) that exhibit highly effective pesticide and 

anti-cancer properties; ornamental, medicinal purposes, vertebrate poison (mammals); bark made into 

fishing nets; aromas from the fruit can be used in cosmetics and skin care products

Asimina parviflora: Fruit, ornamental (GRIN, ALKOFAHI, RUPPRECHT, PETERSON, JANICK, 

CALLAWAY, AGGIE-HORT). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None currently established.

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, ALKOFAHI, CALLAWAY, RUPPRECHT, PETERSON, MARKLE, 

JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LAYNE, BORDELON, CRFG, GILMAN, VT, EFLORAS, 

AGGIE-HORT, DUKE EDU.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 1, 2, 4, and 5.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ASITR (A. triloba), no specific entry for (A. parviflora)
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1. Pelipisan [(kastooree (GRIN))]

Anacardiaceae

Mangifera casturi Kosterm.

2. A tree that grows to a height of 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet). The trunk can reach 15 meters (49 feet) 

long and 40 to 115 centimeters (16 to 45 inches) in diameter. Bark is greyish white to light brown in color, 

thin, or sometimes thick, cracked and fissured, containing 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) of thick, dead bark. Live 

bark is 0.6 centimeters (0.2 inch) thick, mustard yellow to pale brown in color; bark contains whitish or pale 

yellow sap that turns brown when dry. Sapwood is pale yellow in color. Twigs are angular, smooth and 

shiny. Leaves are scattered among branches. Individual leaves are papery, smooth, oblong to ellipitic in 

shape, acute to shortly pointed, acute at the base, and 5 by 28 centimeters (2 by 11 inches) in size. Leaves 

near inflorescences are smaller and measure 2.5 by 6 centimeters (1 by 2.4 inches). Petioles are flat above, 

somewhat thickened at the base and 1.5 to 8 centimeters (0.6 to 3 inches) long. Inflorescences are 

pseudo-terminal panicles that measure over 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. The rachis is greenish to 

yellowish white in color and slightly hairy. Bracts are ovate-oblong in shape, acute, slightly hairy, and 0.3 

centimeters (0.1 inch) long. Individual fragrant flowers contain thick, pale green sepals, white to pale pink 

reflexed petals, one fertile stamen, a white filament, a dark purple or brown-purple anther, 3 staminodes, a 

cushion-like disc, a style, and a 4 to 5-lobed ovary. In general, the fruit is shiny, green when immature, 

brown to purple-black when mature, and 50 to 84 grams (2 to 3 ounces) in weight. Pulp is orange in color, 

stringy, and aromatic. There are three varieties of the fruit. The Kasturi is a green fruit with dark spots that 

resembles a small mango. It is slightly compressed, contains a slight nose, and measures 6 by 4.5 to 5 by 3.5 

to 4.2 centimeters (2.4 by 1.8 to 2 by 1.4 to 1.7 inches). The skin is thin, smooth and glossy. At maturity 

fruit turns completely or partly black in color. Pulp is dark orange and juicy. Each fruit contains a stone that 

measures 5 by 4.5 by 3 centimeters (2 by 1.8 by 1.2 inches). Compared to Mangifera indica, fruit is less 

sweet, but has a stronger taste and softer aroma. This is the most popular variety. The Mangga Cuban fruit 

is rose red in color, ovoid to ellipsoid in shape and 6 to 6.3 by 5 to 5.2 by 4.2 to 4.4 centimeters (2.4 to 2.5 by 

2 to 2.1 by 1.65 to 1.73 inches) in size. The rind is 0.2 to 0.3 centimeters (0.08 to 0.1 inch) thick and easily 

removable from the pulp. Pulp is orange yellow, watery, and fibrous. The stone is 4.6 by 3 by 1.4 

centimeters (1.8 by 1.2 by 0.6 inch) in size. The Asem pelipisan fruit is pale green with brown dots, ellipsoid 

in shape, flattened, and 6 to 7.2 by 3 to 5 by 3 to 4.4 centimeters (2.4 to 2.8 by 1.2 to 2 by 1.2 to 1.7 inches) 

in size. Pulp is deep orange yellow in color, and fibrous. The stone is 5 to 7 by 2.5 to 3 by 1.5 to 3.4 

centimeters (2 to 2.8 by 1 to 1.2 by 0.6 to 1.3 inches) in size. Mangifera casturi fruit are generally smaller 

than other species of mangoes (KOSTERMANS, BOTANIX). 

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: No specific entry. 

b. Cultivation: Trees prefer wet climates. Fruit is only cultivated, since illegal logging activities 

have caused extinction of this tree in the wild. Due to its slow growing process, trees are not planted 

in large plantations in Indonesia (Kalimantan). Plantations are mainly found in the Mataraman area 

in the Banjar district. Trees have to be climbed to harvest the fruit (KOSTERMANS, BOTANIX).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is locally found abundantly, but it does not satisfy the 

demand. Jams made from the fruit are rarely sold in markets (BOTANIX).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh or processed into jams, puree, juice, and cookies 

(dodol) (BOTANIX).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data.

5. Other commercial production regions: Indonesia including Borneo (GRIN, BOTANIX).

6. Use: Fruit, wood (GRIN, BOTANIX).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: The pulp is the only part consumed. 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit 
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, KOSTERMANS, BOTANIX.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry.
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1. Pequi [(piquiá, almendra de Brasil (GRIN))]

Caryocaraceae

Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.

1. Pequiá [(pequi, almendro (GRIN))]

Caryocar villosum (Aubl.) Pers. [(Saouari villosa Aubl. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. Caryocar brasiliense is a small, semi-deciduous, slow-growing tree or shrub that reaches a height of 6 to 

10 meters (20 to 33 feet). Native to the savannas of central Brazil. The taproot is large and deep. The trunk

is twisted and up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in diameter. Bark is thick, gray, and contains longitudinal 

fissures and ridges. The crown is large, wide, and up to 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter. Leaves are alternate,

compound trifoliate, large, tough, hairy, and up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. Leaflets are elliptic-ovate 

in shape, rounded at the tip and base, pubescent, and lighter in color underneath. Margins are rounded. The 

terminal leaflet is 10 to 18 centimeters (4 to 7 inches) long and 8 to 12 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) wide. 

Lateral leaflets are asymmetrical. The petiole is 1 to 10 centimeters (0.4 to 4 inches) long and covered in hair 

when young. The inflorescence is a terminal raceme that contains 6 to 20 white to yellow flowers. Each 

flower contains both male and female flowers, a 5 to 6-round lobed broadly cup-shaped calyx (10 to 13 

centimeters (4 to 5 inches) long), 5 petals, a white, yellow or orange-red 5 to 6-lobed oblong corolla (1.8 to 

2.5 centimeters (0.7 to 1 inch) long), 270 to 330 stamens (1.5 to 50 centimeters (0.6 to 20 inches) long), a 

globose ovary, and styles. Most flowers are up to 8 centimeters (3 inches) in diameter. The peduncle is 4 to 

10 centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) long. The pedicel is 1 to 5 centimeters (0.4 to 2 inches) long. Pollinated by 

bats. Green fruit are dehiscent, oblong to irregular ovoid-globose in shape, 1-locular, and 4 to 5 centimeters

(1.6 to 2 inches) in diameter. Skin is mostly smooth and fibrous. Pulp is thick, oily, yellow, and fleshy. The 

flavor is slightly sweet and rich and aromatic. Pulp hides an ovoid stone (2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches)

in diameter) that is covered in miniscule spines (2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches) long). Spines can 

injure the mouth. Individual fruit contain one or two woody seeds. The kernel is white and oily.

Caryocar villosum is an evergreen that grows to a height of 20 to 50 meters (66 to 164 feet) under forest 

conditions. In open areas, trees are smaller with lower branches and spreading crowns. Native to the eastern 

Amazon. The trunk is straight and 90 to 250 centimeters (35 to 98 feet) in diameter. Wood is whitish beige. 

Bark is gray-brown in color, rough, and fissured. The crown is open and leafy. Leaves are alternate and 

compound-trifoliate. Leaflets are sub-sessile, pubescent on the upper surface, glandular on the lower surface,

broadly elliptic, pointed at the tip, wedge-shaped at the base, wavy at the margins, and 8 to 22 centimeters (3 

to 9 inches) long by 6 to 12 centimeters (2.4 to 5 inches) wide. Petioles are 4 to 15 centimeters (1.6 to 6 

inches) long. Inflorescences consist of terminal clustered racemes of 24 flowers. Pedicels are 2 to 4 

centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long. Individual flowers consist of a broadly cup-shaped calyx (1.5 

centimeters (0.6 inch) long), a 5-lobed oblong pale yellow corolla (2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long),

approximately 300 yellow stamens (1.5 to 7 centimeters (0.6 to 3 inches) long), a globose 4-locular ovary, 

and 4 filamentous styles. Pollination is by bats. Fruit is irregularly oblong-globose, globose or oblong in 

shape, 1 to 2 locular, and 6 to 8 centimeters (2.4 to 3 inches) long by 7 to 9 centimeters (3 to 3.5 inches) in 

diameter. Skin is smooth to slightly hairy with small lenticels. Pulp is thick, fleshy, yellow, and 

butter-textured. The flavor is rich and sweet when cooked fresh. The stone is hard, spiny, kidney-shaped, 

and 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. Each fruit contains 1 to 2 seeds. The kernel is large, white, oily, sweet in 

flavor, and 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) long by 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) wide (LORENZI, JANICK, FOOD AND 

FRUIT, CENTRAL SAVANNAH, PEQUI).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Caryocar brasiliense flowering occurs from September to November in some areas and 

June to October in other areas. Fruit ripen in December and January, November to March, or 

October to February, depending on the environment. Trees produce fruit in 8 years from seed.

Caryocar villosum leaves shed during the dry season. Flowering occurs during the dry season from

July to November in some areas and August to September in other areas. Fruiting occurs March to 

May. Fruiting occurs in 10 to 15 years from seed (LORENZI, FOOD AND FRUIT, CENTRAL 

SAVANNAH).
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b. Cultivation: Caryocar brasiliense requires a tropical climate, 4 or more months of a dry season, 

well-drained, fertile soil and full sun. Trees occur in groves in savannas (cerrado) on both plateaus 

and valleys in the states of Goias, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, and Mato Grosso do Sul, 

Brazil. Prefers dry areas, woodland savannahs, and dry forests. Tolerates nutrient poor, heavy clays 

rich in aluminum and iron. Propagation is by grafting, marcottage, and seeds. Seeds may take more 

than a year to germinate. Stratification can aid germination. Fruit is ripe when it falls to the ground. 

Fruit must be used soon after being harvested or rancidity will occur. Important fruit in the diets of 

the local people in the Brazilian Cerrado. Not currently cultivated, but plentiful in its natural habitat. 

Caryocar villosum prefers tropical climates, humid to dry rainforests on terra firma, poor, 

heavy, well-drained clay soil, 130 to 250 centimeters (51 to 98 inches) of rainfall, a 1 to 4 month dry 

season, uniform temperatures and elevations below 300 meters (984 feet). Grows along the Atlantic 

coast from São Luis in Maranháo Province of Brazil, Cayene in French Guyana and westwards 

within the major river basins. Thrives along the Amazon River. Propagation is by seed, budding 

and grafting. Germination occurs in 2 months to 1 year. Freshly fallen fruit is collected from the 

tree. Not currently cultivated. Fruit and nuts are an important part of the diet in Brazilian Amazonia

(JANICK, LORENZI, FOOD AND FRUIT, SAVANNAH, JARDINEIRO, FAO).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Caryocar brasiliense fruit is sold in local markets canned, as 

paste, liquor, ice cream or popsicles (SAVANNAH).

d. Preparation for cooking: Caryocar brasiliense fruit are mostly consumed after cooking but can be 

eaten in their natural state; used in regional cuisine to flavor rice, beans, meat or stews; used to

prepare ‘rice with piqui’. Fruit is also made into liquor by grating the pulp, adding it to alcohol, 

letting it ferment, straining out the pulp, and adding sugar. Pulp is used to make sweets and ice 

cream; used as a flavoring. The nut is edible, but not usually consumed, since it is difficult to 

remove from the spiny pit. Oil can be extracted for cooking. 

Caryocar villosum fruit is freshly collected from the tree and is usually cooked in slightly salted 

water for an hour. Fruit can be eaten fresh. Pulp becomes rancid several days after being removed 

from the tree. The nut is edible fresh or cooked, but not usually consumed, since it is difficult to 

remove from the spiny pit (LORENZI, FOOD AND FRUIT, CENTRAL SAVANNAH, 

JARDINEIRO).

e. Nutritional aspects: Caryocar brasiliense fruit contains fat, water, protein, oil, carbohydrates, 

carotene, and vitamins including vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin; good source of calories.

Caryocar villosum: Fruit is rich in tannins; pulp contains protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. High in 

calories (FOOD AND FRUIT).

f. Medicinal aspects: Caryocar brasiliense: Fruit has been used to treat eye diseases. Aphrodisiac; 

treatment of respiratory problems; leaves are astringent and stimulate liver function. Nut oil can be 

used to treat asthma, bronchitis, colds, and whooping cough. Leaves have an anti-fungal property

(FOOD AND FRUIT, SAVANNAH).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Guyana. Trees can produce up to 2,000 

fruit. Caryocar villosum: French Guiana, Brazil (Brazilian Amazonia), Ecuador, Peru; Tropical Asia; trees 

produce 300 to 6,000 fruit per year (GRIN, JANICK, FOOD AND FRUIT).

6. Use: Fruit, medicinal purposes; fruit and kernel are both eaten whole or pressed for oil for cooking or 

soap-making; bark is used to make yellow dye; fruit is also fermented into a liquor; wood is used for 

furniture making; ornamental; the shell can be used for fuel. Caryocar villosum: Wood for ship building

and construction; fruit (GRIN, FOOD AND FRUIT, JARDINEIRO, FAO).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp, kernel.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Fruit and nutmeat.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tree Nuts and Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group: Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, LORENZI, JANICK, FOOD AND FRUIT, CENTRAL SAVANNAH, PEQUI, 

JARDINEIRO, FAO, CENTRAL SAVANNAH.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer/EPPO Code: CYOBR
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468

1. Persimmon, American [(Common persimmon; persimmon, plaqueminier d'Amérique, Persimone, caqui 

de Virginia, caqui silvestre (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Ebenaceae

Diospyros virginiana L. [(syn: Diospyros mosieri S. F. Blake (GRIN))]

2. A deciduous, irregularly-shaped, slow-growing, upright to drooping, small to medium tree that can reach

9 to 24 meters (30 to 80 feet) in height and 6 to 11 meters (20 to 35 feet) in width. Native to the eastern U.S. 

Diospyros kaki (Japanese persimmon) has overtaken Diospyros virginiana (American persimmon) in 

popularity. The trunk ascends up through the crown in a curved fashion and can reach 0.6 meter (2 feet) in 

diameter. Young bark is gray-brown in color with orange to cinnamon-red cracks. Older bark is dark brown 

to black in color, and consists of square scaly thick plates. Wood is close grained, heavy, hard, and strong. 

Branches are light brown, gray or reddish in color, slender, drooping, crooked to straight, tall, and scabrous 

to hairy. Buds are dark red to black in color, broad, triangular to egg-shaped, imbricate, and appressed. The 

crown is irregular, oval, round-topped, conical, or pyramidal in shape. Leaves are alternate, deciduous, 

entire, simple, round, elliptic, oblong or oval in shape, pinnately-veined, pointed at the tip, glossy, leathery,

dark green above, pale below, and 6.4 to 20 centimeters (2.5 to 8 inches) long by 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 

inches) wide. Leaf margins are entire. Leaves turn red to yellow in autumn. White, greenish-white, or 

yellow flowers are inconspicuous, shaped like blueberry flowers, and approximately 1.3 centimeters (0.5 

inch) long. Greenish yellow male flowers occur in two or three-flowered cymes, are tubular and range in 

size from 0.8 to 1.3 centimeters (0.3 to 0.5 inch) long. Female flowers are solitary, sessile or 

short-peduncled, urn-shaped, and about 1.9 centimeters (0.7 inch) long. Female flowers contain a fragrant 

corolla with 4 or 5 greenish yellow thick recurved lobes. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants 

and are required for proper fruiting. Orange, orange-red, red, yellow or black fruit is a berry that is round in 

shape, plum-like, and 2 to 5 centimeters (0.75 to 2 inches) in diameter. Immature fruit is green. The skin is 

smooth and fleshy. Leafy bracts occur on the top of the fruit. Diospyros virginiana fruit are smaller in size 

compared to Diospyros kaki fruits. Immature fruit are very astringent and mouth numbing. Most fruit ripen 

after a hard frost and become sweet and edible. Fruit must be allowed to sit until extremely soft and wrinkled. 

The flavor is similar to dates. Each fruit contains 1 to 8 flat brown seeds that measure 1.3 centimeters (0.5 

inch) long. Fruit can be seedless (JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, GILMAN, VT, HALLS, OHIO, 

KENTUCKY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs in spring and early summer (March to June or April to May). Fruit 

matures in mid to late fall (September to November) (GILMAN, VT, HALLS).

b. Cultivation: Requires full sun, humid climate, moist, well-drained, bottomland or light sandy 

soils, annual rainfall of 122 centimeters (48 inches), and temperatures of -12 to 35 °C (10 to 95 °F). 

Thrives in zones 4B through 9. Best growth occurs in the bottom lands of the Mississippi River 

Valley, in its tributaries and in coastal river valleys. Tolerates many well-drained soil types 

including clay, loam, sand, acidic, and alkaline soils, extended flooding, drought, rocky conditions,

shade, a variety of sites including urban areas and abandoned fields, high light, low water supply 

areas, and salt air. Trees do not grow in the main range of the Appalachian Mountains or in much of 

the oak-hickory forest on the Allegheny Plateau. Propagation is by root cuttings, grafting, and seed. 

Seeds should be removed from the fruit, cleaned, spread out for drying for one to two days and 

stratified under moist conditions for 2 to 3 months at 1 to 4 °C (34 to 39 °F). Before planting seeds

1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch) deep in light soils, seeds should be soaked 2 to 3 days. Planting should 

occur during the spring or fall months. Seeds remain dormant during the winter and germinate from 

April to May. Germination occurs in one month when soil temperatures are above 16 °C (60 °F). 

Root cuttings should be 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) long and 0.8 centimeters (0.3 inch) in 

diameter. Pruning, thinning, and fertilizer aids growth. Fruit ripens after frost. Some varieties do 

not require frost to ripen. Fruit fall from September to late winter. Optimum fruit bearing occurs 

from 25 to 50 years. Good crops occur every 2 years (GILMAN, HALLS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.
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d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit must be allowed to sit until extremely soft (like the texture of jam). 

Immature fruit is inedible. Ripe pulp is consumed fresh; can be used in cakes, puddings, beverages, 

bread, and preserves. Fruit is also used to make alcoholic beverages including beer and wine. Fruit 

can be dried and placed into baked goods. Dried, roasted ground seeds can be used as a coffee 

substitute. Oil can be extracted from the seeds and used in cooking. The taste is similar to peanut oil

(NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, HALLS, KENTUCKY).

e. Nutritional aspects: Seed and fruit are low in crude protein, crude fat, and calcium, but high in 

nitrogen-free extract and tannin (HALLS).

f. Medicinal aspects: The inner bark and unripe fruit have been used to treat fevers, sore throats, 

warts, cancers, heartburn, stomach aches, diarrhea, and hemorrhages (HALLS, KENTUCKY).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Northeastern U.S. including Connecticut, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, 

Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia; north central U.S. including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, 

Nebraska, and Oklahoma; southeastern U.S. including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, 

Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia;

South-Central U.S. including Texas (GRIN, HALLS).

5. Other commercial production regions: No specific entry.

6. Use: Fruit, graft stock, flowers for honey, seeds, seed oil, ornamental, buffer, erosion control, bonsai, 

reclamation plant, wood, medicinal purposes; ink is make from the fruit (GRIN, GILMAN, HALLS).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0352) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, GILMAN, VT, 

HALLS, OHIO, KENTUCKY.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. 

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: DOSVI 
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472

1. Pineapple [(ananas, Ananas, abacaxi, ananás, abacaxí-do-mato, ananás-selvagem, gravatá, ananá, piña, 

piña de América, piña tropical (GRIN))]

Bromeliaceae

Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. [(syn: Ananas ananas (L.) Voss, Ananas duckei hort., nom. inval., 

Ananas sativus Schult. & Schult. f., Ananas sativus var. duckei Camargo, nom. nud., Bromelia 

ananas L., Bromelia comosa L. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A monocotyledonous herbaceous perennial that grows to a height of 0.6 to 1.5 meters (2 to 5 feet) and a 

width of 0.9 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet). Native to South America, specifically the savannas of Southeastern 

Brazil, Paraguay and Northern Argentina. Pineapple ranks third in production of tropical fruit behind 

bananas and citrus. Roots are dense and 15 to 50 centimeters (6 to 20 inches) long. Aerial roots occur in the 

leaf axils. The stem is club-shaped, short, stout, 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) in diameter just below the 

apex, and 30 to 35 centimeters (12 to 14 inches) long. Internodes are short (0.1 to 1 centimeters (0.04 to 0.4 

inch) apart). Adventitious roots and axillary buds grow from the stem. Axillary buds can produce shoots 

(slips), which can serve as a second crop. Leaves are borne in a rosette around the stem and surround a 

terminal bud. Leaf number can total 40 to 80. Individual leaves are simple, evergreen, gray-green, stiff, 

trough-shaped, evenly-spaced, waxy, smooth, silvery on the lower surface with many trichomes (that absorb 

water), strap-like, pointed and needle-like at the tip, succulent, and 50 to 200 centimeters (20 to 79 inches) in 

length. Leaves of some varieties are striped with red, yellow or ivory down the middle or in the margins. 

Spines can occur in the margins (some varieties). The leaf design allows for rain water to collect. During 

flowering, the stem elongates and enlarges at the apex, forming an inflorescence. The inflorescence is 

terminal or axillary, globose, short, stout, and can contain 100 to 200 individual trimerous flowers each 

accompanied by a single bract. Red, yellowish, green, or yellow-green bracts open in a spiral from the base 

to the apex. Individual pink, purple, lavender-blue or red flowers are hermaphroditic and contain three 

sepals, three petals, six stamens, a fleshy bract, a style, and a tricarpellate ovary. As flowers are being 

produced, the stem continues to grow and a compact tuft of stiff short leaves (the crown) is produced. Plants 

are self-sterile and fruit develops parthenocarpically. Fruit can be pollinated by hummingbirds. Individual 

fruitlets develop from flowers that do not abscise and join together to form a fruit. Dark-green, yellow, 

orange-yellow or reddish fruit is a coenocarpium (multiple fruit derived from ovaries, floral parts, and 

receptacles of many coalesced flowers) that is solitary, pine cone to oval in shape, and 30 to 60 centimeters 

(12 to 24 inches) long. A leafy stem (crown) occurs at the top of each fruit. The rind contains hexagonal 

units based on the individual sepal and bract tissues and the tips of the ovaries. The rind is tough, leathery, 

waxy, and yellow-red at maturity, and green when immature. Pulp is white to yellow in color, succulent, and 

juicy. The core is fibrous and edible. The flavor is sweet and acidic. Pollinated flowers produce fruit that 

contain hundreds of small, hard apple-like seeds. ‘Smooth Cayenne’ cultivar is the most important 

commercial variety for canning and fresh fruit. ‘Queen’, ‘Abacaxi’ and ‘Red Spanish’ are also important 

fresh cultivars. One of the most important fruit crops in the world (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, 

CULL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, GILMAN).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering can be induced during any time of the year in the tropics. The normal 

flowering season of ‘Smooth Cayenne’ is during the winter when there are cooler temperatures and 

a shortened photoperiod. In other cultivars, flowering occurs naturally during mid-winter, late 

spring and early to mid-summer. Flowers can be forced with acetylene and ethylene. Depending on 

the variety, fruit is produced in late summer, early winter, and spring. In subtropical climates, 

harvesting occurs during the summer. Fruit production occurs in 15 to 24 months from vegetative 

propagation. Crowns produce fruit in 18 to 24 months, slips produce fruit in 15 to 20 months, and 

suckers produce fruit in 12 to 17 months. Fruit matures in approximately 180 days (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, CULL).

b. Cultivation: Requires warm to hot tropical or near tropical climate, high humidity, coastal or 

island locations, low elevations, full sun, a day temperature of 25 to 32 °C (77 to 90 °F), a night 

temperature of 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F), medium rainfall of 100 to 150 centimeters (39 to 59 inches), 
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light, deep, loose, fertile, well-drained acidic, sand, sandy loam, or well-aggregated-clay soil, and a 

pH of 4.5 to 6.5. Grows from Warm Temperate Moist to Tropical Very Dry to Wet Forest Life 

Zones; USDA hardiness zones are 10 through 11. Yields vary greatly and depend on technology, 

cultivar selection, and climate. Elevation affects flavor. Tolerates subtropical conditions, drought, a 

wide range of well-drained soil types, elevations of sea level and higher, a wide range of rainfall of 

60 to 350 centimeters (24 to 138 inches), annual temperatures of 16.2 to 27.4 °C (61 to 81 °F), and a 

pH of 3.5 to 8.0. Does not tolerate water-logging, night temperatures of 7 to 10 °C (45 to 50 °F), or 

frost. Vegetative propagation is by crowns (fruit tops), slips (shoots borne on vestigial fruit at the 

base of the fruit), and suckers (shoots borne at any position on the stem). Stem sectioning (for 

axillary buds) can be done by stripping the leaves from the stem, quartering the stem longitudinally, 

and dividing each quarter into sections 5 centimeters (2 inches) in length. Sections should be 

air-cured for several days and immersed in fungicide before planting in nursery beds. Tissue culture 

is also done. Seed is only used in breeding programs. Germination is slow and can occur within 10 

days if seeds are treated with acid. In preparation for a new pineapple field, old plants should be 

disked multiple times or chopped. When dry, old plants should be ploughed under or burned. The 

new field should be disked until the soil is fine. The field should be laid out in a block-road-block 

arrangement to allow for spraying, irrigation, and harvesting. Elevated beds (80 centimeters (3 feet) 

wide) should be made and polyethylene mulch should be added to help retain the moisture, 

temperature, fertilizer and control weeds. Planting should be done with a 30 centimeter (12 inch) 

long trowel-shaped planting tool; planting can also be done mechanically. Tops and crowns should 

be planted 5 centimeters (2 inches) deep, and slips should be planted 9 to 10 centimeters (3.5 to 4 

inch) deep. Crowns, slips and suckers should be planted separately in different fields. Plants should 

be planted in a staggered fashion. Spacing is dependent upon cultivar, but a general spacing rule is 

30 to 45 centimeters (12 to 18 inch). On small farms, a single-row system is used with wide spacing 

between plants and rows, giving a density of 15,000 to 25,000 plants per hectare. In commercial 

plantings, a double-row system is used, with 60 centimeters (24 inches) between the two rows. 

Three and four-row systems are also popular. Up to 4 crops can be produced from a commercial 

plantation. Fertilizer and irrigation aid growth. Fruit is mature when the fruit ‘eye’ is flat, the aroma 

increases, and the skin becomes light pale green to yellow. Summer crops are picked when the eye 

turns light pale green. Winter crops are picked when there is yellowing around the base. Fruit does 

not continue to ripen or sweeten after harvest. Therefore, immature fruit should not be shipped. 

Slightly less mature fruit are selected for transport to distant markets. Fruit is harvested in 2 to 4 

passes. In manual harvesting, fruit is cut or broken off from the plant. Mechanical harvesting is also 

done. Fruit are graded according to skin color, size, weight, absence of defects, uniformity, maturity, 

and crown to fruit size before packing. Most fruit that is produced is sold to the fresh fruit market. 

Fruit for canning is harvested when fruit is of highest quality, during the summer months. Fruit at 

color-break stage should be stored at 7 to 12 °C (45 to 54 °F) and 85 to 95 percent relative humidity 

for 14 to 20 days. Ripe fruit should be stored at 7.2 °C (45 °F) for 7 to 10 days (JANICK, 

PERENNIAL, CULL, MORTON, DUKE, GILMAN).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Whole or processed fruit is sold to markets around the world. 

Fruit are sold processed by removing the shell and core just before purchase or canning slices, 

chunks, tidbits, crush or solid pack. Fruit juice is produced from flesh remaining on the shell, cut 

ends, and core and is sold in markets. Young shoots are sold in markets in Guatemala (JANICK, 

LORENZI, MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh by cutting both ends off, standing the fruit 

upright, and slicing away the spiky skin in strips. The fruit is then quartered and the tough core is 

removed from each wedge. Fruit is also canned, fermented, candied, powdered, frozen and dried. 

Fruit can be made into juice, sauces, syrup, and preserves; added to fruit salads and compotes; 

cooked into pies, cakes, puddings and other desserts. Pineapple is used in savory dishes including 

Thai salads and pizza. Used as a garnish. Half ripe pineapples are utilized in Asian cooking such as 

sour soups and curries. Unripe fruit are inedible and poisonous. In Africa, young shoots are 
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consumed in salads. The terminal bud and inflorescences can be eaten raw or cooked (PERENNIAL, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin A, vitamin B, 

calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and thiamine. Fruit is low in sodium. Excessive consumption 

of the pineapple core can cause the formation of fiber balls in the digestive tract. Unripe pineapples 

are poisonous and can irritate and throat and induce vomiting (JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme in the stem is used for medicinal applications

including the treatment of edema, muscle relaxation, stimulation of muscle contractions, cancer 

prevention, burn debridement, ulcer prevention, appetite inhibition, enhanced fat excretion, sinusitis 

relief, inflammation relief, and relief from abscesses, contusions, hematomas, and sprains. The fruit, 

peel and juice is used to treat corns, tumors, and warts. Fruit is a folk remedy for bladder ailments, 

hypochondria, scarlet fever, scurvy, sores and sprains. The rhizome has been shown to produce an 

anti-edemic substance. Fruit juice is a diuretic. The juice of the leaves is consumed to cure hiccups, 

rid intestinal parasites, and cleanse the body. Buds are used to aid respiratory ailments (JANICK, 

DUKE).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii, Puerto Rico. Domestic production in Hawaii (8,417 hectares (20,800 acres), 

1995), Guam (45 tonnes (50 tons), Virgin Islands (0.65 tonnes (1,437 lbs), and Puerto Rico (53,310 tonnes 

(58,764 tons); U.S. production in 1995 was 312,979 tonnes (345,000 tons). In 2008, U.S. production was 

172,500 tonnes (190,149 tons). Hawaii produces about 90 percent of the world’s canned pineapple (USDA 

1996a, MORTON, DUKE).

5. Other commercial production regions: Central America including Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras; 

Mexico, South America including Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina; the Caribbean including the Bahamas, 

Cuba, Trinidad, Martinique, the Dominican Republic; the Philippines, Guam, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, 

China, Java, Africa including Guinea, Ghana, South Africa and the Ivory Coast; India, Australia; cultivated 

in 79 countries in the tropics and subtropics. Yields vary and range from 37,143 tonnes (40,943 tons) in 

Sudan to 466,667 tonnes (514,412 tons) in Australia. Thailand is the world’s largest producer of pineapple 

followed by the Philippines, Brazil, China, and India. World production of pineapple in 2008 was 

19,166,560 tonnes (21,127,516 tons (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, 

FAOSTAT, DUKE).

6. Use: Pulp mostly eaten fresh, canned frozen, dried, or made into juice; meat tenderizer (bromelane), fiber 

material (leaves are used in the textile industry to make cloth), medicinal purposes, source of bromelain, a 

proteolytic enzyme in the stem for industrial and medicinal applications including chill proofing beer, 

manufacturing pre-cooked cereals, and making cosmetics; bromelain has nematicidal properties; citric acid 

and alcohol can be extracted from the juice; residue from juice is processed into animal feed or other 

by-products; ornamental (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, DUKE, GILMAN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Tender inner flesh, after removal of rough surface and tough fibrous central 

cylinder. Residue from processing can be used as livestock feed.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit after crown has been removed, processed residue and juice. 

Pineapple process residue (also known as wet bran) is a wet waste byproduct from the fresh-cut product line 

that includes pineapple tops (minus crown), bottoms, peels, any trimmings with peel cut up, and the pulp 

(left after squeezing for juice); it can include culls.

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0353) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel; 052 (AM 

0353) Miscellaneous Fodder and Forage Crops and 070 (JF 0341) Derived edible products of plant 

origin

d. EPA Crop Definition: None
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10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, USDA 1996a, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, CULL, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, GILMAN, DUKE.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ANHCO
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1. Pitaya

Cactaceae

Hylocereus spp. [(syn: Cactus pitajaya Jacq. (GRIN))]

1. Pitaya, Yellow 

Hylocereus megalanthus (K. Schum. Ex Vaupel) Ralf Bauer [(syn: Cereus megalanthus K. Schum. 

Ex Vaupel (basionym), Selenicereus megalanthus (K. Schum. Ex Vaupel) Moran (GRIN))] 

1. Pitahaya

Hylocereus polyrhizus (F. A. C. Weber) Britton & Rose [(syn: Cereus polyrhizus F. A. C. Weber 

(basionym) (GRIN))]

1. Pitaya Roja [(Pitahaya (GRIN))]

Hylocereus ocamponis (Salm-Dyck) Britton & Rose [(syn: Cereus ocamponis Salm-Dyck 

(basionym) (GRIN))]

1. Pitaya Amarilla [(queen-of-the-night, cierge liane, pitahaya, cardeiro-trepador (GRIN))]

Hylocereus triangularis (L.) Britton & Rose [(Cactus triangularis L. (basionym), Cereus 

triangularis (L.) Haw. (GRIN))]

2. Hylocereus spp. is a fast-growing, climbing cacti. Native to Central and South America. Roots are 

shallow. Stems are thin (0.3 to 0.5 centimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inch) thick) and contain 2 to 4 three-angled 

vertical ribs. Stems develop aerial roots. During the seedling stage, plants contain spines that are soft 

bristles. As the plant matures, the spines are short or absent. Flowers are large, white and yellow in color, 

fragrant, and night blooming. Flowering occurs in waves. Each wave lasts one week. All species except 

Hylocereus megalanthus are self-incompatible and require cross pollination. Fruit can weigh up to 800 

grams (2 pounds). Fruit ripening occurs in waves. Pulp is red to white. Seeds are small, black and edible. 

Hylocereus megalanthus is a shrub or vine, succulent and epiphyte. Native to Ecuador. Green 

photosynthesizing branches (phylloclades) are trialate, slightly branched with two thorns, short, rigid, fleshy, 

and 4 to 5 centimeters (1.6 to 2 inches) wide by 5 centimeters to 6 meters (2 inches to 20 feet) long. Branches 

have a thick base on each areole (cushion-like area from which spines arise), and attach to supports (such as 

trees) with aerial roots. Unlike other cacti, Hylocereus megalanthus does not contain a wax layer on the 

branches. Flowers are solitary, nocturnal, open once, and contain both male and female reproductive organs. 

Not self-incompatible; does not require cross pollination. Yellow fruit is a berry that is knobby, similar in 

appearance to the dragon fruit, and weighs up to 350 grams (0.8 pounds). The skin is yellow. Areoles with 

tufts of thin spines occur on the surface of the fruit. When fruit ripen, spines easily release. Pulp is succulent 

and white and the flavor is sweet and tangy. Fruit are smaller than other vine cacti fruits and smaller than the 

dragon fruit. 

Hylocereus polyrhizus is a sprawling, climbing, succulent, epiphytic or terrestrial plant that can 

grow several meters long. Native to the arid regions of Mexico. Plants are profusely branched. 

Phylloclades are two, three or four angled, slender, and 0.5 to 2 meters (1.6 to 7 feet) long by 3 to 10 

centimeters (1.2 to 4 inches) wide. Stems have a wax cover and thick skin. Younger stems are green or 

purplish in color. Older stems turn whitish. Branches contain aerial roots, and areoles that are spaced 

approximately 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) apart. Areoles contain 2 to 7 spines that are bulbous basally, reddish, 

brownish or gray in color, needle-like, straight and 0.2 to 1 centimeter (0.08 to 0.4 inch) long. Spines may be 

accompanied by hairs. Ribs are smooth, straight and obtuse to wavy, thin, horny to non-horny, and contain 

concave faces. Flower buds are globular and purple. Flowers occur singly or in clusters and are large, white, 

fragrant, open during the day, contain both male and female reproductive parts and measure 25 to 31 

centimeters (10 to 12 inches) long by 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) in diameter. Floral tubes are 

straight to curved, outer perianth segments are linear-lanceolate and red, inner perianth segments are white, 

and stigma lobes are short, yellowish and entire. Red fruit is a berry that is ellipsoidal to oblong in shape, 7 

to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) long and up to 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) in weight. The skin is red, thick and 

spine-free. Pulp is dark red to white, and spongy to fleshy. The flavor is sweet and refreshing. Fruit 

contains small black seeds.
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Hylocereus ocamponis is a fast-growing climber. Native to the tropical rainforests of Mexico. 

Grayish or bluish green stems are three-angled, elongated, heavily waxed, and 3 meters (10 feet) long by 5 to 

6 centimeters (2 to 2.4 inches) wide. Between nodes, plants have shallowly indent stem margins. Aerial 

roots occur at the joints and along the stems. Compared to dragon fruit, wings are more deeply undulated 

and are bordered with longer spines. Plants contain 5 to 8 yellow to brown spines that measure up to 1.5 

centimeters (0.6 inch) long. Flowers are white, nocturnal, fragrant, and 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) 

in diameter. Inner petals are wide and pure white, while outer petals are pale yellowish-green with a green 

stigma. Fruit is wine red. The pulp is wine red and the flavor is sweet.

Hylocereus triangularis is a strong climbing plant that attaches itself to a host plant. Native to the 

coastal zones of Jamaica. Branches are 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide. Plants have three ribs. 20 centimeter 

(8 inch) long white flowers grow from the areoles. Fruit are red (LORENZI, MIZRAHI, MIZRAHI 1999, 

DALEYSFRUIT, TRADE WINDS, JANICK, ANDERSON, BRITTON, DESERT TROPICALS, 

MORTON, CLOUD JUNGLE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Hylocereus spp. flowering occurs from May to November in areas with moderate 

temperatures and May and October to November in areas with hotter temperatures. Depending on 

variety, fruit can be available from June to December. Flowering to ripening occurs in 30 days.

Hylocereus megalanthus flowering occurs from September to December in areas with moderate 

temperatures and November to December in areas with hotter temperatures. Flowering occurs 

during the spring and fruit ripens during the summer in South America. Flowering to ripening 

occurs in 90 to 180 days. Harvesting occurs in one to three years from cuttings. Hylocereus 

polyrhizus flowering occurs during the spring and summer and ripening occurs during the summer. 

Hylocereus ocamponis flowering occurs mid-summer (LORENZI, MIZRAHI 1999, CLOUD 

JUNGLE).

b. Cultivation: Hylocereus spp. prefers warm, shady habitats of subtropical and tropical America 

and dry areas; can grow in temperate climates. Trees are native to forests with natural shading. 

Tolerates temperatures of 4 to 0 °C (39 to 32 °F) (light frost) when mature, sunny areas away from 

strong wind, partial shade, and a range of well-drained soil types with high amounts of organic 

matter. Does not tolerate excessive humidity, excessive soil moisture and excessive high 

temperatures of 45 to 48 °C (113 to 118 °F). Compared to other cacti, Hylocereus spp. is the most 

sensitive to low temperatures. High temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) and excessive rainfall 

inhibit flower production. Plants should be irrigated during fruit development. Irrigation, pruning 

and fertilization aid growth. A 4 meter (13 foot) trellis provides support. Spacing is 3 meters (10 

feet) between rows and 1.5 meters (5 feet) in the rows. Fruit can be stored at room temperature for 

10 days. Hylocereus megalanthus prefers a desert, rather than tropical climate, and a minimum

average temperature of 16 °C (60 °F). Cultivated in Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Israel. Grown 

in USDA zones 10 to 11. Tolerates high temperatures compared to other vine cacti. Does not 

tolerate drought or frost well. Propagation is by cuttings and seed. For commercial production, a 

trellis system is required for support. Net-houses that provide shade are used in Israel to grow the 

plant. Spines are removed from fruit before entering food markets. Hylocereus polyrhizus prefers 

arid regions, part shade, rainfall of 165 to 297 centimeters (65 to 117 inches) and temperatures of 23 

to 27 °C (73 to 81 °F). Cultivated in Israel, Brazil and Mexico. Grown in USDA zones 10 to 12. 

More tolerant of light and drought compared to other climbing cactus species. Tolerant of frost to 

1 °C (30 °F). Propagated by cuttings. Hylocereus ocamponis prefers part shade, tropical rainforests, 

high humidity, and temperatures of 15.6 to 48.9 °C (60 to 120 °F). Grown in USDA zones 10 to 12. 

Tolerates temperatures to 1 ° C (30 °F). Hylocereus triangularis prefers coastal zones in the 

Caribbean and a tropical climate. Fruit are cultivated in the Caribbean (LORENZI, MIZRAHI, 

MIZRAHI 1999, DALEYSFRUIT, DESERT TROPICALS, JANICK, CLOUD JUNGLE).
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c. Availability in the marketplace: Hylocereus spp. fruit are available on the markets in short waves 

from late May to early January. Hylocereus megalanthus fruit are sold in world markets under the 

name yellow pitaya from January to mid-May. Hylocereus polyrhizus is grown in Israel for export 

and is sold in markets (LORENZI, MIZRAHI, MIZRAHI 1999).

d. Preparation for cooking: Hylocereus spp. fruit are consumed fresh and chilled. Fruit is eaten with 

lemon or lime juice or ice cream. Pulp can be used in jams or drinks; used as a garnish. Flower buds 

can be cooked as a vegetable. Hylocereus megalanthus fruit are consumed fresh or chilled; used to 

flavor drinks and pastries. Hylocereus polyrhizus fruit are consumed fresh (LORENZI, 

DALEYSFRUIT, TRADE WINDS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hylocereus ocamponis: Puerto Rico (MORTON).

5. Other commercial production regions: Hylocereus megalanthus: Western South America including 

Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru; Israel. Hylocereus polyrhizus: Central America including Costa 

Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama; South America including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; Mexico; 

Israel. Hylocereus ocamponis: Northern Mexico; Guatemala, Colombia, Bolivia. Hylocereus triangularis: 

the Caribbean including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica (GRIN, MIZRAHI, JANICK, 

LORENZI, MORTON).

6. Use: Hylocereus megalanthus: Fruit, ornamental; Hylocereus polyrhizus: fruit; Hylocereus ocamponis: 

fruit; Hylocereus triangularis: fruit (GRIN).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Interior pulp (flesh and seed)

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, LORENZI, MIZRAHI, MIZRAHI 1999, DALEYSFRUIT, TRADE 

WINDS, JANICK, ANDERSON, BRITTON, DESERT TROPICALS, MORTON, CLOUD JUNGLE.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: HCRSS (Hylocereus spp.); no specific entry for Hylocereus megalanthus,

Hylocereus polyrhizus, Hylocereus ocamponis, and Hylocereus triangularis
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486

1. Pomegranate [(Granada, grenadier, Granatapfelbaum, Granatapfelstrauch, zakuro, romanzeiro, romã, 

romã-de-flor-dobrada, romeira, romeira-da-granada, granado, mangrano (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Lythraceae; also placed in Punicaceae

Punica granatum L.

2. A semi-deciduous to evergreen, fast-growing, short, bushy rounded shrub or small croooked tree that 

grows to a height of 2 to 10 meters (7 to 33 feet). Dwarf cultivars are less than 1 meter (3 feet) tall. Native 

to the Middle East, specifically from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India. Trees are long-lived. The 

trunk can be single or multiple. Basal water sprouts emerge from the trunk (especially the base of the trunk), 

that are usually pruned off. Bark is smooth and red-brown when young and gray, irregularly ridged and 

furrowed when mature. Trees are many-branched. Gray-brown branches are stiff, angular, slender, arching, 

and spiny. The canopy is vase-shaped. Pale to bright green leaves are opposite to whorled, simple, leathery, 

glossy to waxy, smooth, short-petioled, slightly curled, obovate, oval, narrow, lance, narrowly elliptical, 

oblong-lanceolate or oblong in shape, and 1 to 10 centimeters (0.4 to 4 inches) long. Margins are smooth. 

Leaf axils contain small spines. Fall leaf color is bronze. Single or clusters (up to 5) of scarlet, orange-red, 

white or variegated trumpet-shaped flowers are borne on the shoot terminals and measure 5 centimeters (2 

inches) in diameter. Individual flowers are showy and contain both male and female reproductive organs, a 

thick tubular red calyx, 5 to 8 fleshy pointed sepals, 3 to 8 deep red, orange-red, pink, white or variegated 

crinkled petals, several whorls of individual stamens (of varying lengths) lining the inner surface of the floral 

tube, an ovary, a thick fleshy style (1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) long), and a small disk-shaped 

stigma. The central terminal flower is usually fertile, and the lateral flowers are usually sterile. Self and 

cross pollinated by insects, bees, and hummingbirds. Varieties that exhibit parethenocarpy have fruit with 

seeds that lack embryos. Yellow and red, brownish, pink, white or red fruit is a pome-like berry that is 

globose to ovoid in shape, and 5 to 13 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) in diameter. Dwarf pomegranates produce 

golf-ball-sized fruit. The rind is smooth, thick, tough, and leathery and contains a thick, leathery calyx at the 

tip. Cream colored, thin membranes and white, spongy, bitter tissues separate the locules (aggregates of 

small seeds). Arils (which are single enlarged cells containing starch grains) are tear-drop shaped, 

transparent, white, yellow, red, or pink in color, juicy, fleshy, and contain one woody, white or red angular 

soft or hard seed. The flavor is sweet, tart or subacid. The number of seeds produced depends on the number 

of pollination events that occur. Seed number governs final fruit size. Fruit was domesticated in 2000 BC 

and is one of the earliest cultivated fruit. ‘Wonderful’ is the most widely grown cultivar in California 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, BARWICK, LOVE, MORTON, CRFG, NM, ECOCROP, VT).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering usually occurs in the spring until June, but can occur throughout the year. 

Fruiting usually occurs 6 to 7 months after flowering. Fruit mainly ripen during the summer. Fruit 

from the ‘Wonderful’ cultivar matures in September and October. Fruit production occurs in 2 to 5 

years from cuttings (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, CRFG). 

b. Cultivation: Prefers hot and arid to semi-arid subtropical, mild-temperate, semi-temperate, and 

cool tropical climates, cool winters, hot dry summers, low humidity, full sun, and well-drained 

sandy loam to slightly acid soils. Native to high, desert regions with hot days, chilly nights, dry 

infertile soil, dry woodlands and open ground. Also grows at cool altitudes. In California, 

pomegranates prefer moderate heat. Grown in USDA zones 8 to 14. Tolerates hot temperatures 

during the summer, low temperatures to -8 °C (18 °F), dry conditions, extreme drought, part shade, 

and a variety of soil types including heavy clay, calcareous soils, slightly alkaline soils, acidic loam, 

rock strewn gravel, saline soils and poorly drained soils, elevations up to 1,600 meters (5,249 feet), 

and saline water. Does not tolerate high humidity, heavy frost (temperatures below -11 °C (12 °F)), 

or water-logging. Propagation is by seed, hardwood or softwood cuttings and layering. Cuttings 

should be from dormant 10 to 50 centimeter (4 to 20 inch) long suckers and water sprouts. When 

rooted, cuttings should be placed in a nursery row, 16 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) apart. Seeds 

germinate well, but are usually only used for breeding purposes. Trees should be spaced 6 to 7 
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meters (20 to 23 feet) apart and planted 0.6 meter (2 feet) deep in the orchard. For hedgerow 

plantings, trees should be spaced 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) apart within the row and 6 to 7 meters 

(20 to 23 feet) between rows. Trees are pruned during the first three years early in the growing 

season to shorten branches, create a vase shaped canopy, shorten the tree to 4 to 7 meters (13 to 23 

feet) tall, remove basal water sprouts, and remove crossing limbs. Irrigation and fertilization (0.45 

kilograms (1 pound) of nitrogen annually before the fall rains) are required to produce a good crop. 

Fruit should be harvested just prior to full maturity, once fruit turn color, a metallic sound is heard 

when tapped, and before yellowing appears at the base. Fruit does not continue to ripen once 

harvested. Splitting of the fruit can occur on the tree at full maturity. In California, fruit must meet 

minimum marketing standards of color, sugar content, sugar:acid ratio, and lack of blemishes. The 

crop has a long storage life and should be stored at 5 to 7.5 °C (41 to 46 °F) in a relative humidity of 

90 to 95% for 2 months. Fruit can last more than 7 months when held at 0 to 5 °C (32 to 41 °F) and 

80 to 85% relative humidity. The crop area of pomegranates has increased since the discovery of the 

nutritious nature of the juice and rind (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, LOVE, MORTON, 

CRFG, NM, ECOCROP).

c. Availability in the marketplace: The market for the fruit is limited since fruit must be cracked and 

individual seeds must be separated. However, cultivation of the fruit has increased since it has been 

discovered that the juice and rind are nutritious. Fruit and juice is sold in grocery stores, local 

markets and local restaurants. Most of the crop grown in California is marketed on the eastern 

seaboard of the U.S. (JANICK, LOVE). 

d. Preparation for cooking: Arils are consumed fresh as dessert with or without other fruit. Fruit is 

consumed by deeply scoring the fruit several times vertically and breaking the fruit apart. Then 

clusters of juice sacs are lifted out of the rind and eaten. Fruit can also be frozen for future use, 

placed in salads, or used as a garnish. Juice can be extracted and served as a beverage or used in 

mixed beverages; juice can be made into jelly, sorbets, sauce, wine, or the fermented or unfermented 

liquor, grenadine. Juice is used to flavor cakes and baked apples. Seeds dried with the aril give the 

sour Indian condiment (spice) called Anadana (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, 

CRFG, ECOCROP).

e. Nutritional aspects: The juice and leathery rind are rich sources of antioxidants including 

phenolics, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanins, as well as other nutrients; pharmacological and 

therapeutical properties. The rind, bark and leaves are rich sources of polyphenolics or tannins, 

especially punicalagins. Juice can help prevent hardening (arteriosclerosis) of the carotid arteries. 

Seeds are high in fiber (JANICK, LOVE).

f. Medicinal aspects: Pulverized bark is used to produce the drug Pelletierine tannate. Fruit pulp 

yields oestrone and is used against HIV. Fruit juice contains citric acid and sodium citrate that is 

used for pharmaceutical purposes; used as an ingredient in treating dyspepsia and leprosy. The bark 

of the stem and root contains alkaloids that can be used to destroy tapeworms. Tannin from the bark, 

leaves, immature fruit and fruit rind are used as astringents to stop diarrhea, dysentery, and 

hemorrhages. Dried flower buds are used to cure bronchitis and throat inflammation. Leaves, seeds, 

roots, and bark have hypotensive, antispasmodic and anthelmintic activity (BARWICK, 

MORTON).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii, California, Arizona, Florida. In 1994, California reported 1,169 hectares 

(2,889 acres) with 11,428 tonnes (12,597 tons) (MELNICOE 1996e, JANICK, MORTON).
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5. Other commercial production regions: The Middle East including Iran, Israel, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, 

Saudi Arabia, the Himalayas, and India; Indonesia; southeastern Europe; the Mediterranean region including 

northern Africa, Egypt, Greece, Spain, Portugal; Mexico; Brazil; western Asia, Southeast Asia including 

China, Malaya, Bangladesh, Burma and Japan; Caucasus, Soviet Middle Asia; the West Indies including 

Bermuda; tropical Africa; occasionally grown in the Bahamas, warm areas of Central (Honduras) and South 

America; cultivated and naturalized elsewhere. A good crop produces approximately 10 tonnes per hectare 

or 100 to 200 fruit per tree (GRIN, MORTON, PERENNIAL, LORENZI, BARWICK, LOVE, MORTON, 

ECOCROP).

6. Use: Mainly beverages with some fresh fruit consumption. The aggregate of berry-like pulp is consumed 

raw in salads; boundary/barrier/support, ornamental, medicinal purposes, bonsai; fruit can be dried, 

shellaced, and set out as a decoration; the rind is used in tanning leather and the preparation of black ink; 

leaves are used to make ink; the rind and flowers are used to produce dyes for textiles; an insecticide is made 

from the bark; wood is used to make tools (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Interior pulp (flesh and seed)

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (F0I 355) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, MELNICOE 1996e, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI,

BARWICK, LOVE, MORTON, CRFG, NM, ECOCROP, VT.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PUNGR
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1. Poshte

Annonaceae

Annona liebmanniana Baill. [(syn: Annona scleroderma Saff., Annona testudinea Saff. (GRIN))]

2. A tropical, vigorous, tall tree that reaches a height of 15 to 20 meters (49 to 66 feet). Native to Mexico and 

Guatemala. Trees grown in the sun have a lower, more compact habit. Leaves are large, thick, tough, shiny 

on the upper side, slightly pubescent on the underside, lace-like, lanceolate to oblong in shape and 10 to 25 

centimeters (4 to 10 inches) long by 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) wide. Petioles are fragile and 3 

centimeters (1.2 inches) long. Greenish-yellow to cinnamon-brown flowers are small and contain outer 

petals with a longitudinal prominence which arise in the small branches or in groups in the old part of the 

thick branches. Flowers occur on previous years’ outgrowth. Dull green fruit is solitary to clustered (in 

compact spherical groups), round to roundish oblate in shape, and 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in 

diameter. The leathery, thick, hard, tough skin (shell) surface varies. Skin can contain areoles that are 

marked by raised edges which form a hexagon, areoles with reduced edges to a crisscross of brown lines on 

a smooth, green surface, a central prominence on each areole, well developed edges and prominences on the 

areoles, or an irregular, corrugated surface. Fruit skin thickness is usually 0.3 centimeters (0.1 inch), but can 

vary. Smooth-skinned varieties contain thicker, tougher skin. Pacific varieties are green or green with 

brown spots, while Atlantic varieties have thicker reddish green skin. Pulp is white, cream, or creamy grey 

in color, creamy and soft in texture. The flavor is sweet to bittersweet and resembles that of Casimiroa 

edulis. The flavor has been described as a combination of banana and pineapple. Each fruit contains seeds 

within the pulp that are of the same size as those of cherimoya. One of the least known fruit trees of the 

genus Annona (PERENNIAL, FAO, ECOCROP, POPENOE, FRUITANDNUT).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Trees produce fruit from late December to April, with a maximum yield around the 

beginning of February. Harvesting occurs in four years from seed (when trees reach a height of 4 to 

6 meters (13 to 20 feet)) (FAO). 

b. Cultivation: Requires a tropical climate and low to medium elevations of 300 to 1,000 meters 

(984 to 3,281 feet). Fruit is grown mainly in southwestern Guatemala on the Pacific slopes that 

contain fertile volcanic soils, a short dry season, and an annual rainfall of approximately 400 

centimeters (157 inches). Grows on both the Atlantic and Pacific slopes. Does not tolerate wind. 

Propagation is by seed and grafting. Seeds that have been stored for approximately 2 weeks 

germinate in approximately one month. Seeds that have been stored for two to three months 

germinate within 6 months. No special treatment increases germination rate. Young plants may 

require shade. Pruning should be done to create a wide crown. Fruit do not turn color, but fall from 

the tree when ripe. Compared to other Annona species, the fruit skin is tough, allowing for more 

handling during harvesting and shipping. Fruit are also less likely to be attacked by insects. Fruit 

has the potential to become an export item and product for wide local consumption. However, the 

height of the tree, defoliation by wind, and fruit damage caused by birds presents issues 

(PERENNIAL, FAO).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Sold in Guatemalan markets (FAO).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh; used in desserts. To consume, fruit is cut in half 

and pulp is scooped out with a spoon (PERENNIAL, FAO).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit of the Annonaceae family is high in carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, 

phosphorus, iron, thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin. Some fruit are rich in magnesium, ascorbic acid 

and carotene (BERMEJO).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Experimental species grown in Florida (FAO).

5. Other commercial production regions: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico; introduced into Australia; 

fruit are high-yielding (GRIN, FAO).

6. Use: Fruit (GRIN).
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7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Interior pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, FAO, ECOCROP, POPENOE, FRUITANDNUT, 

BERMEJO.

11. Production map: No specific entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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492

1. Prickly-pear [(Chumbo, Barbary-fig, Indian-fig, Indian-fig prickly-pear, mission cactus, mission 

prickly-pear, smooth mountain prickly-pear, smooth prickly-pear, spineless cactus, sweet prickly-pear, 

tuberous prickly-pear, tuna cactus, boereturksvy, grootdoringturksvy, figuier d’Inde, figuier de Barbarie, 

Feigenkaktus, figo-da-Índia, figo-da-Espanha, figueira-da-Barbária, jamaracá, jurumbeba, orelha-de-onça, 

palma-de-gado, palma-gigante, chumba, chumbera, higuera, nopal de Castilla, nopal pelón, tuna, tuna de 

Castilla, tuna mansa (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Cactaceae

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. [(syn: Cactus decumanus Willd., Cactus ficus-indica L. (basionym), 

Opuntia amyclaea Ten., Opuntia cordobensis Speg., Opuntia decumana (Willd.) Haw., Opuntia 

ficus-indica var. gymnocarpa (F. A. C. Weber) Speg., Opuntia gymnocarpa F. A. C. Weber, 

Opuntia hispanica Griffiths, Opuntia maxima Mill., Opuntia megacantha Salm-Dyck, Opuntia 

paraguayensis K. Schum. (GRIN))] 

1. Prickly-pear, Texas [(chenille prickly-pear, Lindheimer prickly-pear, nopal prickly-pear, small 

round-leaf prickly-pear, klein rondeblaarturksvy, cacanapo (GRIN))]

Opuntia engelmannii Salm-Dyck ex Engelm. var. lindheimeri (Engelm.) B. D. Parfitt & Pinkava

[(syn: Opuntia lindheimeri Engelm. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. Opuntia ficus-indica is a large, segmented, branched, succulent, spiny shrub (cactus) that grows to a

height of 2 to 5 meters (7 to 16 feet) and a width of 3 meters (10 feet). Native to Mexico. Domestication of 

the plant occurred over 9,000 years ago. Roots are shallow and measure 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches). 

A woody stem is formed from old pads or cladodes. Dull green to grey cladodes are large, flat, pad-like, 

succulent stem segments which are branched, leaf-like, oblong, ovate, or broadly obovate in shape, and 25 to 

60 centimeters (10 to 24 inches) long by 20 to 40 centimeters (8 to 16 inches) wide. Margins are entire. 

Cladodes can hold large amounts of water. New cladodes are produced in a single flush on the terminal 

cladodes in the spring. Cladodes contain areoles (similar to lateral buds) that are spaced a few centimeters 

apart and contain 1 to 6 white or yellowish spines (measuring 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long) and 

glochids. Each cladode can contain a few hundred areoles. Each areole can produce one flower that occurs 

near the apex (perimeter) of a cladode. Yellow or orange flowers are solitary, large, cup-shaped, and range 

in size from 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in diameter. Flowers open for only one day to limit water loss. 

Individual flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs, an inferior ovary that occurs beneath 

the perianth parts and spirally-arranged yellow stamens, 150 to 400 ovules, a thickened greenish style and a 

stigma. Flowers can be self-pollinated. Most fruit is produced on 1 year old cladodes at the top and 

periphery of the plant. Each cladode can produce 4 to 20 fruit. Purple, red-purple, yellow-orange, 

greenish-orange, greenish or red fruit is a berry that is pear-shaped, roundish, or barrel-shaped, and 4 to 10 

centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) long by 4 to 9 centimeters (1.6 to 3.5 inches) in diameter. The skin contains 

spines and glochids. The pulp is red, red-purple, yellow-orange, or greenish in color, fleshy, watery, and 

succulent. The flavor is sweet to slightly acidic and resembles watermelon. Fruit contains 150 to 400 hard 

edible seeds that are similar in size and texture to those in grapes. Some countries regard the plant as an 

invasive noxious weed. 

Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri is a thicket-forming, heavy-bodied shrub (cactus) that can 

grow to a height of 0.9 to 3 meters (3 to 9 feet) and a width of 1.5 to 2.4 meters (5 to 8 feet). Native to the U.S. 

The trunk is cylindrical and can be erect to spreading. Cladodes (joints) are green to bluish green in color, 

obovate, subcircular, round, oval or orbicular in shape, asymmetrical, flat, waxy, juicy, and 15 to 30 by 12.5 

to 25 centimeters (6 to 12 by 5 to 10 inches) in size. Tubercles are 3.8 to 6.4 centimeters (1.5 to 2.5 inches) 

apart. Cladodes contain dense tufts of minute yellow to brown barbed glochids (0.3 centimeter (0.1 inch) 

long) and 1 to 6 translucent, yellow, creamy white, brown or black spines (up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inch) long) 

per areole. Some varieties are spineless. Red, yellow or orange flowers are bowl-shaped, contain one pistil, 

many yellow stamens, many greenish-yellow sepals, and measure 5 to 13 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) wide. 

Most flowers are crowded on the edge of the cladodes. Red to purple fruit (tuna) is variable in shape and size. 

The thick rind is covered with scattered tufts of glochids and small areoles. The skin is thin. Pulp is juicy. 

Fruit contain many seeds (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, VAN WYK, ARIZONA, PIER, PLANTS 
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FOR A FUTURE, AGGIE-HORT, WILDFLOWER, OKLAHOMA, EFLORAS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from the end of winter to summer. Fruiting occurs in the summer, but 

can be timed by low wintertime temperatures, the application of fertilizers, or the removal of the spring flush 

of flower buds. Bud removal can lead to a second flowering and the production of fruit in November and 

December. Shade and gibberellic acid can inhibit flower-bud initiation. Flower opening to fruit maturity 

occurs in approximately 70 to 150 days. Fruit production occurs in 5 to 6 years from seed and 2 to 3 years 

from cuttings. Trees can bear fruit for 30 to 40 years. 

Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri flowering occurs from spring (March) to June in Texas, and other

Southwestern states. Fruit ripens from July to September (PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGGIE-HORT, 

EFLORAS). 

b. Cultivation: Requires subtropical, tropical, or cool, semiarid climate with mild, cool winters and 

hot summers (with temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F)), an annual rainfall of 25 to 60 centimeters 

(10 to 24 inches), full sun, and well-drained sandy soils, soils of low clay and sodium content, or 

calcareous soil. Naturalized in dry disturbed habitats. A higher pH is preferred in wetter areas. A 

lower pH is tolerated in drier areas. Thrives in USDA zones 8b to 10. Tolerates drought, high 

temperatures, wind, a wide range of climates, and rocky or sandy soils of low fertility. Does not 

tolerate freezing temperatures, very acid soils, wet conditions or excessive moisture. Propagation is 

by seed, tissue culture and cuttings. Cuttings are used in commercial practices. Stem segments 

(pads) with one to three cladodes are selected during late spring to early summer. Detached 

cladodes are dried for 1 to 3 weeks before planting to minimize fungal infections. The basal cladode 

should be planted upright, with 30 to 50 percent of its surface area in the soil and spaced 30 to 40 

centimeters (12 to 16 inches) apart. New roots will develop from the areoles in 2 weeks. No 

irrigation is required for establishment. Vegetative propagation can also be done with flower buds 

and fruit. For commercial production, plants are planted in a rectangular grid or in rows oriented 

north-south. Spacing for fruit production should be 3 by 4 meters (10 by 13 feet) or 400 to 1,600 

plants per hectare. Light irrigation and fertilization aids production. Pruning and shaping is used to 

facilitate movement of equipment between plants and fruit picking. Thinning of flower buds can 

produce larger fruit. Fruit ripening is favored by temperatures above 25 °C (77 °F). Temperatures 

below 15 °C (59 °F) delay fruit ripening and extend the harvest period. Fruit are harvested over a 2 

to 6 week period that is accomplished by multiple pickings. Fruit is harvested with gloved hands 

and knives just after the peel color changes from green to its final color. Fruit are harvested on the 

outer portions of the canopy. A small piece of the underlying cladode is removed with the fruit to 

prolong fruit shelf life. During processing, the cladode is removed, a de-prickling machine removes 

the spines and sizes are sorted. Fruit can be stored for 2 to 6 weeks at temperatures near 5 °C (41 °F). 

Pads are harvested twice per year. Commercially the most important cactus species. Fruit is 

cultivated in more than 20 countries.

Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri requires full sun, elevations of up to 1,900 meters (6,234 feet), 

well-drained acid to neutral sand, gravel, loam, clay, or caliche soil, low annual precipitation, and 

dry conditions. Grown in drier areas including rock outcrops and stony limestone soils of south and 

central Texas, Mexico, and New Mexico. Also grown in the plains, shrublands and woodlands. 

Thrives in USDA zones 8 to 10. Tolerates heat, part shade and cold (10 °F or -12 °C). Propagated 

by seeds and cuttings (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, ARIZONA, PIER, RANGAHAU, 

DESERT TROPICALS, AGGIE-HORT, WILDFLOWERS, and OKLAHOMA).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit and young stems are sold in informal street markets by 

street vendors in South America and in major markets throughout the world including Europe. The 

most important markets in Mexico are near Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Fruit from 

many species of Opuntia are sold in informal markets in Mexico, Africa, the Middle East, Central 

and South America and Southern Europe. 

(JANICK, VAN WYK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Most pulp is consumed fresh after chilling. Care must be taken to 
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remove the spines and glochids (fine spines). Glochids are usually removed by mechanical brushing. 

Pulp can be removed by gripping the fruit on the two ends and cutting out the pulp, which is the size 

of a golf ball. Lime or lemon juice can add flavor to fresh fruit. Pulp can be dried or cooked and 

made into jelly, candy and preserves; pulp is used in ice cream, milkshakes, fruit salads, compotes, 

sorbets, puree, jams, marmalades, wines, and soft drinks. Pulp is also added to some Indian and 

Mexican savory dishes. Flowers are sometimes consumed raw. Seeds are swallowed whole while 

eating the fruit or consumed after drying, roasting, or grinding. Immature young stems (pads) are 

consumed as vegetables (cooked and used like French beans) or pickles. 

Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri fruit are consumed raw. Fruit can be processed into preserves, 

syrups, fermented juice, tuna cheese, and tea (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, PLANTS FOR 

A FUTURE, AGGIE-HORT).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit are high in vitamin C and nicotinamide and minerals including calcium 

and magnesium; fruit contain no fat. The plant has antioxidant properties. 

Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri: older pads contain oxalic acid that can cause poisoning when 

consumed excessively (JANICK, VAN WYK, RANGAHAU, AGGIE-HORT).

f. Medicinal aspects: Pads, flowers and fruit are used for medicinal purposes. Plants are used to 

treat kidney ailments, burns and diabetes; diuretic, analgesic, cardiotonic, laxative, and antiparasitic 

properties. Juice is used to treat nausea, fever, and ulcers. Roasted fruit is used to cure coughs. The 

rind is used to cure kidney diseases. Flowers and stems are antispasmodic, diuretic and emollient. 

Flowers are astringent and used to reduce bleeding and treat stomach problems. 

Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri fruit is made into tea that is used to cure gallstones. Tender

young cladodes (joints) are used as poultices to reduce swelling (JANICK, RANGAHAU, 

AGGIE-HORT).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Opuntia ficus-indica: California, Arizona, Texas, Hawaii; grown widely in home 

gardens and widely cultivated and naturalized in small commercial plantings in southwestern and southern 

U.S.; Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri: distributional range includes Oklahoma, Louisiana, 

Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, California, Arizona, and Texas (GRIN, MARKLE, 

PIER, TRADE WINDS, AGGIE-HORT, WILDFLOWERS). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Opuntia ficus-indica: Chile and Mexico supply most of the US 

imports; widely cultivated and naturalized in South America including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, 

Peru, Bolivia; Central America; S. Europe, the Mediterranean including Italy, Sicily, North Africa, Spain, 

Greece; Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Egypt; Africa including South Africa, Ethiopia, Algeria, Morocco and 

Tunisia; Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, and Macaronesia. Approximately 100,000 hectares 

(247,105 acres) are used for fruit production in commercial plantations worldwide. Mexico, which is the 

greatest consumer of the fruit, produces approximately 400,000 tonnes (440,925 tons) fresh mass of fruit per 

year on more than 70,000 hectares (172,974 acres). Mexico exports more than 2,000 tonnes (2,205 tons) of 

fruit annually, mostly to the U.S. Italy (Sicily) is the second most important country for producing the fruit. 

Italy contains 3,500 hectares (8,649 acres) of intensively managed plantations that produce approximately 

70,000 tonnes (77,162 tons) of fruit annually. An additional 10,000 plus hectares (24,711 acres) produce 

some fruit. Other countries including Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and Tunisia grow over 1,000 hectares 

(2,471 acres) for fruit production. Major production also occurs in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Spain, 

Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Ethiopia, Algeria, Morocco, and the U.S. The plant is cultivated on 

over 1.6 million hectares (3,953,686 acres) for forage and fodder. Fruit yields vary and range from 4 tonnes 

(4.4 tons) of fruit fresh mass/year/hectare (non-irrigated, marginal regions) to 30 tonnes (33 tons) 

/year/hectare (intensive management). Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri: naturalized in South Africa 

and Mexico including the Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts (GRIN, LOGAN 1996, JANICK, 

RANGAHAU, AGGIE-HORT, WILDFLOWERS, EFLORAS).

6. Use: Opuntia ficus-indica: Fruit used for mostly fresh eating; however, it can be made into preserves, 

candies or dried. Young cacti cladodes (pads) can be mixed with other ingredients to make relish (salsa) or 

used as livestock feed. Also the young pads are boiled and used like snap beans in salads and soups; gum 
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from the stem is used to make candles and other products; ornamental, fence or barrier plant, beverage base, 

fuelwood; host plant of cochineal, a mealy bug that produces a valuable red vegetable dye known as carmine; 

medicinal purposes, weed; Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri: Fruit; commercial alcohol is made from 

the sap of the stems; ornamental, forage, weed; juice from the cladodes is used in candle making (GRIN, 

MARKLE, VAN WYK, ARIZONA, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, AGGIE-HORT).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit with spines and skin removed and cacti pads.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit and young cacti leaves

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel and Stalk, Stem and Petiole

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI0356 and FI 4133) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, LOGAN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, VAN WYK, 

ARIZONA, PIER, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, RANGAHAU, DESERT TROPICALS, TRADE WINDS, 

EFLORAS, AGGIE-HORT, WILDFLOWER, OKLAHOMA.

11.Production Map: EPA Crop Production Regions 6, 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: OPUFI (O. ficus-indica), OPULI (listed as O. lindheimeri ENGELM.)
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494

1. Pulasan [(Kapoelasan (MARKLE))]

Sapindaceae

Nephelium ramboutan-ake (Labill.) Leenh. [(syn: Litchi ramboutan-ake Labill. (basionym), 

Nephelium mutabile Blume (GRIN))]

2. A small tree that grows to a height of 9 to 15 meters (30 to 49 feet). Trees rarely grow to a height of 24 

meters (79 feet). Native to Southeast Asia, specifically Myanmar and the Malaysian peninsula. The trunk is 

short, 30.5 to 41 centimeters (12 to 16 inches) thick and up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) in diameter. 

Buttresses are up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall. Wood is light red, hard and heavy. The crown is wide and 

rounded. Dark green to bluish leaves are alternate, pinnate to odd-pinnate, slightly wavy, and barely glossy 

above, hairy underneath, pale, and 17 to 45 centimeters (7 to 18 inches) long. Leaves consist of two to five 

pairs of opposite leaflets that are oblong to elliptic-lanceolate in shape, pointed at the tip, and 5 to 17.5 

centimeters (2 to 7 inches) long by 1.5 to 5 centimeters (0.6 to 2 inches) wide. Petioles are 3 to 9 centimeters 

(1.2 to 3.5 inches) long. Petiolules are 0.2 to 0.4 centimeters (0.08 to 0.2 inch). Greenish flowers are very 

small and are borne singly or in clusters on the branches of the erect, axillary or terminal panicles. Panicles 

contain yellowish to brownish hairs. Flowers are petal less, contain 4 to 5 hairy sepals can contain male and 

female reproductive organs or just one type of reproductive organ. Hermaphroditic female flowers contain 5 

to 8 stamens, a pistil with a bilobed ovary and, a single style topped with a stigma. Male flowers contain 5 to 

8 stamens. Yellow, purple, or light to dark red fruit can be produced without fertilization. Fruit occur

solitary or in clusters of 3 to 5, is globose, ellipsoid, subglobular, or ovoid in shape, and measures 3 to 7.5 

centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) long by 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches) wide by 50 to 80 grams (2 to 3 

ounces) in weight. Skin is thick, leathery, and covered with short, thick, fleshy stubby, straight spines (1 

centimeter (0.375 inch) long) or conical, blunt-tipped tubercles. 1 to 2 small, undeveloped fruits may occur 

close to the stem. Pulp (aril) is white to yellowish-white in color, translucent, juicy and up to 1 centimeter 

(0.375 inch) thick. The flavor is subacid to sweet. Compared to rambutan, pulasan fruit are larger, have 

smaller spines, have a larger fruit stem, and are less juicy and tasty. Pulasan fruit are also sweeter. Each fruit 

contains an ovoid, oblong or ellipsoid, light brown to grayish-brown, flattened seed that measures 2 to 3.5 

centimeters (0.8 to 1.4 inch) long. Some fruit contain under-developed seeds (MANSFELD, PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, MONTOSO, POPENOE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In Hawaii, flowering occurs twice per year (February to March and August to October). 

In Southeast Asia, flowering occurs from June to August. In Hawaii, fruiting occurs spring and 

autumn (same as the rambutan). Fruiting occurs October to December in Malaysia and April to May 

in Thailand. Fruit mature at about 32 weeks after anthesis. Trees from grafts produce fruit in 3 to 5 

years (JANICK, MONTOSO).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet, very humid ultra-tropical lowlands, elevations of 110 to 350 

meters (361 to 1,148 feet), moist, well-drained, rich sand or clay soil, and an annual rainfall of 300 

centimeters (118 inches). Trees bear fruit more profusely after a long dry season. Similar to 

rambutan in climatic requirements. Grows best in lowland primary forests and riverbanks. Rarely 

grows in swamps. Tolerates brief periods of drought. Compared to rambutan, pulasan is not 

tolerant of high light levels during establishment. Does not tolerate frost. Propagated by seed, 

layering, budding and grafting. Seeds should be sown fresh and should not be allowed to dry out. 

Germination occurs in 10 to 15 days. Propagation by seed is not favored, since seedlings may be 

male or female. Air layers are short lived. Grafting and budding is difficult, and is best done in the 

rainy season on rootstocks already set out in the field. Plants should be spaced 8 to 10 meters (26 to 

33 feet). Pruning after harvesting is required to maintain the tree size. Trees should be fertilized 

similar to rambutan. Heavy or inconsistent rainfall can cause fruit to crack. Mostly cultivated in 

Malaysia and Thailand (MANSFELD, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, MONTOSO, TRADE 

WINDS).
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c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is not commonly seen in the market, but is superior to 

rambutan. Fruit is sold in markets in Costa Rica and Singapore (JANICK, MORTON, POPENOE).

d. Preparation for cooking: The aril is consumed fresh; can be cooked. Pulp is used in jams and 

desserts; can be made into juice. Seeds can be boiled or roasted and prepared into a cocoa-like drink; 

seeds can yield an edible oil (MANSFELD, PERENNIAL, MONTOSO).

e. Nutritional aspects: The fruit is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamin C and calcium. Dried 

seed kernels contain a solid white fat (JANICK, ECOCROP).

f. Medicinal aspects: Leaves and roots are used in poultices. A root decoction is given to reduce 

fevers, and expel intestinal worms (MANSFELD, JANICK).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: The plant requires ultra-tropical conditions, which limits its production to extreme 

South Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico (MARKLE).

5. Other production regions: Costa Rica, Honduras; Southeast Asia including Malaya, Thailand, Singapore, 

Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Moluccas, India, Myanmar, Assam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Philippines; 

Northern Australia; also cultivated (GRIN, MORTON, ROY 1995, MANSFELD, MORTON, 

AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: Pulp eaten fresh or stewed, canned, or preserved into jams and jellies. Seeds can be boiled or roasted 

and used to make beverages; seeds yield oil; oil can be used in cooking, fuel or soap making; wood; 

ornamental (MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp and seeds

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0357) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Lychee = pulasan

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, ROY, MARKLE, MANSFELD, PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

AGROFORESTRY, MONTOSO, POPENOE, ECOCROP, TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: NEEMU (listed as Nephelium mutabile BLUME)
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1. Quandong [(sweet quandong (GRIN))]

Santalaceae

Santalum acuminatum (R. Br.) DC. [(syn: Eucarya acuminata (R. Br.) Sprague & Summerh., 

Fusanus acuminatus R. Br. (basionym), Mida acuminata (R. Br.) Kuntze (GRIN))]

2. A parasitic, small, evergreen shrub, bush, or tree that grows to a height and width of 1 to 10 meters (3 to 33 

feet). Native to Australia. Quandong requires a host plant (or plants) growing nearby in order to thrive. 

Trees have a modified root structure called a haustorium, which attaches to a host root and extracts xylem. 

Roots can extend approximately 10 meters (33 feet). Wood is hard, heavy, and close-grained. Bark is gray. 

Branchlets are pendulous. Olive-green, gray-green, or yellow-green leaves are simple, leathery, opposite, 

lance-shaped to ovate with a sickle-like curve, slender, pointed at the tip, and 3 to 12 centimeters (1.2 to 5 

inches) long by 0.3 to 1.5 centimeters (0.1 to 0.6 inch) wide. The leaf stalk is 0.5 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 

inch) long. Flowers occur in clusters and form racemes on the ends of branches. Individual flowers are 

creamy white to creamy-green and orange/red/brown in color, fragrant, small, and 0.2 to 0.4 centimeters 

(0.08 to 0.16 inch) long. Flowers can contain both male and female reproductive organs. Red fruit is a drupe 

that is small, globe-shaped, and approximately 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) wide. Immature fruit are 

green in color. The skin is shiny to waxy. The pulp is white to brown in color, fleshy, dry, and 0.3 to 0.5 

centimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inch) thick. The flavor is similar to a combination of tart apricots or peaches, rhubarb, 

and cinnamon. Some fruit can be tart to sour. Seeds are spherical, 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter, and 

protected by a hard, wrinkled, woody shell. Fruit have been valued for over 40 million years by Europeans 

and Aboriginals. Fruit is highly desired in Australia and is an important “bush food” in the drier areas of 

Australia (NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, ANBG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, ASGAP, ECOCROP, NTG, 

FRUITANDNUT, BGT, ECOPORT, AUSBUSHFOODS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering can occur throughout the year but mainly occurs during late summer or 

October to March, depending upon the growing region. Fruiting occurs from early spring to 

summer in some locations and August to December in other locations. Fruiting occurs in 3 to 5 

years from seed (NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, ANBG, ECOCROP, NTG, BGT, ECOPORT, 

AUSBUSHFOODS).

b. Cultivation: Requires nutrient poor, free draining sandy or loamy soils, semi-arid to arid climate, 

rainfall of 15 to 60 centimeters (6 to 24 inches), dry conditions, and full sun. Tolerates a wide 

variety of habitats including the dry interior, light woodlands, dune swales, gravely ridges, creek 

banks, plains and low rises, and hills. Tolerates drought, frost, limestone, semi-shade, a wide range 

of soils including sand, loam and clay, and saline conditions. Does not tolerate wind, water-logging, 

or heavy-textured soils. Propagation is by seed and grafting. Seed germination is difficult. In order 

to promote proper germination, the seed should be aged for a period of 1 to 3 years and the seed coat 

should be broken. With these practices, germination will occur in 1 to 4 months at a temperature of 

15 °C (59 °F). Seeds are best sown during the winter. When the cotyledons harden, the seedling 

should be potted and given fertilizer. Two host plants such as clover (Trifolium spp.) and couch 

grass (Cynodon dactylon) should be transplanted into the pot when transplanting the seedling. 

Seedlings should be planted a few meters from surrounding trees. Young trees require moisture, 

wind protection, and shade. Fruit should be harvested as soon as the skin changes color. After 

harvesting, fruit are halved, de-stoned, and the flesh is processed or stored as a dehydrated or frozen 

product. Cultivation is difficult. However, fruit is cultivated in several orchards across Australia. 

Fruit are also harvested from the wild (NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, ANBG, PLANTS FOR A 

FUTURE, ASGAP, NTG, BGT, ECOPORT, AUSBUSHFOODS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in local markets. Approximately 25 tonnes (27 tons) 

of fruit are sold each year. Fruit is mostly sold cut and dried. Products from the fruit can be 

purchased throughout Australia. Fruit has a huge potential for developing both domestic and 

international markets (NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, ANBG, ASGAP, ECOPORT).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit can be consumed fresh, but are usually cooked, frozen, or dried. 
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Fruit is mostly used in jams. Fruit can also be added to cakes; used to make pie fillings, tarts, jellies, 

fruit leather, cordial, chutney, ketchup, and sauces for meat or ice cream. Dried fruit can be 

reconstituted in liquid and used in many recipes. Fruit can also be used as a flavoring. The seed is 

edible and can be eaten raw and salted, roasted in coconut oil, or ground into flour. Seeds have a 

nutty flavor and are added to desserts, savory sauces or crumb toppings (NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, ECOCROP, FRUITANDNUT, BGT, 

AUSBUSHFOODS).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit are rich in vitamin C. The seed is nutritious and high in fat and protein 

(NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, FRUITANDNUT, 

AUSBUSHFOODS).

f. Medicinal aspects: The kernel of the fruit is used for medicinal purposes. The fruit skin is placed 

on sores and boils (NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other commercial production regions: Australia including southwestern and central Australia, 

Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and Victoria. A mature tree can produce 

approximately 10 to 23 kilograms (22 to 51 pounds) of fruit (GRIN, NTG).

6. Use: Fruit, beads; tannin from the bark; seed is rich in oil and burns well; wood is used to make furniture; 

firewood (GRIN, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, ECOCROP). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel. 

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel 

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, ANBG, PLANTS FOR A FUTURE, 

ASGAP, ECOCROP, NTG, FRUITANDNUT, BGT, ECOPORT, AUSBUSHFOODS.

11. Production map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: EWCAC
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505

1. Rambutan [(litchi chevelu, ramboutan, rambutão (GRIN))]

Sapindaceae

Nephelium lappaceum L. [(syn: Dimocarpus crinita Lour., Euphoria glabra Blume, Euphoria 

nephelium Poir., Nephelium glabrum (Blume) Cambess., Nephelium mutabile var. pallens Hiern, 

Nephelium xanthioides Radlk.(GRIN))]

2. A bushy, spreading to upright evergreen tree that grows to a height of 5 to 25 meters (16 to 82 feet). 

Native to Southeast Asia, particularly peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, Indonesia. The trunk is straight and 

60 centimeters (24 inches) wide. Wood is reddish, dense and hard. Bark is wrinkled and greyish to red in 

color. The crown is open, wide, dense, and spreading. Leaves are evergreen, alternate, alternate elliptic, 

oblong-elliptic, ovate, or obovate in shape, pinnately compound, divided into 1 to 7 pairs of leaflets, and 2 to 

40 centimeters (0.8 to 16 inches) long by 2 to 10.5 centimeters (0.8 to 4 inches) wide. The rachis is reddish 

and hairy when young. Leaflets are pale when young, yellowish-green to dark green and dull on the upper 

surface when older, yellowish to bluish-green beneath when older, sub-opposite to alternate, subsessile, 

papery to leathery, elliptic, oblong-elliptic, or obovate in shape, oblique at the base, and 5 to 25 centimeters 

(2 to 10 inches) long by 2.5 to 11.0 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) wide. Flowers are small, petal-less, greenish, 

yellow or white in color, less than 0.6 centimeters (0.2 inch) wide and contain 4 to 6 sepals (0.07 to 2.1 

centimeters (0.03 to 0.8 inch) long), and a complete disk. Flowers (approximately 500 to 3,000 per cluster) 

are borne on hairy branched panicles at the ends of the branches in axillary or terminal positions. Three 

types of flowers exist: males (producing only staminate flowers), hermaphrodites functioning as males, and 

hermaphrodites functioning as females. Male functional flowers have 5 to 8 well-developed stamens and 

pistils that fail to function normally. Female functional flowers have well-developed pistils with 

non-functional stamens. Hermaphrodite flowers contain a prominent bifed syle and 5 to 7 staminodes. 

There are separate male and hermaphrodite trees. The quantity of fruit produced increases when all three 

flower types are planted near each other. Pollination is achieved by insects. Yellow, orange, pinkish red, 

bright to deep red, orange-red, maroon, dark purple, yellowish red, or orange-yellow fruit are drupes that 

occur in clusters of 5 to 18 on woody stalks and are large, ovoid, ellipsoid, subglobular, or globose in shape, 

somewhat flattened, and 3.4 to 8 centimeters (1.3 to 3 inches) long by 2.5 to 3.7 centimeters (1 to 1.5 inches) 

wide by 25 to 45 grams (0.9 to 1.6 ounces) in weight. 1 to 2 small undeveloped fruits may occur close to the 

stem of mature fruit. The skin is leathery, thin, tough, shell-like, 0.2 to 0.4 centimeters (0.08 to 0.2 inch) 

thick, and covered with long, curling soft spines or tubercles and long, fleshy, soft, rigid, red, pinkish or 

yellow spine/hair (measuring 0.5 to 2 centimeters (0.2 to 0.8 inch)). The skin cracks away easily to reveal 

pulp that is white to rose-tinted, crisp to juicy, creamy, succulent, translucent, and 0.4 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 

to 0.3 inch) thick. The flavor is sweet, acid or subacid. Each fruit contains a flattened, ovoid to oblong, 

whitish seed that is 2.5 to 3.4 centimeters (1 to 1.3 inch) long by 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) wide. 

There are several varieties. Popular cultivars include ‘Jitlee’, ‘Binjai’, Silengkeng, ‘Rongrein’, ‘R9’, and 

‘R137’ (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, CULL, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, 

ECOCROP, AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering and fruiting times depend on the region the tree is grown. In some areas, 

flowering occurs at the end of the dry season. In these locations, the dry period must last at least 1 

month to initiate flowering. Flowering occurs in the Philippines from late March to early May. 

Flowering occurs in the dry tropics in Australia after the onset of cool nights, from July to August. 

Flowering occurs in the wet tropics throughout the year, regardless of climate. Main flowering in 

the wet tropics occurs from September to October, following the short dry season. Flowering occurs 

December to February in Brazil. Fruiting generally occurs during the wet season (summer). A 

second smaller crop can occur that year (winter) on branches that did not bear fruit in the previous 

fruiting. Fruiting occurs from May to June in Thailand and is initiated by a drop in night 

temperatures of 2 to 3 °C (36 to 37 °F) and the onset of the dry season. Fruiting occurs during the 

summer in Brazil, June and December in Malaysia, July to November in the Philippines and 

mid-summer in Australia. Fruit development takes three months in warm areas and five months in 
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cooler areas. Fruiting occurs from seed in 5 to 6 years and 3 to 4 years from grafting or layers 

(JANICK, LORENZI, BARWICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid, wet tropical climates, full sun, elevations of sea level to 549 

meters (0 to 1,800 feet), evenly distributed high rainfall of 200 to 300 centimeters (79 to 118 inches), 

low evaporation rates, minimum temperatures above 10 °C (50 °F), and average temperatures of 22 

to 35 °C (72 to 95 °F). Prefers deep, well-drained, loam, rich sandy loam, or clay loam soils and a 

pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Grown in lowlands and primary/secondary forests (dryland or swamps) as a lower 

or middle story tree. Thrives in USDA zones 10 to 12. Tolerant of drier environments and climates 

with 2 to 3 dry months when irrigation is available, and a wide range of well-drained soils including 

sands and sandy loams. Not tolerant of frost, salt, high wind, high pH soils, and water logging. 

Propagation is by seed, layering, budding and grafting. Seed must be planted directly after being 

removed from the fruit. Germination occurs in 7 to 25 days. Trees produced from seed are highly

variable and result in a high proportion of male flowering trees. Vegetative propagation is used to 

produce female flowering trees. Grafting produces poor results. Modified forkert or patch budding 

is the technique used most by commercial propagators. Grafting should be done during the active 

growing period (rainy season). Budding should be done when conditions are warm but drier. 

Budded or grafted trees are planted in the field within 12 to 24 months. Air layering is also 

becoming a popular technique. Air layered trees should be removed from the tree within 3 to 4 

months of girdling and established in pots for 3 to 6 months prior to field planting. Young trees 

require shade. In the field, trees should be spaced 10 to 13 meters (33 to 43 feet) apart. Windbreaks 

are needed in the field. For commercial purposes, irrigation is required. Water stress causes a 

reduction in yield and fruit size. Training young trees establishes a strong framework of branches. 

Annual pruning should be done to remove water sprouts, disease-infected shoots, and dead branches. 

Fertilization aids growth. Trees can produce well for 15 to 20 years. Fruit are harvested by cutting 

the entire fruit cluster from the branch or cutting individual fruit with stems when fruit are mature. 

Maturity is based on the fruit’s fullness, flavor, and color development. Fruit do not continue to 

ripen after harvest. After harvest, fruit are graded. Fruit sold in local Asian markets is sold on the 

stalk. Fruit sold in local supermarkets are wrapped individually in plastic and boxed. Fruit can be 

stored for 2 weeks at 10 to 15 °C (50 to 59 °F) at 100% humidity. Widely cultivated (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, CULL, MORTON, ECOCROP, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in markets around the world. UK fruit markets 

receive fruit from Honduras, Indonesia, Malaysia, Panama, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. 

U.S. markets are mainly supplied by Central American growers including Costa Rica, Guatemala, 

Honduras, and Mexico. However, trade is limited by quarantine regulations (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: The aril is mainly consumed fresh by running a knife horizontally 

around the skin to lift off one half of the skin and exposing the flesh. Fruit can be stewed, canned, 

frozen, juiced, and dried; pulp is made into jams, preserves, and jellies. Seeds are sometimes roasted 

and consumed in the Philippines; seed oil is edible (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is high in potassium and some vitamins. The seed is poisonous when

raw (JANICK, MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: The fruit peel, leaves and roots are used medicinally. Unripe fruit is astringent, 

and stomachic; used to expel worms, reduce fevers, and relieve diarrhea/dysentery. Leaves are 

placed on the temples to alleviate headaches. A bark decoction is used to cure thrush. A root 

decoction is used as a fever reducer (BARWICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii. In Hawaii, 24 hectares (60 acres) of rambutan were grown in 1993. Hawaii 

produced 120 tonnes (132 tons) of fruit that was consumed locally and shipped to the U.S. and Canada 

(KAWATE 1995, JANICK)

5. Other commercial production regions: Tropical Southeast Asia, Seychelles, China, Vietnam, Thailand, 

Cambodia, Cameroon, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, India, Surinam, 

New Guinea, tropical Africa, Zanzibar, Madagascar, Liberia, Tanzania, northern Australia, Central & South 
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America, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico; Trinidad, Cuba. 

Major and smaller centers of production do not regularly update production data. Total world production is 

about 1.5 to 2.0 million tonnes (1,653,467 to 2,204,623 tons) per year and varies widely. Over 200,000 

hectares (494,211 acres) are grown. Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia produce 80% of the total world 

production. Australia produces 1,000 tonnes (1,102 tons) of fruit and 100 tonnes (110 tons) of this fruit is 

exported to Japan. Approximately 1,000 to 6,000 fruit are produced per tree per year. Yields are 

approximately 2 to 20 tonnes (2.2 to 22 tons) per hectare (GRIN, MORTON, JANICK, LORENZI, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: Fruit; ornamental; fruit peels and leaves yield a red dye that is used to color batik; wood is used for 

construction; seed oil is used for edible purposes or in making soap and candles (MARKLE, BARWICK, 

MORTON, ECOCROP). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel. 

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI0358) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel 

d. EPA Crop Definition: Lychee = rambutan

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, MORTON, KAWATE 1995, PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, CULL, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, ECOCROP, AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: NEELA
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1. Saguaro [(giant cactus, sage-of-the-desert (GRIN))]

Cactaceae

Carnegiea gigantea (Engelm.) Britton & Rose [(syn: Cereus giganteus Engelm. (basionym) 

(GRIN))]

2. A large, slow-growing, tree-like, branched (when mature), upright, stem succulent that grows to a height 

of 3 to 18 meters (10 to 59 feet). Native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, California and Mexico. The 

largest of the columnar cacti growing in the U.S. Individual plants can weigh up to 8 tonnes (9 tons). The 

taproot is deep, anchoring, and up to 1 meter (3 feet) long. Lateral roots are thin to thick, extensive, shallow, 

and 30.5 centimeters (1 foot) to 30 meters (98 feet) long. Trunks are simple, have smooth, leathery, waxy 

skin, measure 5 to 75 centimeters (2 to 30 inches) in diameter, and contain 12 to 30 vertical ribs (1 to 3 

centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) wide). Ribs contain brown areoles (axillary buds) that produce clusters of 10 

to 30 dense, gray, brown or yellow spines. Spines are downward pointing (to direct rainwater), up to 7 

centimeters (3 inches) long, and spaced 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) apart. Younger spines are stout and sharp. 

Older spines are bristly. Spines aid in cooling and insulating the plant. As the plant ages, ribs at the base of 

the trunk develop dark, woody, corky bark. 13 to 20 internal ribs support the plant. When plants reach 50 to 

100 years of age, lateral erect branches (arms) form. Approximately 1 to 50 branches can form and measure 

30 to 69 centimeters (12 to 27 inches) in diameter. Tips of branches (arms) and trunks contain tissue folds 

and spines for protection. Woody tissue runs parallel up and down the plant to form the cylindrical shape. 

Large, fragrant, waxy, creamy white flowers with yellow centers are borne in rings from areoles at the 

branch and trunk ends. Flowers open at night, and measure 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 5 inches) long and 6.5 

to 12 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) in diameter. Individual flowers contain an ovary with a locule measuring up 

to 2.5 centimeters (1 inch), white, short filaments, tan anthers, hundreds of stamens, a floral tube, a style, a 

nectar chamber, and stigma lobes. Flower tubes contain scales that are broadly triangular to rounded, and 

green with red apices. Plants are primarily pollinated by bats. Purple to red fruit are berries that are oblong, 

cylindrical, or oval in shape, 8 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) long, and up to 8 centimeters (3 inches) in 

diameter. Immature fruit are green. The skin is spiny. The pulp is fleshy and red in color. The flavor is 

sweet. Fruit often split open while attached to the plant. Each fruit contains approximately 2,000 to 2,500 

tiny, 0.3 centimeter (0.1 inch), reddish black seeds. Saguaro is the state flower of Arizona (MEYER, 

PAVEK, EFLORAS, BLUEPLANETBIOMES, UCONN, ARIZONA, SFSU, CACTUS, VT, DESERT 

TROPICALS, DESERT MUSEUM).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs March through June. Later flowering occurs in cooler areas. Fruit is 

produced yearly. Fruit ripen from June through August, before the summer rains. Plants can 

produce fruit after reaching a height of 2 meters (7 feet) and an age of 40. Plants can live over 200 

years (MEYER, PAVEK, BLUEPLANETBIOMES).

b. Cultivation: Prefers elevations of 0 to 1,400 meters (0 to 4,593 feet), low humidity, full sun, a 

warm desert, semiarid to arid continental or arid subtropical climate, bimodal precipitation that falls 

from December to February and July to August (ranging from 15 to 38 centimeters (6 to 15 inches) 

per year), and light, coarse, gravelly to rocky, well-drained soils. Plants have sufficient water and 

energy reserves in the stems. Grown in desert upland communities, gently sloping alluvial flats of 

the lower bajadas, sandy flats, lowlands, foothills, canyons, steep, rocky, high-elevation volcanic 

slopes, and open east and west-facing slopes. Saguaro has the northernmost distribution of any large 

columnar cacti of the tropical and subtropical Americas. The northern limit of its distribution is the 

edge of the Hualapait Mountains in Arizona and along the Colorado River in southeastern California. 

The largest populations occur in Mexico. Thrives in USDA zones 9 to 11. Mature cacti tolerate a 

wide range of habitats. Mature cacti do not tolerate frost, saline conditions, water-logging, high 

winds, fire, temperatures below -5 °C (23 °F), and drought. Seedlings do not tolerate drought, frost, 

poor drainage, overwatering, full sun, and animal damage. Propagation is by seed and offsets. 

Seeds should be separated from the mature pulp using a sieve. Seeds should then be cleaned and 

dried. Germination rate is over 95 percent when seeds are exposed to light for 8 hours at 30 °C 
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(86 °F) and placed on moist blotter paper for 20 days at alternating temperatures of 20 to 30 °C (68 

to 86 °F). Seeds can also be surface-sown on coarse potting medium. Seedlings should be placed in 

a shaded location (in the shelter of a surrounding tree) until reaching a meter in height. When ripe, 

fruit split open and later fall to the ground. Fruit are harvested with long-handled knives before the 

fruits fall. After harvesting, seeds are removed from the fruit by a macerator. Plants do not thrive in 

cultivation and are mostly collected in the wild (MEYER, PAVEK, EFLORAS, UCONN, 

ARIZONA, SFSU, DESERT MUSEUM).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are traded by the Papago Indians (PAVEK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed raw after splitting open and peeling back the skin. 

Fruit can be dried, fermented, or canned. Fruit is used to make confections, wine, syrup, jelly and 

jam. Seeds are ground for use as flour, made into a butter, used in porridges, or used in cakes 

(MEYER, PAVEK, EFLORAS, CACTUS, AZ ARBORETUM).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is nutritious and contains protein and carbohydrates. Seeds are rich in 

fat (PAVEK, DESERT MUSEUM).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Southwestern United States (Arizona, California). Grown from extreme southeastern 

California east to south central Arizona and south into northern Sonora (GRIN, MEYER).

5. Other production regions: Northern Mexico. Each plant can produce over 100 fruit (GRIN, PAVEK).

6. Use: Ornamental, beverage base, fruit, seed for food and forage, fruit are used in spiritual ceremonies; 

wood is used to make fences, homes and firewood; nectar is an important source of honey (GRIN, MEYER, 

PAVEK, CACTUS, AZ ARBORETUM).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MEYER, PAVEK, EFLORAS, BLUEPLANETBIOMES, UCONN, 

ARIZONA, SFSU, CACTUS, VT, DESERT TROPICALS, DESERT MUSEUM, AZ ARBORETUM.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CGZSS for Carnegiea BRITT. & ROSE spec.
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1. Salak [(salak palm, snakefruit (GRIN))]

Arecaceae (alt. Palmae)

Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss [(syn: Calamus zalacca Gaertn. (basionym), Salacca edulis Reinw., 

Salakka edulis Reinw. ex Blume (GRIN))]

2. A small, creeping, tillering, nearly-stemless, rapidly-growing palm that grows to a height of 1 to 5 meters 

(3 to 16 feet). Native to Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia. When the trunk comes in contact with the 

soil, shallow roots are sent out. Roots usually develop directly under the crown. The trunk is short, contains 

short internodes, is mostly a subterranean stolon, and measures 1.5 meters (5 feet) long by 10 to 15 

centimeters (4 to 6 inches) in diameter. Multiple-trunks can form. Basal suckers can form, forming compact 

clumps. Leaves are feather-like pinnate, large, erect, and 3 to 7 meters (10 to 23 feet) long. Leaflets are dark 

green on top, light underneath, 20 to 70 centimeters (8 to 28 inches) long and 2 to 7.5 centimeters (0.8 to 3 

inches) wide. Petioles, midrib margins, and leaflets contain grey to blackish, long, thin sharp spines. Plants 

produce an axillary compound spadix that is stalked initially and enclosed by the spathe. Flowers occur in 

pairs in the axils of the scales. Male and female inflorescences occur on separate plants and emerge from the 

crown of the palm. The male inflorescence is 50 to 100 centimeters (20 to 39 inches) long and consists of 4 

to 12 spadices that each measure 7 to 15 by 0.7 to 2 centimeters (3 to 6 by 0.3 to 0.8 inches). Male flowers 

contain 6 stamens that are borne on a reddish, tubular corolla with minute pistil lobes that shed pollen in the 

morning. The female inflorescence is 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) long and consists of 1 to 3 shorter 

spadices that measure 7 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) long. Female flowers are larger than male flowers 

and contain a tubular corolla that is yellow-green outside and dark red inside, a triocular ovary, a short trifid 

red style and six staminodes borne on the corolla throat. 15 to 40 flowers are contained on each 

inflorescence. 9 to 12 female inflorescences are produced per year. Most varieties are cross-pollinated by 

insects. Reddish-brown fruit is produced in tightly-packed clusters of 15 to 40 (per spadix) in the crown of 

the plant. Individual fruit is a drupe that is globose, ellipsoid, or pear-shaped, rounded at the top, tapered to 

a point at the base, and 2.5 to 10 by 5 to 8 centimeters (1 to 4 by 2 to 3 inches) in size. The skin is smooth, 

shiny, and contains numerous overlapping yellow to brown united scales with small spines. Pulp is in 3 or 4 

segments, and is yellowish white to brown in color, non-fibrous, dry, and crisp. The flavor is sweet to nutty 

and resembles a combination of apple, banana and pineapple. The aroma is slightly sour and pungent. Each 

fruit contains three edible, fleshy, shiny blackish, cream-colored or brown seeds that measure 0.2 to 0.8 

centimeters (0.08 to 0.3 inch) thick (each fruit segment contains a seed). A white, translucent homogenous 

endosperm surrounds the seeds (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP, 

PACSOA).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering and fruiting occurs continuously in areas where there is uniform water 

availability. Most flowering occurs during the first half of the dry season (June to July). Harvest 

peaks occur in Bali and other areas in Indonesia from May to July and December to February. Some 

cultivars require at least 10 leaves to produce fruit. Fruit are harvested approximately 160 days after 

flowering. Flowering and fruiting occurs 3 to 4 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from suckers or 

layers. Trees can produce fruit for up to 50 years (JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet, humid tropical climates, 170 to 310 centimeters (67 to 122 inches) 

of uniformly distributed rainfall per year, a high water table, a short dry season, shade, a temperature 

range of 22 to 32 °C (72 to 90 °F), free-draining soil with high organic matter and a pH of 6-7, and 

elevations of sea level to 500 meters (1,640 feet). Grows as an understory palm in Java and southern 

Sumatra. Prefers lowlands and swampy rainforests. Does not prefer cooler areas and higher 

elevations (lowers fruit yield and quality). Does not tolerate flooding. Propagation is by seed, 

suckers, layering or stem cuttings. Seeds should be planted immediately (2 to 5 seeds in a 5 

centimeter (2 inch) deep hole) into a moist field or nursery with organic matter after being removed 

from the fruit. Plants can be replanted in 4 months (during the rainy season) in a shaded area. 

Layers and suckers should be obtained from a mature clump in which three to four shoots develop 

each year. A bamboo tube is used to plant and encase the sucker. Stems from 7 to 10 year old plants 
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with leaf sheaths removed can be cut into sections with a lateral bud and planted in the nursery. 

Trees should be planted 2 to 6 meters (7 to 20 feet) on a square (2,000 to 3,000 plants per hectare). 

Male trees should be dispersed among the female trees. Trees can be intercropped with other tree 

crops such as mango, jack fruit, and durian. Trees should be pruned to remove basal suckers. To 

prevent the stem from becoming too tall, earth can be pushed up around the stem to promote rooting. 

Fruit thinning is done (6 to 8 fruit per inflorescence) 3 months after flowering to provide space for 

remaining fruit. Trees are fertilized to promote fruit development. Cultivated fruit grown in sandy 

soils require irrigation or a high water table. Harvesting occurs when astringency and acidity have 

reached a minimum level, 160 days have passed since flowering, fruit color changes from dark 

brown to reddish brown, and firmness and ease of fruit detachment occur. Fruit are harvested by 

cutting bunches with a reaping hook. Under ripe fruit is held for 2 to 3 days before being sent to 

market. Overripe fruit is tasteless and has a strange odor. Fruit should be washed in water or 

scrubbed before going to market. Fruit should be stored at 12 to 15 °C (54 to 59 °F) for 2 to 3 weeks. 

Fruit is widely cultivated in the wetter areas of the Indo-Malay region (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

PACSOA).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are seen on fresh produce markets in Southeast Asia 

including Malaysia and Indonesia. There is an export market for high quality graded fruit in cartons 

(JANICK, VAN WYK, AGROFORESTRY, PACSOA).

d. Preparation for cooking: Ripe pulp is consumed fresh or added to fruit salads. Peeling can be 

time-consuming, and spines may cause itchiness. Fruit can be candied, canned in syrup, pickled, 

and dried. Fruit can be processed with a plastic cover wrap or an edible coating and held in storage 

at 5 to 10 °C (41 to 50 °F) for approximately 1 week. Fresh unripe fruit can be made into salad or 

pickles. Seeds are edible. Palm hearts can be obtained from the plant (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

VAN WYK, ECOCROP).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is low in vitamins and oil. Unripe fruits contain large amounts of tannin 

(JANICK, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Southeast Asia; Indonesia including Java, Sumatra, and the Moluccas; 

Malaysia, Thailand, New Guinea, the Philippines, Australia (Queensland); Ponape Island (Caroline 

Archipelago); Fiji Islands; cultivated and naturalized elsewhere in tropical Australasia. Data on production 

and cultivated area is variable. In Java, production ranged from 7,000 to 50,000 tonnes (7,716 to 55,116 tons) 

in the 1980s. A mature palm bears 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of fruit per year or 5 to 15 tonnes (5.5 to 16.5 

tons) per hectare (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: Fruit; leaf stalks can be used to construct walls and partitions; leaflets are used for thatching; bark of 

the petioles are used for matting; boundary, barrier, or support plant (GRIN, VAN WYK, 

AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP, 

PACSOA.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: SAJED (listed as Salacca edulis REINW.)
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534

1. Sapodilla [(chicle, chico sapote, naseberry, sapote, sapotier, sapotillier, Breiapfelbaum, Kaugummibaum, 

Sapodillbaum, sabojira, níspero, zapote, zapotillo (GRIN))]

Sapotaceae

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen [(syn: Achradelpha mammosa O. F. Cook, Achras mammosa L.,

Achras zapota L. (basionym), Achras zapota var. zapotilla Jacq., Achras zapotilla (Jacq.) Nutt., 

Calocarpum mammosum Pierre, Lucuma mammosa C. F. Gaertn., Manilkara achras (Mill.) Fosberg, 

Manilkara zapotilla (Jacq.) Gilly, Pouteria mammosa Cronquist, Sapota zapotilla (Jacq.) Coville 

(GRIN))]

2. A medium to large, evergreen, upright to spreading, low-branching, slow-growing tree that grows to a 

height of 5 to 40 meters (16 to 131 feet) and a diameter of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). Trees are shorter in 

height in subtropical regions. Native to tropical Central America, from southern Mexico to Venezuela. The 

root system is extensive, but shallow. The trunk is bulky, cylindrical, long, and can attain a diameter of 2 to 

3.5 meters (7 to 11 feet). Bark is dark brown, deeply furrowed, and forms small rectangular pieces. Wood is 

deep red in color, hard, heavy, strong, durable, and strong. Young branches are arranged horizontally. The 

tree contains copious amounts of white, milky latex. The crown is pyramidal when young and rounded, 

irregular or open when mature, widespread, shiny, dark, and dense. Leaves are alternate, simple, glossy, 

entire, thin, papery to leathery, smooth on the upper surface, hairy underneath, pointed at both ends, ovate, 

oblong, elliptic, ovate-elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate in shape, spirally clustered at the ends of the branches, 

and 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long by 2.5 to 6 centimeters (1 to 2.4 inches) wide. Internode space 

between leaves is short. Petioles are 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inch). Light yellowish green to white 

flowers are small, fragrant, bell-shaped, solitary, pendulous, and 0.8 to 1.2 centimeters (0.3 to 0.5 inch) in 

size. Flowers are borne on short brown hairy stalks (1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inch)) in the leaf axils of 

the terminal leaf clusters. Individual flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs, three outer 

brown hairy sepals, three inner sepals, a pale green to white tubular corolla, and six stamens. Cross 

pollination is done by insects. Brown fruit is a pendulous berry that is spherical, ellipsoid, oblate, oval or 

conical in shape, up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) long, 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) in diameter and 100 

to 500 grams (3.5 to 18 ounces) in weight. The skin is thin, rough, and covered with light-brown scurf. In 

some varieties, scurf can be rubbed off when ripe. Immature fruit is dark green and hard. Mature fruit skin 

is light yellowish green, brown, or reddish-brown underneath the brown scurf. Mature fruit pulp is white, 

orange, yellowish, yellowish brown, pinkish brown, tan or brown in color, contains little to no latex, is 

smooth, soft, very juicy, and sometimes grainy in texture. Immature fruit pulp contains copious amounts of 

latex. The flavor of mature pulp is sweet and similar in taste to Pouteria sapota. Some describe the taste as 

mellow pea with overtones of caramel or pear. Immature fruit is astringent. Fruit may be seedless or contain 

3 to 12 hard, inedible, oblong to long-oval, flat, shiny dark brown to black (with a white margin) seeds 

measuring 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) long. Seeds contain a distinct curved hook on one margin. Immature 

seed is white and soft. Cultivated since ancient times to extract chicle for chewing gum and for fruit 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, 

MORTON, MICKELBART, AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: A short dry period and a reduction in vegetative growth aids flowering. Flowering 

mainly occurs from September to October in Southeast Asia, in the summer in Australia, April to 

June (early in the rainy season) in the Philippines, February to April and October to December in 

Mexico, October to December in Brazil, May to September (peak from June to July) in Florida, and 

December to March and July to August in India. In areas such as Florida, Malaysia, and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands, flowering can occur year round. Fruit mature from fall to winter in Brazil. Fruit 

matures in 168 to 240 days. Fruiting occurs in 4 to 10 years from seed and 2 to 5 years from grafts. 

Trees are long-lived (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, MICKELBART).

b. Cultivation: Requires warm subtropical to moist, hot tropical lowlands, uniform rainfall of 1,200 

to 2,500 meters (3,937 to 8,202 feet), full sun, well-drained, deep, loose, fertile soils with an acid to 
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neutral pH (clay loam is best), low to medium elevations of sea level to 2,800 meters (9,186 feet), 

and average annual temperatures of 14.9 to 36.7 °C (59 to 98 °F). Grown in the lowland tropics 

including lowland forests, rainforests, and coastal forests. The best growth occurs within 12 to 25 

degrees of the equator. Thrives in the poor, wind-swept, low-lying, coral islands of the West Indies. 

Grown in USDA zones 10 to 12. Tolerates a variety of soil types including calcareous soils, alkaline 

conditions, sand, and clay, drier areas, arid desert regions, wetter humid areas, drought, strong winds, 

tropical rainfall, high temperatures up to 40 °C (104 °F), low temperatures of -2 to -3 °C (27 to 

28 °F), and salt spray. Does not tolerate heavy clays with poor drainage, saline soil, extremely hot 

temperatures above 43 °C (109 °F), or frost. Propagation is by seed, budding, grafting, cuttings, and 

air layering. Dry seed germinates in 2 to 4 weeks. Seedlings require shade, shelter, and staking 

during establishment. Vegetative propagation is used to achieve uniform planting material. 

Grafting should be done during the cooler, drier periods such as fall and spring. Mature, 

non-flushing terminal scions give the best results. Air layering is done in the warm, wet season. 

Upright branches that have not flushed recently and have a stem diameter of at least 1 centimeter 

(0.4 inch) should be used. Trees should be planted out into the field when 1 to 2 years old and 

spaced 6 to 14 meters (20 to 46 feet). Pruning should be done to remove dead branches and lower 

branches that bend towards the ground. Irrigation aids in producing good yields in dry areas. 

Fertilization aids growth. Fruit maturity is determined by size, lack of latex, and appearance. The 

brown scurf should be rubbed off to determine if there has been a color change. Fruit should be 

harvested when ripe fruit begin to fall from the tree. In some areas, fruit is harvested when still 

green and ripened in the dark. After being cut from the tree, the stalk should be pruned and latex 

should be allowed to drain in water. Mature fruit ripen in 3 to 7 days at 25 °C (77 °F). Fruit should 

be stored at 15 °C (59 °F) for 14 days. Trees are tapped for latex every 2 to 3 years during the rainy 

season (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, CULL, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are sold in Southeast Asian markets and other local markets 

across the tropics. Florida fruit is marketed locally and shipped to northern and eastern U.S. markets. 

Fruit is used as a specialty item in North American restaurants. Small cakes of latex are exported 

(JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, MICKELBART).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh after being chilled. Fruit should be cut in half 

and the flesh should be removed with a spoon; the skin is not consumed. Lime juice can be added to 

improve taste. Pulp is used in desserts. Pulp can be dried, fried, stewed, or placed in sherbets, 

purées, ice creams, pies, cakes, bread, iced drinks, jams, fruit salads, and yogurt. Fruit can be made 

into preserves, wine, vinegar, and syrup. Young leafy shoots are consumed raw or steamed with rice 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, 

MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is low in vitamins A and C (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: A tea made from the leaves is used to treat fever, coughs, colds, diarrhea, 

hemorrhages, wounds and ulcers. A bark tea is taken to reduce fevers, diarrhea and dysentery. 

Crushed seeds are said to expel bladder and kidney stones. A paste from the seeds is placed on 

animal bites. A decoction from the young fruit is taken to stop diarrhea. An infusion of the fruit and 

flowers is taken to relieve pulmonary problems. Latex is used to fill cavities (JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida (12 hectares (30 acres)-1995), Guam, Hawaii (2 growers, 11 trees and 0.4 

hectares (1 acre)), southern California, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Florida produces annual 

yields of 20 to 30 tonnes (22 to 33 tons) per hectare (MARKLE, CRANE 1996a, KAWATE 1996b, JANICK, 

MICKELBART). 

5. Other commercial production regions: Mexico (Yucatan region), Central America including Guatemala, 

Honduras, Belize, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador; South America including Guyana, Surinam, 

Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador; southern and 

Southeast Asia including India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, 

Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines; the Caribbean Islands (Bermuda, Cuba, Barbados, Grenada, 
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Caymen Islands, Jamaica, the Bahamas); French Guiana; Israel, Australia; widely cultivated in the tropics. 

Cultivation is greatest in India (24,000 hectares (59,305 acres)), and Mexico. 20 to 25 tonnes (22 to 28 tons) 

per hectare are produced in the Philippines and 20 to 80 tonnes (22 to 88 tons) per hectare are produced in 

India. Mature trees produce 1,000 to 2,500 fruit annually (GRIN, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, MICKELBART, AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: Ripe fruit pulp eaten fresh or used for desserts. Latex from the tapped tree is used for chicle gum and 

an adhesive; bark is used as a dye; also grown as an ornamental, weed, mucilage, beads, wood for furniture, 

general construction, cabinetwork, and jewelry, medicinal purposes; home gardens (GRIN, MARKLE, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp and latex 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0359) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Papaya = Sapodilla; Avocado = sapodilla

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, CRANE 1996a, KAWATE 1996b, PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, CULL, MORTON, MICKELBART, 

AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13. 

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MNKZA
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535

1. Sapote, Black [(black persimmon, barbaquois, Ebenholzbaum, schwarze Sapote, sapote negro, zapote 

negro (GRIN))]

Ebenaceae

Diospyros digyna Jacq.

2. A small to medium, broad-topped, slow-growing tree that reaches a height of 10 to 25 meters (33 to 82 

feet). Native to Mexico and Central America (Guatemala). The tree is related to persimmon. The trunk is 

furrowed, dominant, and up to 75 centimeters (30 inches) in diameter. Bark is black. Wood is yellowish to 

deep yellow and contains black markings near the heart. Branches are in pseudo-whorled tiers and are 

spreading and slender. The crown is round. Pale green leaves are leathery, alternate, evergreen, glossy, 

papery, simple, elliptic-oblong to oblong-lanceolate in shape, tapered at both ends or rounded at the base and 

acute at the tip, and 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) long. Flowers are borne in the leaf axils on new 

shoots and can contain both male and female reproductive organs (hermaphroditic) or just male or female 

organs. Male flowers are borne in clusters of 3 to 7 and possess a gardenia scent. Female and hermaphrodite 

flowers are borne singly. Individual white to greenish yellow flowers are fragrant, tubular-lobed, small, and 

contain a persistent green calyx, an 8, 10 or 12 celled ovary with one ovule per cell. Flowers measure 1 to 

1.6 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inch) wide. Olive, muddy green, dark green, or brown fruit is a berry that is 

solitary, large, ovate, round, flattened, oblate or conical in shape, and 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) in 

diameter. Immature fruit is bright green. The skin is shiny, smooth, thin, and contains a persistent four to 

six-lobed calyx that is 4 to 5 centimeters (1.6 to 2 inches) across. Some fruit can contain slight ridges. The 

pulp is brown, dark brown or black in color, soft, fleshy, dense, floury, glossy, creamy or jelly-like in texture. 

The flavor of mature fruit is sweet and mild to bland and somewhat resembles chocolate pudding. The flavor 

in immature fruit is astringent and bitter. Each fruit contains 1 to 10 flat, smooth, brown seeds that measure 

2 to 2.5 centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) long. Fruit can be seedless (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 

LORENZI, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP, UCONN).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from March to May in Florida, August to October in Brazil, March in 

Mexico, and during the dry season in March in the Philippines. In some subtropical areas, flowering 

occurs during the spring and summer. Fruiting occurs from August to January or July to September 

in Mexico, and December, January, February and June to August in Florida. Fruit mature in 200 to 

300 days. In subtropical areas, fruiting occurs from the late summer to winter. Fruit production 

occurs in 5 to 6 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from grafts (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, 

MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid tropical or subtropical climate, low to middle elevations up to 

700 meters (2,297 feet), high rainfall, and light, deep soils rich in organic matter including sandy 

loam or sand. Grows in the tropical primary and secondary low and medium altitude dry forests of 

Mexico, Central America, and the Philippines; also grows on alluvial clay near streams or lagoons 

and coastal lowlands. Grown in USDA zone 10b. Tolerant of a wide range of soils including 

calcareous soils and shallow soils, light, short frosts if protected (-1 to -2 °C (28 to 30 °F), sporadic 

flooding, salinity, and elevations up to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). Does not tolerate strong winds, 

long periods of frost, or drought. Young trees do not tolerate frost. Propagation is by seed, air 

layering, shield budding, and grafting. Propagation is usually done by seed. Seeds should be sown 

in large bags. Germination occurs in 30 days. Seedlings can be transplanted within 2 years of 

germination when plants are 31 to 61 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) tall. Plants are air layered or shield 

budded using mature green scions. Grafting produces shorter, pistillate trees with good fruiting 

capability. Young trees should be spaced 8 to 12 meters (26 to 39 feet). Young trees are pruned by 

cutting the main stem to a height of 90 to 100 centimeters (35 to 39 inches) to obtain a lower canopy 

height. Dead and weak branches are also be pruned. Fertilizer aids growth. Irrigation is required in 

dry areas. Fruit is harvested with a cutting pole when the fruit is full grown but unripe (bright-green) 

and the calyx becomes reflexed. Ripe fruit usually fall from the tree. Mature fruit ripens in 10 days 
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from a bright-green to an olive, muddy green. Firm olive green fruit ripen in 2 to 6 days. At certain 

stages, harvested fruit can be stored for several months at 10 °C (50 °F). Fully ripe fruit is soft and 

can only be held for a few days in cold storage. Cultivated mostly in Mexico and Guatemala 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, UCONN).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit are marketed in Mexico (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Ripe, soft pulp is consumed fresh. Fruit is cut in half and the pulp is 

eaten with a spoon. Pulp can be mixed with other fruits or juices including lime, lemon, orange or 

pineapples. Fruit is used for ice cream, custards, cake and pie fillings, beverages, and other desserts. 

Pulp can be fermented and made into wine, brandy and liqueurs. Pulp is puréed and mixed with 

other fruit purées mousses, yogurt and rum. In Mexico, a dessert is made by mixing the fruit pulp, 

wine, and cinnamon. Pulp can be boiled (PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, MORTON, 

UCONN).

e. Nutritional aspects: The pulp is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Crushed bark and leaves are applied as a poultice in the Philippines. Leaf 

decoctions are used to aid leprosy, ring worm, fever, and itching skin (JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Minor Production in Florida (0.4 hectare (1 acre)), Hawaii, Puerto Rico (CRANE 

1996a, VAN WYK)

5. Other production regions: Mexico, Central America including Guatemala; South America including 

Colombia and Brazil; the Philippines, Malacca, Mauritius, the Moluccas, Sulawesi, Asia; the West Indies 

including Cuba and the Dominican Republic; Réunion Island, Australia; cultivated elsewhere in the Tropics. 

No yield data is available (GRIN, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, LORENZI, MORTON). 

6. Use: Fruit; ornamental; medicinal purposes; immature fruit is used as a fish poison in the Philippines; 

wood for cabinetwork and handcrafts (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pulp only

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI0360) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Papaya = Black sapote; Avocado = black sapote

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, CRANE 1996a, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, VAN WYK, 

LORENZI, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP, UCONN.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: DOSDI
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536

1. Sapote, Green [(injerto, raxtul, faisan (MARKLE))]

Sapotaceae

Pouteria viridis (Pittier) Cronquist [(syn: Achradelpha viridis (Pittier) O. F. Cook, Calocarpum 

viride Pittier (GRIN))]

2. An erect, medium to large evergreen tree that grows to a height of 12 to 25 meters (39 to 82 feet). A close 

relative of Pouteria sapota. Native to the Central American highlands of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, 

and Mexico. Wood is reddish, fine-grained, compact, strong and durable. Young branches are covered with 

brown hairs. The tree contains white gummy latex. Leaves are clustered at the tips of flowering branches 

and are irregularly alternate along non-fruiting branches. Individual leaves are wavy, pointed, hairy along 

the upper mid-rib, downy-white beneath, oblanceolate in shape and 10 to 25 centimeters (4 to 10 inches) 

long by 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) wide. Pinkish to white flowers are borne in clusters of 2 to 5 in the 

leaf axils along leafless branches. Individual flowers are tubular, five-lobed, hairy, and contain 9 to 10 

sepals. Flowers are pollinated by insects. Olive green, brownish-green or yellow-green fruit dotted with 

red-brown is solitary, ovoid, round, or ellipsoid in shape, pointed at the apex and/or base, and 5 to 20 

centimeters (2 to 8 inches) long by 6 to 8 centimeters (2.4 to 3 inches) wide. The skin is thin, membranous, 

and translucent. At maturity, an amber to brownish-orange color forms under the calyx. Pulp is orange to 

red in color, light-russet, fine-textured, melting, juicy, and smooth. The flavor is sweet and better than the 

sapote. Each fruit contains 1 to 2 dark brown shiny elliptic to ovate seeds that measure 4 to 6 centimeters 

(1.6 to 2.4 inches) long. Compared to Pouteria sapota, fruit, flowers and leaves are slightly smaller in size 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, FRUITIPEDIA, POPENOE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs during the late winter and early spring. Fruiting occurs from October 

to February or March. Fruit matures in approximately 12 months. Fruiting occurs in 8 to 10 years 

from seed (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Requires cool tropical climate, full sun, well-distributed medium rainfall, and higher 

altitudes of 900 to 2,100 meters (2,953 to 6,890 feet). Grows in the Central American highlands. 

Tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils. Compared to Pouteria sapota, trees are hardier. Does 

not tolerate frost (below -2.2 to -3.8 °C (25 to 28 °F), flooding, or very hot tropical lowlands. 

Propagation is by seed and grafting. The hard seed coat should be removed or cracked before 

planting seeds. For grafting purposes, scion wood should be prepared 30 days in advance by 

girdling 15 centimeters (6 inches) below the shoot apex and removing all but the terminal three to 

four leaves. Trees can be pruned, fertilized, and regularly irrigated to promote quality fruit. Fruit 

are harvested hard, when the peel becomes translucent with a brownish-orange color showing 

through and an orange color is observed under the persistent calyx. Fruit are allowed to soften 

before processing. Mature fruit ripen in 4 to 14 days. Grown on a small commercial scale in Central 

America; also grown in the wild (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, FRUITIPEDIA).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit and latex from the tree are commonly marketed in Central 

America (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh by spooning the pulp from the skin. Fruit can be 

made into preserves or desserts. Seeds are edible and can be roasted (PERENNIAL, MORTON, 

FRUITIPEDIA).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit has high antioxidant activity and contains a reasonable quantity of 

vitamin C (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Home gardens (MARKLE).
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5. Other production regions: Central America including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, 

Panama, and Nicaragua; Mexico; tropical America. No yield data is available. Individual trees can produce 

34 to 45 kilograms (75 to 99 pounds) of fruit (GRIN, MORTON, JANICK).

6. Use: Fresh eating, preserves, home garden plant; latex form the tree is collected and marketed for use in 

chewing gum; wood is used in construction, carpentry, turnery, and furniture (MARKLE, JANICK, 

MORTON)

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Inner pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruits, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0361) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, MORTON, PERENNIAL, JANICK, FRUITIPEDIA, 

POPENOE.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: POJVI
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537

1. Sapote, Mamey [(mammee sapote, marmalade-plum, marmalade-tree, große Sapote, mamey, 

mamey-colorado, sapote, zapote, zapote mamey (GRIN))]

Sapotaceae

Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H. E. Moore & Stearn [(syn: Achras lucuma Blanco, Achras mammosa auct., 

Calocarpum mammosum auct., Calocarpum sapota (Jacq.) Merr., Lucuma mammosa auct., Pouteria 

mammosa auct., Sideroxylon sapota Jacq. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A large, semi-deciduous to evergreen, erect to spreading tree that grows to a height of 10 to 25 meters (33 

to 82 feet) and sometimes 30 to 40 meters (98 to 131 feet). Native to southern Mexico and Central America. 

The tree is closely related to Manilkara zapota. The taproot system can extend to a great depth. The fibrous 

lateral root system is extensive. The trunk is stout and short or tall, narrowly buttressed, and up to 1 meter (3 

feet) thick. Bark is reddish brown and shaggy. Wood is light, reddish-brown, moderately hard, heavy, 

strong, and durable. The tree produces milky, white, gummy latex. Young branches are densely hairy (rusty 

red in color). Mature branches are thick. The crown is lush, dense or open, narrow or spreading, 

symmetrical to irregular, and oval. Leaves are clustered at the tips of branches and are spirally arranged. 

Individual leaves are simple, papery, smooth, obovate, oblanceolate, ovate or lanceolate in shape, 

prominently veined, pointed at the tip or both ends, lighter in color or brown underneath, hairy underneath 

when young, smooth underneath when mature, and 10 to 30.5 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) long by 4 to 10 

centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) wide. The petiole is thick and 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) long. Small 

whitish to pale yellow flowers are subsessile, perfect, 5-parted, solitary to densely clustered (in groups of 6 

to 12), and borne at the tips of branches and in the axils of fallen leaves along small diameter (1.3 to 5.1 

centimeters (0.5 to 2 inches) branches. Individual flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs, 

a calyx with 8 to 12 lobes, a tubular corolla with 5 lobes, 5 true stamens, 5 false stamens, 5 staminoids, one 

pistil, and a 5-celled ovary. Flowers open in the late afternoon or evening. Cross-pollination improves fruit 

set. Brown fruit is a berry that is solitary, ovoid, spindle-shaped, elongated, round, or ellipsoid in shape, 

pointed at the tip, 7.5 to 23 centimeters (3 to 9 inches) long, 6 to 8 cm in diameter and 250 to 2,300 grams 

(0.6 to 5 pounds) in weight. Fruit resembles a large sapodilla. The peel is rough, leathery, hard, brittle, firm, 

semi-woody, thick, scurfy, and up to 0.15 centimeters (0.06 inch) thick. A persistent calyx occurs at the base. 

The peel is less scurfy at maturity. Pulp is orange, salmon orange, pinkish-red, purple, or deep red in color, 

creamy, soft, and finely granular. Immature fruit can contain milky latex. The flavor is sweet, mellow, and 

almond to pumpkin-like. Each fruit contains 1 to 4 large, hard, glossy, spindle-shaped to ellipsoid, pointed, 

blackish brown to brown seeds. Seeds have a strong bitter almond scent (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, BARWICK, MORTON, MORERA, AGROFORESTRY, DESERT TROPICALS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from April to July in Florida and during springtime in Brazil. 

Flowering can occur year round in tropical areas and springtime in subtropical areas. Fruiting 

occurs from March to April through to July to August in southern Florida, February to April in Costa 

Rica, springtime in Brazil, and June to July and November to December in the Dominican Republic. 

Fruit can be produced year round, depending on location and cultivar. Fruit matures in 12 to 15 

months. Fruit production occurs in 7 to 12 years from seed and 3 to 5 years from grafts. Trees can 

live and produce fruit for over 100 years (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid tropical or near-tropical lowlands, deep, heavy, fertile soils 

(clay and clay-loam), medium rainfall of 80 to 250 centimeters (31.5 to 98 inches) per year, 

temperatures of 25 to 33 °C (77 to 91 °F), elevations of sea level to 1,500 meters (0 to 4,921 feet), 

light shade to full sun, and a seasonal dry period. Grown in humid forest habitats and USDA zones 

10b to 12. Tolerates a variety of well-drained soil conditions (heavy clays, limestone and sand), and 

wind. Does not tolerate frost (0 °C (32 °F) for young trees and -2.0 °C (28 °F) for mature trees), 

excessively wet or flooded conditions, poor drainage, high water tables, impermeable subsoil, and 

prolonged drought. Propagation is by seed, layering, and grafting (veneer, cleft, or four-flap). Seeds 

should be planted soon after being removed from the fruit. Germination occurs in 2 to 4 weeks. 
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Removing or breaking the seed coat hastens germination. Seeds should be planted with the pointed 

end upward, protruding 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch) above the soil. Since seedlings are variable and 

do not produce fruit for a long period of time, grafting is done for commercial purposes. Grafting 

should be done during warm days, cool nights, and low humidity. Terminal branches or newly 

developed lateral shoots should be used. Girdling the branchlet 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches)

below the terminal or removing the terminal to force lateral bud break should be done 14 to 21 days 

before grafting. Planting should be done at the beginning of the rainy season. Tree spacing depends 

on climate and cultivar. Spacing should be 4 to 6 meters (13 to 20 feet) in row and 7 to 10 meters (23 

to 33 feet) between rows. Trees can be pruned to remove closely spaced, weak, or damaged limbs. 

Fertilizer aids growth. Irrigation should be performed during dry periods. Young, developing and 

mature fruit can be found on the same branch at the same time. Fruit should be harvested when 

mature, since immature fruit do not ripen. Fruit is mature if tissue immediately beneath the peel is 

orange and some of the scurfy brown surface has dissipated. Fruit is harvested by twisting or cutting 

the fruit from the tree. The stem is then trimmed during processing. Fruit softens at 25 to 27 °C (77 

to 81 °F) in 4 to 5 days, but can be stored for 6 to 13 days at 20 °C (68 °F). Fruit is grown and 

harvested commercially throughout the distributed range including southern Mexico, Central 

America, south Florida, the Caribbean, Australia, Cuba and Southeast Asia (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, MORERA, AGROFORESTRY, DESERT TROPICALS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fresh fruit is sold in local markets throughout the tropics. Fruit 

can be shipped to distant markets. Fruit are exported from Mexico to the U.S. Frozen pulp is 

exported from Central America. Seeds are marketed in Central America and Mexico (JANICK, 

MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh by cutting the fruit in half and spooning out the 

pulp. Pulp can be added to preserves, marmalades, jellies, jams, sherbets, ice creams, sauces, milk 

shakes, pastries and various desserts; pulp can be frozen or cooked and used as a substitute for apple 

purée or other confectionery. Seed kernels are boiled, roasted and mixed with cacao to prepare 

chocolate. Seeds add flavor and increase the bulk of chocolate products; can be ground and used in 

confections or beverages. Seed oil is edible (PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, 

MORERA).

e. Nutritional aspects: Pulp is nutritious and contains moderate amounts of phosphorus, and vitamin 

C. Fruit is low in fiber. Seed may be poisonous. Leaves and sap are reportedly poisonous (JANICK, 

MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

f. Medicinal aspects: Seed oil is used as a sedative in eye and ear ailments, diuretic, skin tonic, 

muscle pain reducer, rheumatism treatment and hair revitalizer. A seed infusion is used as an 

eyewash in Cuba. Pulverized seed coats are used to treat coronary trouble, kidney stones, epilepsy, 

and rheumatism. The seed kernel is used to aid digestion. A mixture of the bark and leaves is taken 

for arteriosclerosis and hypertension. Tree sap is used to induce vomiting, expel intestinal parasites, 

and remove warts (JANICK, MORTON, MORERA).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: South Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, warm subtropical areas of the U.S. In 1995, 129 

hectares (318 acres) was grown in south Florida (MONTALVO-ZAPATA 1995, CRANE 1996a, JANICK).

5. Other commercial production regions: Mexico, Central America including Costa Rica, Guatemala, and 

Nicaragua; South America including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela; the Caribbean including Cuba, 

Barbados, Trinidad, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, and the Dominican Republic; Southeast Asia 

including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam; Australia, Israel, Spain; widely cultivated 

elsewhere in tropics; no yield data is available. Mature trees can produce 200 to 500 fruit per year (GRIN, 

LOGAN 1996, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: Fresh eating, beverages and desserts; seeds are used to prepare a substance similar to chocolate; seed 

oil is used in soaps, skin ointment, hair products, pharmaceuticals, perfume making, as linen starch and 

cosmetics; medicinal purposes; shade tree; wood is used for cabinet-making and general carpentry 

(MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, BARWICK, MORTON, MORERA).
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7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Mostly the pulp, however the seed can be milled to prepare a bitter chocolate.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit 

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous 

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0362) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Papaya = mamey sapote; Avocado = mamey sapote

10.References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, MONTALVO-ZAPATA 1995, CRANE 1996a, LOGAN, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, BARWICK, MORTON, MORERA, AGROFORESTRY, DESERT 

TROPICALS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: POJSA
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1. Sapote, White [(casimiroa, Mexican-apple, pomme mexicaine, sapote blanche, Cochilsapote, weiße 

Sapote, sapoti, matasano, zapote blanco (GRIN))]

Rutaceae

Casimiroa edulis La Llave & Lex. 

2. A moderately large, vigorous, erect to spreading tree that grows to a height of 4.5 to 18 meters (15 to 59 

feet). Native to the central highlands of Mexico and Central America. A distant cousin of citrus. The root 

system is wide-spreading. Bark is light grey, thick, and warty. Wood is yellow, fine-grained, compact, 

moderately dense, heavy, and strong. Trees are densely branched. Branches of mature trees are spreading, 

long, lenticellated, greyish in color, and drooping. Leaves are alternate, large, palmately compound, and 

contain 3 to 7 leaflets. Deep green leaflets are lanceolate to oval in shape, glossy, smooth to hairy 

underneath, pale underneath, gland-dotted, papery, and 7 to 18 centimeters (3 to 7 inches) long by 2.5 to 5.0 

centimeters (1 to 2 inches) wide. Margins are entire or undulated. Petioles are 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 5 

inches) long. New leaf growth is reddish. Flowers are borne in panicles in the axils of mature leaves or on 

the terminals of mature shoots. Panicles are slightly smaller than the leaves. There are 15 to 100 flowers per 

panicle. Individual flowers are greenish yellow to greenish white, small, 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter, 

odorless, and contain 4 to 5 sepals, 4 to 5 petals, 5 stamens, and a three to five lobed stigma. Flowers can be 

female, male or perfect. Bees and other insects are the main pollinators. Greenish yellow to yellow fruit is a 

drupe that is solitary or occurs in clusters of 2 to 3, is spherical, oblate, oval, ovoid, flattened, symmetrical or 

irregular in shape, 5-lobed, 6 to 11 centimeters (2.4 to 4 inches) wide, up to 12 centimeters (5 inches) long, 6 

to 12.5 centimeters (2.4 to 5 inches) in diameter, and 70 to 700 grams (0.15 to 1.5 pounds) in weight. 

Immature fruit is dark green. Skin is thin, papery, smooth, inedible, and covered with a very thin waxy 

bloom. Pulp is white to yellow, soft, smooth, fine, fleshy, buttery in texture, moist, and contains many tiny, 

conspicuous yellow oil glands. The flavor is sweet to bitter. Some describe the taste as nutty, peach-like or 

a combination of pear and banana. Each fruit contains 1 to 7 oval, elliptic, or oblong, hard, bitter, white 

seeds that measure 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) long and 1.25 to 2.5 centimeters (0.5 to 1 inch) thick. 

Many varieties exist (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, BARWICK, VAN WYK, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, LORENZI, MORTON, CRFG, POPENOE).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from January to February or spring to summer in Florida, springtime, 

late summer, and fall in California, January and February in Mexico, and April to June in Brazil. In 

tropical locations, flowering occurs from autumn to winter. In subtropical areas, flowering occurs in 

mid- to late winter and spring. Flowering can occur multiple times during the year and can be 

induced by drought or girdling. Fruiting generally occurs from late spring and summer to early 

autumn. Most fruiting occurs from May to August in Central America, April to May in Guatemala, 

September to November and February in California, May to October in Mexico, late May through 

August in the Bahamas, and August to November in Brazil. Some cultivars can produce two to five 

crops per year. Fruit matures in 120 days from flowering. Fruit production occurs in 7 to 8 years 

from seed and 3 to 4 years from vegetative propagation (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, VAN 

WYK, LORENZI, MORTON, CRFG, POPENOE).

b. Cultivation: Requires cool tropical or warm subtropical highland climates, a mean temperature of 

20 °C (68 °F), full sun, fertile well-drained soil (sandy loam), a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, medium rainfall, 

and elevations of 600 to 3,000 meters (1,969 to 9,843 feet). Grown in the cool, central highlands and 

USDA zones 8 to 10. Tolerant of a variety of well-drained soil conditions including sands, 

calcareous soils, and clays, a high pH, drought, seasonal dry periods, and frost. Partially tolerant of 

saline conditions. Young trees tolerate temperatures up to -2 to -4 °C (25 to 28 °F) and mature trees 

tolerate temperatures up to -5 to -6 °C (21 to 23 °F). Does not tolerate lowland tropics, high 

humidity, wind, extreme cold, and extreme heat. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, layering, budding, 

and grafting. Seeds are used for breeding purposes and should be sown 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) 

deep within 3 to 8 weeks of being removed from the fruit. Germination occurs in 3 to 4 weeks. 

Grafting and budding should be done in warm weather (spring). Young, mature scion wood with 
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grey bark should be used. Young trees should be spaced 4 to 8 meters (13 to 26 feet) in row and 7 to 

10 meters (23 to 33 feet) between rows. After being planted, young trees should be staked or 

protected by a windbreak. Newly planted trees can be cut back to 1 meter (3 feet) to encourage 

branching. Annual pruning can aid in producing more fruit. Fruit thinning can increase fruit size. 

Fertilizer aids growth. Irrigation should be provided in dry areas. Fruit maturity is determined by 

size and color. Fruit that are destined for distant markets are harvested at a less mature, hard stage. 

Fruit should be harvested by clipping and leaving a short stem piece attached to the fruit. Fruit are 

fragile and the skin is easily damaged. Fruit can be stored for 2 to 3 weeks at 19 to 21 °C (66 to 70 °F) 

and 85 to 95 percent relative humidity or 3 to 6 weeks at 5 °C (41 °F). Fruit only last a few days at 

room temperature. Trees are grown for commercial purposes on a very small scale throughout the 

tropics and subtropics (especially Central America) (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, BARWICK, 

VAN WYK, MORTON, CRFG, POPENOE). 

c. Availability in the marketplace: Sold in local markets and health food stores throughout Central 

America, Mexico, the USA (California, Florida, and Hawaii), South Africa, Australia, Southeast 

Asia, and New Zealand (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CRFG).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh. The skin should be thickly peeled to remove the 

bitter flesh underneath. Fruit can also be halved and the pulp can be scooped out. Pulp can be used 

in fruit salads, preserves, jellies, marmalade, fruit curries, spicy salsa sauces, milkshakes, fruit 

sherbets, and ice cream; served with cream and sugar, or made into beverages. Pulp can be dried and 

made into fruit leather. Fully dried and roasted seeds are edible (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, 

VAN WYK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit pulp is a good source of phosphorus, niacin, calcium, protein, 

carbohydrates, vitamin C and vitamin A. Fruit are high in sugar. Seeds are poisonous when raw 

(JANICK, BARWICK, VAN WYK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Pulp, leaves, bark and seeds are used in traditional medicine. Bark, leaves and 

seeds are used for blood pressure, rheumatics, sleep issues, and as a sedative. A decoction of the 

leaves is used to treat diabetes. Pulp and bark are used as a sedative and pain-reliever (JANICK, 

CULL, BARWICK).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: California, Florida, Hawaii (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

5. Other production regions: Northern and Central Mexico, Central America including Costa Rica, El 

Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala; South America including Brazil; the Caribbean including the Bahamas; 

Australia, the East Indies, South Africa, the Mediterranean region including Spain, Portugal, southern 

France, and Italy; India, Israel, New Zealand, drier areas of Southeast Asia; distributed in most subtropical 

and cool tropical areas of the world; no yield data is available. Large mature trees can produce 900 to 2,700 

kilograms (1,984 to 5,952 pounds) of fruit (GRIN, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LORENZI).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental, medicinal purposes, home gardens; wood is used in carpentry and furniture 

(GRIN, PERENNIAL, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0363) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, CULL, BARWICK, VAN WYK, 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LORENZI, MORTON, CRFG, POPENOE

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CSJED
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1. Sataw [(petai, sator (GRIN))]

Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae). Also placed in: Mimosaceae

Parkia speciosa Hassk. 

2. A tree that grows to a height of 15 to 40 meters (49 to 131 feet) (sometimes 54 meters (177 feet)) and a 

diameter of 50 to 100 centimeters (20 to 39 inches). Native to the Malay Peninsula, Brunei, Malaysia and 

Indonesia. Bark is smooth and reddish brown in color. Wood is light to medium weight, hard and has a 

garlic or bean-like odor. Heartwood is white, yellow-white, or pale yellowish-brown. Sapwood is paler in 

color. Branchlets are hairy. Leaves are bipinnate, compound, and alternate. Each leaf consists of 10 to 19 

pairs of pinnae that are 3 to 9 centimeters (1.2 to 3.5 inches) long. Each pinnae contains 31 to 38 pairs of 

opposite linear leaflets that are penni-veined, smooth, very small and contain a rounded tip, and small 

pointed lobe or ear at the base. Leaflets measure 0.5 to 0.9 centimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inch) long by 0.15 to 0.2 

centimeters (0.06 to 0.08 inch) wide. Petioles are 2 to 6 centimeters (0.8 to 2.4 inches) long. The rachis is 18 

to 30 centimeters (7 to 12 inches) long. Glands are 0.7 to 1.5 centimeters (0.3 to 0.6 inch) above the stalk 

base. Flowers are contained in densely crowded pear-shaped to round pendulous heads that measures 2 to 5 

centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) in diameter. Stalks are 20 centimeters (8 inches) to 1 meter (3 feet) long. 

Creamy white, brown-yellow or green-yellow flowers are small, contain 5-lobed tubular sepals and petals, a 

calyx, corolla, filaments, an ovary, and 10 stamens. Individual flowers measure 0.15 centimeters (0.06 inch) 

in diameter. Male and female flowers are located at the base of the inflorescence and perfect flowers are 

located at the top of the inflorescence. Pollinated by bats. Fruit is a legume that is contained on a long stalk. 

Black pods dangle in small bundles, are large, straight to twisted, swollen over the seeds, and 35 to 55 

centimeters (14 to 22 inches) long by 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) wide. Immature fruit is green. The 

flavor is strong and somewhat resembles garlic. Each pod contains 10 to 18 large, broadly ovoid seeds that 

measure 2 to 2.5 centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) by 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inch). The seed coat is soft. 

Green seeds have a strong aroma and a garlic flavor (PERENNIAL, AGROFORESTRY, ASIANPLANT, 

GLOBINMED).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Peak flowering and fruiting occurs between August and October. A smaller peak occurs 

between January and March. Fruiting occurs in 7 years from seed and approximately 2 years from 

vegetative propagation (AGROFORESTRY).

b. Cultivation: Requires humid tropical climate, elevations of sea level to 1,000 meters (0 to 3,281 

feet), a mean annual temperature of 24 °C (75 °F), mean annual rainfall of 100 to 200 centimeters 

(39 to 79 inches), and well-drained loamy or clay-loam soils. Grows wild in lowland rainforests, tall 

secondary forests, waterlogged locations in freshwater swamp forests, alluvial sites, hillsides, ridges 

with sandy to clay soils, plains, and riverbanks. Tolerates sandy, loamy, or podzolic soils, 

elevations up to 1,500 meters (4,921 feet), and water logged conditions. Propagation is by seed, 

stem cuttings, and budding. In some areas, seedlings are collected from the wild and planted in 

fields. Seeds should be planted soon after being removed from the fruit. Germination is high and 

occurs in 3 to 15 days. Most commercial plants are vegetatively propagated. Proper space and light 

are required for optimal growth. Young trees require shade. Cultivated in Malay and Java villages 

and fruit orchards since ancient times (PERENNIAL, AGROFORESTRY, ASIANPLANT, 

GLOBINMED).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp of the pods is consumed as a food and flavoring. Half ripe pods are 

pickled in salt. Seeds are consumed raw, cooked, fried with curry paste, shrimp or pork, and as a 

vegetable and in stews. Young leaves and parts of the flower stalks are consumed fresh 

(PERENNIAL, AGROFORESTRY, ASIANPLANT, JIRCAS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.
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f. Medicinal aspects: Seeds are known to reduce the blood sugar level and are used traditionally for 

treating kidney pain, cancer, diabetes, hepatalgia, oedema, nephritis, colic, cholera and intestinal 

worms. A medicine from the seeds can be applied externally to wounds and ulcers. Leaves and 

fruits are used to aid liver diseases, intestinal parasites, treat high blood pressure and aid diabetes 

(AGROFORESTRY, ASIANPLANT). 

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Southeast Asia including Thailand, Indonesia (Java and Sumatra), Brunei, 

Borneo, Malaysia, Malay Peninsula, the Philippines (GRIN, PERENNIAL, AGROFORESTRY, 

ASIANPLANT).

6. Use: Fruit, vegetable, shade/shelter, wood is used in the manufacture of paper, light construction, 

carpentry, furniture, cabinet making, and other items (GRIN, AGROFORESTRY). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pod

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, AGROFORESTRY, ASIANPLANT, JIRCAS, 

GLOBINMED.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: PRKSP
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1. Satinleaf [(damson-plum, wild star-apple, caimitillo (GRIN))]

Sapotaceae

Chrysophyllum oliviforme L. [(syn: Chrysophyllum monopyrenum Sw. (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing, long-living, evergreen shrub or small to medium tree that reaches a height of 3 to 14 

meters (10 to 46 feet) and a spread of 5 to 8 meters (16 to 26 feet). Native to Florida, the Bahamas, the 

Greater Antilles, and Belize. The trunk can be single or multiple and is straight, slender and up to 25 

centimeters (10 inches) in diameter. Bark is gray-brown to light reddish brown in color, thin, rough and 

contains fissures and plates. Wood is hard, heavy, and strong. Twigs are slender and rusty to reddish brown 

in color. Young twigs contain a rusty brown pubescence. The canopy is somewhat oval, symmetrical, and 

narrow in shade and spreading in full sun. Dark green leaves are alternate, simple, elliptic, ovate or oblong 

in shape, pointed at the tip, shiny, stiff, hairless on the upper surface, densely covered with coppery hairs 

underneath, and 3 to 20 centimeters (1.2 to 8 inches) long by 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) wide. 

Margins are entire. Leaves resemble southern magnolias. Small white to whitish yellow flowers are 

bell-shaped, solitary to clustered, and on short pedicels in the leaf axils. Individual flowers are 5-merous, 

and contain a 0.3 to 0.5 centimeter (0.1 to 0.2 inch) five-lobed yellowish or greenish-white corolla. Flower 

buds contain a rusty brown pubescence. Pollinated by insects. Dark purple, blue or black fruit is a berry that 

is fleshy, elliptical to oval in shape, small, and 1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1 inch) long. Skin is gummy or 

rubbery and secretes a white milky sap when cut. Pulp is whitish to purple-white in color, juicy and sticky. 

The flavor is sweet. Each fruit contains one seed. Trees have become endangered in Florida (FRANCIS, 

GILMAN, PIER, TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from July to October in Puerto Rico. Flowering and fruiting occurs all 

year in Florida. The flowering peak in Florida is from summer to fall. Fruiting occurs in February in 

Puerto Rico (FRANCIS, GILMAN).

b. Cultivation: Requires part shade/part sun or full sun and fertile, moist, well-drained soils (sand or 

limestone). In order to fruit, trees require increased light in intermediate and codominant crown 

positions in forests. Grows on coastal sands and shallow clay over limestone in Puerto Rico, 

secondary thicket, pinelands and hammocks of the everglades and keys of Florida, remnant forests, 

and low-elevation moist, secondary forests and eucalyptus plantations in Florida. Grown in USDA 

zones 10B through 11. Tolerates a wide variety of well-drained soils (including clay, loam, sand, or 

wet soils), a pH from 5 to 8, drought, and storm damage. Moderately tolerates salt. When young, 

trees tolerate shade and can grow in the understory of low-density forests. Does not tolerate 

temperatures of 0 °C (32 °F) and below. Propagation is by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. Plants 

are hard to establish in cultivation. Pruning, irrigation, and fertilization encourage growth. Widely 

cultivated as an ornamental (FRANCIS, GILMAN, BROWARD, PIER).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit are consumed fresh and used to make jelly (FRANCIS, TRADE 

WINDS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Caribbean (Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, the greater Antilles, Haiti, 

Jamaica); French Polynesia, Central America including Belize; cultivated elsewhere in the West Indies 

(GRIN, FRANCIS, PIER).

6. Use: Fruit, ornamental, soil protector, home for wildlife, nectar for bees, wood is used for construction 

(GRIN, FRANCIS). 

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit
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9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, FRANCIS, GILMAN, BROWARD, PIER, TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CSFOL
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1. Screw-pine [(pandan, textile screw-pine, thatch screw-pine, Veitch screw-pine, baquois, vacouet, 

vacquois, Pandanuspalme, hala, pândano, bacua (GRIN))]

Pandanaceae

Pandanus tectorius Parkinson [(syn: Pandanus veitchii Mast. & T. Moore (GRIN))]

1. Pandanus [(baquois, vaquois (GRIN))]

Pandanus utilis Bory

1. Nicobar-breadfruit 

Pandanus leram Jones ex Fontana

1. Karuka 

Pandanus julianettii Martelli

2. Pandanus species: A small tree or shrub that grows to a height of 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet). Native to 

Southeast Asia and the South Pacific Islands. The trunk is usually dichotomously or trichotomously 

branched, thick, stout, spiny, and 12 to 25 centimeters (5 to 10 inches) in diameter. Bark is grayish to 

reddish-brown, smooth or flaky and contains leaf scars and rows of prickles. Adventitious aerial roots can 

extend from the upper canopy down to the ground. Branches grow at wide angles to the trunk. The canopy 

is 5 to 15 meters (16 to 49 feet) in diameter. Drooping leaves are spirally arranged in three rows and are 

clustered at the branch ends. Individual leaves are dark green, lanceolate in shape, contain strong parallel 

venation, and range from 1 to 5 meters (3 to 16 feet) long by 11 to 16 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) wide. On 

some species, margins and midribs are spiny. Spines are 0.08 to 0.25 centimeters (0.03 to 0.1 inch) long. 

Flowers are produced at the ends of the leaf clusters, last one day, and lack both the calyx and corolla. Male 

inflorescences are arranged in racemes or branched in clusters of flowers surrounded by large white to 

bronze-colored spathes or bracts. Clusters are approximately 30.5 centimeters (1 foot) long. Fragrant male 

flowers are tiny, white, pendant, and produce large amounts of pollen. The female inflorescence is arranged 

in a solitary head with green bracts. The female flower consists of a superior ovary of many carpels in a ring. 

Male and female flowers are found on separate trees. Pollination can occur by bats, birds, insects and wind. 

Viable seed can be produced via apomixes. Red to yellow compound fruit is ovoid, ellipsoid, sub-globose, 

or spherical in shape, pendulous, 8 to 30 centimeters (3 to 12 inches) long, and 4 to 20 centimeters (1.6 to 8 

inches) in diameter. Each fruit consists of 38 to 200 tightly bunched, wedge-shaped phlanges that ripen as 

drupes. Individual phlanges or drupes are narrowly oblong to ovoid in shape, woody at the outer end, fleshy 

on the inner end, and 2.5 to 11 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) long by 1.5 to 6.7 centimeters (0.6 to 2.6 inches) 

wide. The skin is dry or hard. Pulp is bright yellow, orange, or red in color, juicy, starchy, fibrous, fleshy, or 

oily. The flavor is sweet and slightly resembles the taste of dates and very fragrant. Each phlange contains 

approximately 2 seeds that are obovoid, ellipsoid, or oblong in shape, red-brown in color outside, whitish 

and gelatinous inside, and 0.6 to 2 centimeters (0.2 to 0.8 inch) long. Some seeds have a taste similar to 

coconut. Fruit resemble a pineapple in shape. Fruit are important locally in Asia and the Pacific.

Pandanus tectorius is a stout, branching, multi-stemmed, large shrub or small tree that obtains a height of 4 

to 14 meters (13 to 46 feet). The canopy obtains a height of 4 to 14 meters (13 to 46 feet). Pandanus 

tectorius fruit are approximately 18 centimeters (7 inches) in diameter. 

Pandanus utilis is a many-branched, pyramidal to irregular-shaped tree that can reach a height of 8 to 18 

meters (25 to 60 feet). Trees usually do not obtain a height greater than 8 meters (25 feet) in USDA zones 10 

to 11. Native to Madagascar and Mauritius. The trunk is smooth, showy, and stout. Brace roots emerge 

from the trunk. The canopy is open, symmetrical, and 4 to 6 meters (12 to 20 feet) wide. Branches are 

brown, stubby, upright, and contain leaf scars. Blue-green leaves are full, simple, linear in shape, graceful, 

long, thin, arranged spirally and measure 46 to 91 centimeters (18 to 36 inches) long by 8 centimeters (3 

inches) wide. Leaf edges contain small red spines. Fragrant, inconspicuous flowers are white. Orange or 

yellow fruit are oval to round in shape, dry, hard, and 15 to 30.5 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) long.

Pandanus leram is a tree that grows in coastal areas. Native to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Pandanus julianettii trees are palm-like and can obtain a height of up to 30 meters (98 feet). Native to the 

highlands of New Guinea. The trunk is straight. Aerial prop roots occur at the base. Branching occurs near 
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the top of the tree. Approximately 3 to 4 crowns of leaves are produced. Twisted, long, narrow leaves grow 

in pairs opposite of each other, bend at the tips, have spikes along the edges, and measure 3 meters (10 feet) 

long. The fruit are round, composite, and approximately 45 centimeters (18 inches) in diameter. Each fruit 

contains over 1,000 phlanges. The seed (nut) inside the phlange is consumed. When sweet potato is scarce, 

people survive on karuka nuts (PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, HAWAII, GILMAN, 

DESERT TROPICALS, BOURKE, FRENCH).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Pandanus species: In many areas, female flowers are produced one to three times per 

year, while male flowers appear approximately every 2 months. In Fiji, male plants usually flower 

once per year from March to May, but can flower during any time of the year. Female plants flower 

heavily every second year. In Fiji, fruit reach maturity in approximately one year, in February to 

April. In Northern Australia, fruiting occurs April to August. In Micronesia, fruiting occurs twice 

per year: December to March and July to September. Fruiting can occur during the off-season. 

Fruiting occurs in 15 years from seed and 3 to 4 years from cuttings; Pandanus utilis flowers in 

southern Florida during the winter; Pandanus julianettii fruit mostly mature December to May, but 

can mature during any time of the year. A second season can occur in July. Water stress encourages 

flowering (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, GILMAN, BOURKE, FRENCH). 

b. Cultivation: Pandanus species: Requires a tropical or subtropical humid to subhumid climate, 

full sun, coastal or lowland forests, an annual rainfall of 150 to 400 centimeters (59 to 157.5 inches), 

uniform warm temperatures of 24 to 28 °C (75 to 83 °F), and sandy to rocky seashore soils. 

Lowland and coastal species can tolerate high temperatures. Most species tolerate a number of soils 

including limestone, lava flows, saline soil, infertile soil, peaty swamps, and light to heavy soil. 

Tolerates water logging, wind, salt, and partial shade. Slightly tolerant of fire. Does not tolerate 

frost. Propagation is by seed, aerial/prop roots, and cuttings. To speed germination, phlanges are 

soaked in cool tap water for 5 days. Viable phlanges float. Phlanges are then mashed against 

screens to remove pulp and planted at a depth of two times their diameter. Another planting method 

is removing the fleshy part of the phlange, laying it on the planting medium, and burying it half-way. 

Germination occurs in 2 months. Seedlings should be planted in the field in 4 to 12 months. 

Cuttings should be 30 to 40 centimeters (12 to 16 inches) long and taken after the fruit have been 

harvested. Cuttings should be planted during the wet season. For cultivation purposes, trees are 

planted in lines with a 3 to 5 meter (10 to 16 foot) spacing between trees. Fertilizer can be applied to 

aid growth. Trees are cultivated for the edible fruit, fibrous leaves and fragrant flowers. Leaves are 

harvested every 3 months when the tree reaches 3 years of age. Fruit are harvested with a bush knife 

when a new sprout of leaves shoots up where the fruit is growing. Trees must be climbed to obtain 

the fruit. Pandanus tectorius is a tropical to subtropical coastal species of the Pacific that thrives at 

elevations of sea level to 20 meters (66 feet). Grows in strandline and near-coastal forests, grassy or 

swampy woodlands, and scrub thickets developed on limestone terraces; occurs as an understory 

tree in plantations, forests, and islands. Seeds are dispersed by oceanic currents. Tolerates high 

temperatures, elevations over 600 meters (1,969 feet), a wide range of light to heavy soils, strong 

winds, salt spray, and very dry conditions. One of the few food crops that can be grown on the 

central Pacific atolls. Pandanus utilis trees grow in full sun to part shade/part sun. Tolerates clay, 

loam, sand, acidic alkaline flooded or well-drained soils, salt, and some drought conditions; thrives 

in USDA zones 10 to 11. Pandanus leram requires tropical lowlands and coastal areas.

Pandanus julianettii grows mainly in a narrow altitudinal band in the central and fringe highlands 

and on the Huon Peninsula at elevations of 1,450 to 2,800 meters (4,757 to 9,186 feet). Trees prefer 

seasonally distributed rainfall and fertile soil. Grows best along the banks of small creeks, in the 

hollows that occur around the edges of hills, and around the edges of small clearings in the bush. 

Trees can tolerate cooler climates as far south as New Zealand. Trees are maintained by villagers. 

Large harvests occur when there is a drought. A commonly eaten indigenous nut; over half of the 

population in New Guinea consumes this cultivated nut. A potential cash crop and an exotic export 

crop (PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, HAWAII, GILMAN, BOURKE, FRENCH).
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c. Availability in the marketplace: Pandanus tectorius: Fruit are sold fresh in local markets. Fruit 

juice and preserved food items are produced commercially in the Marshall Islands. Leaves and 

crafts weaved from the tree are sold in local markets; Pandanus julianettii fruit and nuts are sold in 

highland markets (AGROFORESTRY, BOURKE).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pandanus tectorius: The soft portion of the pulp is consumed raw or 

cooked. Some varieties contain oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth unless cooked. Unlike other 

Pandanus species, the fruit are consumed for the sweet, juicy flesh; a staple food. Fruits are also 

preserved into pastes, jam, flours, drinks and desserts. Seeds are consumed fresh and cooked. 

Terminal buds are consumed fresh. In India, a fragrant spice is made from the plant. Pandanus 

leram pulp is boiled, and pressed into cakes. Pandanus julianettii: Seeds (nuts) are edible and can 

be eaten raw or cooked; the outside layer of the fruit is burnt off in a fire to obtain the individual 

phlanges. Seeds can be cooked in an open fire, hot ashes, or a stone oven; seeds are sometimes 

stored in mud, water, or baskets before use; nuts are preserved by drying and smoking on a bark 

platform above the household fire. Oil is produced from the seed (PERENNIAL, 

AGROFORESTRY, BOURKE).

e. Nutritional aspects: The seed oil contains palmitic, oleic, and linoleic fatty acids. 

Pandanus tectorius: Fruit are used as a source of carbohydrate; provides a source of protein, fat, 

fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin (vitamin B-3), beta-carotene, and 

vitamin C. Pandanus leram: The seed is nutritionally rich compared with the fruit pulp; pulp is a 

source of carbohydrates; Pandanus julianettii: Nuts are a major source of nutrition to people of the 

New Guinea highlands and provide protein and oil (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, PERENNIAL, 

BOURKE).

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit is carotenoid-rich and can protect against diabetes, heart disease, and 

cancer; alleviates vitamin A deficiency. Leaves are used to treat cold/flu, vomiting, hepatitis, 

urinary problems, asthma, boils, and cancer. Roots are used to treat hemorrhoids and stomach 

cramps. Fruits, male flowers, and aerial roots are used individually or in combination with other 

ingredients to treat digestive and respiratory ailments (JANICK). 

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Pandanus tectorius: Hawaii; American Samoa; Pandanus utilis: Florida, Southern 

California; Pandanus leram: no data; Pandanus julianettii: no data (GRIN, GILMAN).

5. Other production regions: Pandanus tectorius: Southeast Asia; region of Malesia (Indonesia, Papua New 

Guinea, Philippines), Australia, Northwestern Pacific (Micronesia), south-central Pacific (French Polynesia), 

southwestern Pacific (New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu); 8 to 12 fruit are produced per year; 

Pandanus utilis: Western Indian Ocean (Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion); Pandanus leram: Southeast 

Asia, India, Indonesia; Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Pandanus julianettii: New Guinea highlands, New 

Zealand (GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: Pandanus tectorius: Fruit; ornamental; coastal protection; windbreak; soil improver; shade tree; 

fiber (material) from the durable and fibrous leaves used for weaving; glue from the trunk; tannin; black dye; 

wood; branches and trunks are used in construction; various parts of the tree are used to make garlands; 

medicinal purposes; spice; perfume; soap; fodder for animals; Pandanus utilis: ornamental, container plant, 

fiber (material), fruit; Pandanus leram: fruit; fiber (material); Pandanus julianettii: seeds, fruit; fiber 

(material) (GRIN, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None
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10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, HAWAII, GILMAN, 

DESERT TROPICALS, BOURKE, FRENCH.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 10 and 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: Pandanus tectorius: PADTE; Pandanus utilis: PADUT; 

Pandanus leram: no specific entry; Pandanus julianettii: no specific entry
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1. Sierra Leone-tamarind [(velvet-tamarind (GRIN))] 

Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae). Also placed in: Caesalpiniaceae

Dialium guineense Willd.

2. A shrubby tree that grows to a height of 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 feet). Native to West Africa. The trunk 

may or may not contain tall buttresses. Wood is dense, hard, durable, heavy, light brown, fine in texture and 

possesses high silicate content. Sapwood is white with ripple marks. Heartwood is red-brown in color. The 

bark is smooth and grey to reddish in color. Red gum exudes from the bark. The crown is densely leafy. 

Each leaf consists of an odd terminal leaflet and 2 pairs of opposite to alternate leaflets. The lower pair of 

leaflets is usually smaller in size. Individual leaflets are elliptic, broadly elliptic, or obovate in shape, blunt 

to pointed at the tip, symmetrical and rounded or slightly wedge-shaped at the base, leathery, smooth above, 

sometimes slightly hairy underneath, and 3.5 to 10 by 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1.4 to 4 by 1 to 2 inches) in size. 

The leaf stalk is 5 to 13 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) long. Whitish flowers are borne in large terminal or 

axillary panicles that are covered with short brownish hairs when young, and measure up to 30 centimeters 

(12 inches) long. Branches on panicles spread out widely and horizontally. Individual flowers are borne on 

short stout stalks. Buds measure 0.2 centimeters (0.08 inch) long. Black fruit is circular and flattened or 

round in shape, is borne on a 0.6 centimeter (0.2 inch) long stalk, and measures up to 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) 

in diameter. The skin is densely velvety. A collar occurs near the tip of the fruit. Pulp is orange red to 

brown in color, and dry. The flavor is sweet-sour and astringent and tastes similar to a sweet baobab. A 

brittle shell encloses 1 to 2 seeds (PERENNIAL, AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from September to November and January to April in west Africa, 

September to November in Ghana, and September to October in Nigeria. Fruiting occurs October to 

January in Nigeria and March to May in Ghana. Fruit matures in 90 to 150 days (PERENNIAL, 

AGROFORESTRY).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical savanna climate, moist to brackish soils, and 100 to 160 

centimeters (39 to 63 inches) of rain per year. Grows in the dense savanna forests, shadowy canyons, 

and gallery forests. Found from Senegal to Sudan along the southern border of the Sahel, along 

transition zones bordering high forest, in riverian forest of the savannah woodland, in coastal scrub, 

and in riparian vegetation. Propagation is by seed. Seed should be scarified to promote germination. 

Seeds should be sown just below the soil surface in moist, shaded beds containing equal parts of 

forest topsoil and river sand (PERENNIAL, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availability in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is peeled and pulp is consumed raw. Pulp can be macerated in 

water and consumed as a beverage. The bitter leaves are used to prepare Ghanaian dishes 

(PERENNIAL, AGROFORESTRY).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: Bark and leaves are used against several diseases in Africa

(AGROFORESTRY).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: West-Central Tropical Africa (Cameroon), west tropical Africa (Benin, Cote 

D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Sierra Leone, 

Togo); Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, Sao Tome et Principe (GRIN, 

AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: Fruit; wood is used for fuel, charcoal, vehicles, houses, and flooring; medicinal purposes (GRIN, 

AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Soncoya [(atier, tête de négre, anona rosada, catagüire, manirote, turagua, toreta (GRIN))] 

Annonaceae

Annona purpurea Moc. & Sessé ex Dunal [(syn: Annona involucrata Baill. (GRIN))]

2. A small to medium tree or shrub that grows to a height of 4 to 12 meters (13 to 39 feet). Native to Mexico 

and Central America. The trunk is short and up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) in diameter. Bark is dark with 

light spots. Branching begins low on the trunk and is spreading. Young branches are rusty and woolly. 

Leaves are deciduous, simple, alternate, wavy, broad, oblong-elliptic, oblong-lanceolate, or oblong-ovate in 

shape, pointed at the apex, brown-hairy on both surfaces, short-petioled, and 20 to 30.5 centimeters (8 to 12 

inches) long by 10 to 14 centimeters (4 to 5.5 inches) wide. Fragrant purple flowers emerge with the new 

leaves along the branches. Individual flowers are solitary, fleshy, large, conical, enclosed at first by a pair of 

bracts, and contain a rusty-hairy 3-parted calyx, 3 thick outer petals that are brown hairy outside and 

yellowish and purple mottled inside, and 3 smaller, thinner inner petals that are creamy white outside and 

purple inside. Pollinated by insects, especially beetles. Brown to gray fruit is solitary, large, thick stalked, 

ovoid to nearly round in shape, and 15 to 20 centimeters in diameter. Immature fruit is green. The skin is 

coated with a brown felt and contains hard, 4-sided, conical protuberances that are each tipped with a curved 

hook. Pulp is yellow to orange in color, soft and fibrous. The flavor is mild, agreeable and resembles a 

mango. Aromatic; smells like a mango. Each fruit contains many dark brown seeds that are obovate and 2.5 

to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches) long (PERENNIAL, MORTON, ECOCROP, TOP TROPICALS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs May to July. Fruit ripen in August in the Yucatan, in the fall in Central 

America, and August to October elsewhere (MORTON, TOP TROPICALS).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot tropical lowlands, a hot, humid, wet climate, elevations below 1,219 

meters (4,000 feet), and medium to high rainfall. Grown in coastal lowlands. Does not tolerate frost. 

Propagation is by seed (PERENNIAL, MORTON, TRADE WINDS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in local markets (MORTON).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh or is strained for juice (PERENNIAL, 

MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: Fruit is prepared into a beverage and is consumed as a remedy for fever, chills, 

and jaundice. A decoction of the bark is used to aid dysentery and edema (MORTON).

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Central Mexico, Central America including Panama; South America including 

Venezuela and Colombia; the Philippines (GRIN, PERENNIAL, MORTON).

6. Use: Gene source (related to Annona fruits), fruit, home garden plant; medicinal purposes; the seed 

extract is used as an insecticide (GRIN, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel.

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, MORTON, ECOCROP, TOP TROPICALS, TRADE 

WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ANUPU
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559

1. Soursop [(Prickly custard apple, cachiman épineux, corossol épineux, Sauersack, Stachelannone, 

graviola, araticum-grande, araticum-manso, coração-de-rainha, jaca-de-pobre, jaca-do-Pará, guanábana, 

guanábano (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Annonaceae

Annona muricata L. [(syn: Annona macrocarpa auct. (GRIN))]

2. A small, fast-growing, slender, upright to low-branching bushy evergreen tree that grows to a height of 3 

to 10 meters (10 to 33 feet). Native to tropical America and the Caribbean. Older trees become straggly and 

untidy in appearance. The root system is shallow and fibrous. Wood is pale, aromatic, soft, light, and not 

durable. Branches are upturned. Young branchlets are rusty-hairy. The crown is pyramidal to 

symmetrically conical, dense and 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) in diameter. Dark green leaves are alternate, smooth, 

glossy above, dull underneath, leathery, obovate, oblong-obovate, oblong, narrow-obovate, or elliptic in 

shape, pointed at both ends, and 6 to 25 centimeters (2.4 to 10 inches) long by 2.5 to 6 centimeters (1 to 2.4 

inches) wide. When crushed, leaves emit a spicy odor. Yellow-green bell-shaped flowers can be solitary or 

produced in small clusters on old wood, trunks, branches or twigs. Individual odorous flowers are 

short-stalked, plump, triangular-conical, large, and contain three close-set, small, thin, rounded, pale yellow 

inner petals, three fleshy slightly spreading yellow-green ovate-acute outer petals, and both male and female 

reproductive parts. Flowers measure 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long. Pollination is poor, which 

results in poor fruit set. Hand pollination and pollination by beetles can aid yield. Large yellow green fruit 

is a syncarp that is solitary, irregular, broadly ovoid, heart-shaped, kidney-shaped, oblong-conical, or 

ellipsoid in shape, and 10 to 35 centimeters (4 to 14 inches) long by 15 to 35 centimeters (6 to 14 inches) 

wide by 0.5 to 7 kilograms (1 to 15 pounds) in weight. Immature fruit are dark green and shiny. The skin is 

thin, fragile, leathery, tender, bitter, and covered in recurved, stubby or elongated soft spines that are 0.5 to 

1.3 centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inch) apart. On one side of the fruit, there is an area where the spines are set much 

closer together. The woody fruit stalk is 3 to 8 centimeters (1.2 to 3 inches) long. Mature creamy white pulp 

is separated into segments, and is succulent, juicy, cottony in texture, and fibrous. The core is soft and pithy. 

The flavor is sweet, musky, subacid, or acid. Aromatic and resembles pineapple or mango in taste. Some 

varieties exhibit a turpentine aftertaste. Each fruit contains a few to many (12 to 200) black seeds that are 

oval, smooth, hard, and 1.25 to 2 centimeters (0.5 to 0.8 inch) long. Fruit forms on the trunk and major stems. 

Soursop produces the largest fruit in the family Annonaceae (PERENNIAL, LORENZI, JANICK, 

MORTON, ECOCROP, POPENOE, VAN WYK, BARWICK).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from May to June and October to November in Florida and springtime 

in Brazil. Major flowering peaks occur in the tropics after periods of vegetative flushes. The second 

peak of flowering occurs during the onset of the monsoon season in India. In many tropical areas 

including Hawaii, flowering and fruiting occurs year round, with two or more main fruiting peaks. 

Fruiting occurs from September to January in Brazil, March to June or September in Puerto Rico, 

April in Queensland, June to September in southern India, Mexico and Florida, June to October in 

the Bahamas, and January to April, June to August and October to November in Hawaii. Although 

fruiting can occur year round in tropical areas, peak production occurs from summer to early autumn 

and during early spring. Fruit matures in 70 to 120 days. Fruit production occurs in 4 to 5 years 

from seed and 2 to 3 years from grafts (PERENNIAL, LORENZI, JANICK, MORTON).

b. Cultivation: Requires warm to hot humid tropical climates, tropical lowlands, full sun, elevations 

below 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), high rainfall, deep, rich, loose, well-drained, semi-dry, slightly acid 

soils (loam, sand, or sandy loam), and a pH of 5 to 6.5. Grown in coastal limestone habitats and 

lowland woodlands. Thrives in USDA zones 10 to 12. Tolerates many well-drained soil types 

(sandy to clay loams, and oolitic limestone), alkaline condtions, short periods of drought up to 6 

months, dry soil conditions, and elevations above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Trees have moderate 

salt tolerance. Does not tolerate extremely cold or hot temperatures, dry, cold winds, or water

logging. Young trees are killed by frost, while mature trees exhibit some tolerance. Propagation is 

by seed, cuttings, budding and grafting. Seeds are the most reliable form of propagation and should 
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be planted in moist, shaded soil, soon after being removed from the fruit. Germination occurs in 

approximately 15 to 30 days. After plants reach a height of 30 to 46 centimeters (12 to 18 inches), 

transplanting should be done at the beginning of the wet season. Grafted or budded plants should be 

planted so that the union is 15 centimeters (6 inches) above the ground. Plants should be spaced 

approximately 4.6 by 6 meters (15 by 20 feet). Irrigation is needed during transplanting time and 

dry seasons. Commercial trees are pruned into a mushroom or conical shape that is 1.8 to 2.4 meters 

(6 to 8 feet). Weak branches should be pruned after harvest. Mulching and fertilization aid growth. 

Leaf defoliation can promote lateral branch growth and additional flower formation near the tips of 

the branches. Fruit are hand harvested or mechanically harvevsted when fully mature (firm, 

yellowish green in color, dull, spines set apart, spines break off easily). Before processing, fruit are 

stored on shelves in the shade at room temperature for 4 to 7 days and inspected daily. Fruit that lose 

firmness are thrown out. Upon fully ripening, the skin eventually turns dark brown to black and 

becomes soft. Fruit should be stored above temperatures of 15 °C (59 °F). Fully ripe fruit can 

remain in a refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Commercial plantings mainly occur in the Philippines, India, 

the Caribbean (Jamaica), Madeira, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and South America. Also grown 

extensively in Mexico, where orchards can reach 20 hectares (49 acres). Grown widely on 

subsistence farms in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands and as a home garden plant. Fruit has 

been consumed since ancient times (PERENNIAL, LORENZI, JANICK, MORTON, ECOCROP, 

POPENOE, VAN WYK, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is widely commercialized across Tropical America. Sold in 

the local markets around the world including Tropical America, Malaya, Southeast Asia, and the 

U.S. (LORENZI, MORTON, BARWICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Ripe pulp is consumed fresh after hand-peeling and coring. Fruit can 

also be cut in half and the pulp can be scooped out with a spoon. Fruit can be made into juice, sweets, 

beverages, soft drinks, purée, preserves, tarts, syrup, nectar, jams and jellies. Used as a flavoring in 

sherbets, yogurt, mousse, gelatin dishes, puddings, custard, and ice cream; served as a snack or other 

form of dessert; added to fruit salad. Fruit can be preserved, canned, bottled, fermented, frozen, and 

processed. Mixed with other juices or liquor (wine or brandy). A popular drink in Cuba consists of 

strained pulp, milk, and sugar. Young soft fruit with seeds are used as a vegetable and cooked with 

coconut milk; added to soups; roasted or fried (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, ARKCOLL, 

VAN WYK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is highly nutritious. Pulp is an excellent source of vitamins B and C, a 

good source of potassium, riboflavin, and niacin, and a fair source of calcium and phosphorus. Raw 

seeds are poisonous (JANICK, MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: A decoction of the young shoots and leaves is used to cure gall bladder 

infections, coughs, diarrhea, dysentery, and indigestion. Mashed leaves are used as a poultice to aid 

eczema and rheumatism. Mature leaves have sedative properties and are used to reduce fever. 

Flowers are used to aid muscle spasms. Roots are used to rid intestinal worms and poisoning. Ripe 

fruit is taken to prevent scurvy. Unripe fruit is used to aid dysentery; astringent properties. Fruit 

flesh is applied to skin to rid chiggers and speed healing. Fruit juice is used as a diuretic and as a 

remedy for haematuria, urethritis, liver ailments, and leprosy (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos:

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico, Florida, Hawaii. An important fruit in Puerto Rico (104 tonnes from 20 

hectares (115 tons from 50 acres) in 1992 CENSUS). It is too tender for culture in the continental U.S., 

except in the warmest parts of Florida. In Hawaii, approximately 43 to 83 kilograms (95 to 183 pounds) are 

produced per tree (MARKLE, JANICK). 

5. Other commercial production regions: South and Central America including Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, 

Peru, Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela; Madeira; eastern and western Africa; Southeast Asia including 

southeast China, Surinam, Malaysia, Malaya, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Guam, India, Sri Lanka; the 

Pacific Islands including the Philippines; the Caribbean including Cuba, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, 

Grenada, Jamaica, San Domingo, and the Bahamas; Australia; widely cultivated and naturalized; pantropic. 
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Approximately 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) were planted in Brazil. In Surinam, yields are 54 kilograms 

(119 pounds) per tree at 278 trees per hectare. In Puerto Rico, 2,268 to 3,629 kilograms (5,000 to 8,000 

pounds) are produced per acre. Individual trees can produce 12 to 24 fruit per tree. No world production, 

export, and import figures are available (GRIN, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, LORENZI, JANICK, MORTON, 

ARKCOLL, POPENOE, BARWICK).

6. Use: Pulp is eaten fresh, made into beverages (carato), jelly, ice cream or other desserts; fruit can be used 

as bait; seeds and leaves can be used as an insecticide; bark is used in tanning; bark, seeds, and roots are used 

as a fish poison; wood is used for tools; medicinal purposes; home garden plant; ornamental (GRIN, 

MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp, which has the flavor like pineapple and mango.

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0365) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits-inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Sugar apple = Soursop

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, PERENNIAL, LORENZI, JANICK, MORTON, ECOCROP, 

POPENOE, VAN WYK, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, ARKCOLL.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ANUMU
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565

1. Spanish-lime [(genip, honeyberry, kenépier, quenette, Honigbeere, Quenepa, mamoncillo (GRIN))]

Sapindaceae

Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq. [(syn: Melicocca bijuga L. (GRIN))]

2. A slow-growing, erect to spreading tree that commonly grows to a height of 6 to 15 meters (20 to 49 feet). 

Trees can grow to a maximum height of 25 to 30 meters (82 to 98 feet). Native to the West Indies, Central 

America and northern South America. The trunk is up to 1.7 meters (6 feet) thick. Bark is thick, smooth, 

and grey in color. Heartwood is yellow with dark lines, compact, hard, heavy, and fine-grained. Branches 

are spreading. Young branches are reddish in color. Bright green leaves are alternate, fern-like, briefly 

deciduous, pinnately compound, and 15 to 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) long. Leaves contain two pairs of 

opposite or sub-opposite leaflets that are elliptical in shape, membranous, smooth, sharp-pointed, and 5 to 13 

centimeters (2 to 5 inches) long by 2.5 to 6.25 centimeters (1 to 2.5 inches) wide. The rachis may be winged. 

Small, fragrant, greenish-white to white flowers are clustered in slender terminal racemes that measure 5 to 

15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long. Male racemes are branched, while female racemes are simple. 

Individual flowers are 0.5 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) wide and contain four small sepals (0.2 

centimeters (0.08 inch) long), 4 petals (0.3 centimeters (0.1 inch) long), and 8 to 9 stamens or a pistil with a 

bifid white stigma. Pedicels are short and 0.4 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inch) long. Male and female 

flowers are borne on separate plants. Some plants contain both male and female flowers. Green to yellowish 

fruit is a drupe that is borne in branched, compact, heavy clusters. Individual fruit is globose, sub-globose, 

or ellipsoid in shape, 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) in diameter, and 10 to 25 grams (0.4 to 0.9 ounce) 

in weight. A short, sharp protrusion occurs on the tip of the fruit. Skin is smooth, thin, leathery, and brittle. 

Pulp (aril) is yellow, orange, or salmon-colored, translucent, pasty, thin, fibrous, gelatinous, juicy, and 

firmly attached to the seed. The flavor is sweet, acid-sweet, subacid, or astringent; resembles lychee in taste. 

Each fruit contains one large, yellowish white, hard-shelled seed. Some fruit contain two seeds. The kernel 

is white, crisp, starchy and astringent (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, MONTOSO, 

TRADE WINDS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs in April in Florida, October to December in Brazil, March to April in 

Jamaica, April to June in Puerto Rico, and 2 months later in Trinidad. Fruit mature from June to 

September in Puerto Rico, summer in Brazil, September to October in Trinidad, July to October in 

the Bahamas, June to September in Florida, and July to December in the Dominican Republic. Fruit 

matures in 90 to 150 days. Fruit production occurs in 7 to 10 years from seed and 4 to 5 years from 

vegetative propagation (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON). 

b. Cultivation: Requires hot subtropical to tropical lowlands, full sun, temperatures of 25 to 27 °C 

(77 to 81 °F), deep, rich calcareous soils, rainfall of 90 to 260 centimeters (35 to 102 inches) per year, 

a 3 to 5 month drought, and elevations up to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Thrives in USDA zone 10. 

Tolerant of long periods of drought, low rainfall, and poor soils. Young plants do not tolerate frost, 

while mature trees tolerate some frost. Propagation is by seed, layering, cuttings, and grafting. 

Seeds are the most common propagation method. Germination occurs in 15 to 30 days. Air layering 

is done in the summer with 5 centimeter (2 inch) diameter stems. Air layers can produce roots in a 

period of 5 to 6 weeks. Trees should be spaced 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 feet). Pruning can be used 

in commercial plots to lower tree heights for harvesting purposes. Water and fertilizer aid tree 

growth. Mature fruit are harvested by clipping the entire fruit cluster from the tree. Harvesting 

immature fruit results in the rind turning black. Fruit is shipped in 6 to 10 kilogram (13 to 22 pound) 

boxes. Fruit ships and markets well and should be stored at 12 °C (54 °F). Fruit is very popular in 

Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Widely cultivated in home gardens, domestic orchards, and 

urban areas (streets) (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, DESERT TROPICALS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is consumed locally; sold in local markets. The Dominican 

Republic is the main exporter (PERENNIAL, JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: The aril is consumed fresh as a snack by tearing the rind open at the stem 
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end and squeezing the pulp and juice into the mouth. Fruit can be used in jellies, jams, marmalade, 

pie filling, liquors, and beverages. Fruit is peeled and boiled to make a cold beverage. Juice can be 

canned. The seeds can be roasted and consumed. Flower nectar is used to produce a dark honey 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, MONTOSO).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is rich in iron and phosphorus (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Pulverized, roasted seed kernels and a decoction of bark or leaves are used to 

aid dysentery and intestinal disorders (JANICK). 

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Puerto Rico, Florida, Hawaii (MARKLE, MORTON).

5. Other production regions: West Indies including Cuba, Haiti, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad, and the 

Dominican Republic; the lowlands of Central America including Nicaragua; South America including 

Venezuela, Margarita Island, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Surinam, and Colombia; the 

Philippines; Zanzibar; widely cultivated in the tropics. In 2002, the Dominican Republic exported 2,045 

tonnes (2,254 tons). 1,700 tonnes (1,874 tons) of this fruit was imported into the U.S. Canada and Europe 

imported the remainder of the fruit (GRIN, MORTON, JANICK, LORENZI, MORTON, DESERT 

TROPICALS).

6. Use: Fruit, seeds are consumed; home garden plant; honey; wood is used for construction and 

cabinetwork; medicinal purposes; dye from fruit juice (MARKLE, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0366) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Lychee = Spanish lime

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, MORTON, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, MONTOSO, 

TRADE WINDS, DESERT TROPICALS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: MLCBI
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577

1. Star apple [(caïmitier, Sternapfel, caimito, caimito blanco, caimito morado (GRIN))]

Sapotaceae

Chrysophyllum cainito L.

2. A medium to large semi-deciduous to evergreen tree that grows to a height of 8 to 30 meters (26 to 98 feet). 

Native to Central America and the West Indies (mainly Cuba and Jamaica). The trunk is short and up to 1 

meter (3 feet) thick. Wood is hard, heavy, strong, and durable. Heartwood is pinkish, red-brown, violet, or 

dark-purple in color, fine-grained, compact, heavy, hard, strong, tough, and durable. White milky latex 

exudes from the tree. Young branches are covered with chestnut-brown hairs. The canopy is broad, 

spreading, drooping and dense to airy. Dark green leaves are simple, alternate, papery or slightly leathery, 

glossy on the upper surface, covered with a golden-brown pubescence underneath, elliptic, oblong-elliptic, 

oblong or ovate in shape, and 5 to 16 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long by 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches) 

wide. Young leaves are silvery underneath. The inflorescence is axillary on the current season’s shoots and 

contains 5 to 35 densely clustered flowers. Individual whitish, greenish yellow, yellow, or purplish white 

flowers are small, inconspicuous, star-shaped, and contain a tubular five-lobed corolla, five to six sepals, 

five stamens, a seven to eleven-lobed stigma and both male and female reproductive organs. Pollinated by 

insects. Red-purple, dark-purple or light green fruit is a berry that is solitary, plump, globose, 

obovoid-globose, oblate, ellipsoid, or pear-shaped, and 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in diameter. The 

peel is inedible, thick, rubbery, glossy, smooth, and leathery. The peel adheres to the inner rind and contains 

latex. Green fruit peels are shiny and purple fruit peels are pale. Pulp is soft, fleshy, granular, sticky, 

jelly-like, milky and purple in purple-skinned fruit and white in green-skinned fruit. Purple-fleshed fruit 

contain a dark purple rind (0.6 to 1.3 centimeters (0.25 to 0.5 inch) thick). White-fleshed fruit contain a 

white rind (0.3 to 0.5 centimeter (0.125 to 0.1875 inch) thick). The flavor is sweet. Each fruit contains 3 to 

11 gelatinous, rubbery seed cells and seeds. When the fruit is cut cross-wise, the seed cells radiate form the 

central core, and form a star shape. Individual seeds are small, flattened, obovoid to oval in shape, pointed, 

hard, brown to black in color, and up to 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) long by 1.25 centimeters (0.5 inch) wide by 

0.6 centimeter (0.25 inch) thick. Star apple has been cultivated since ancient times (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, ECOCROP).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering is associated with main shoot growth in the rainy season and occurs from late 

summer to early autumn. Flowering occurs from August to October in Florida and July to 

September in Brazil. Fruit are harvested from late winter or early spring to early summer in most 

locations. Fruiting occurs in the summer in Brazil, early to late spring in Florida, April to May in the 

West Indies, and February to March in India. Fruit matures in approximately 150 to 180 days. Fruit 

production occurs in 5 to 12 years from seed and 4 to 5 years from grafts (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

MORTON, POPENOE, QUISQUALIS).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid tropical to subtropical lowlands, full sun, elevations up to 1,500 

meters (4,921 feet), a distinct dry season, deep, fertile, well-drained, slightly acid soil (clay-loam or 

sand), and medium to high rainfall in the rainy season. Grown in humid woodlands. Thrives in 

USDA zones 10 to 12. Tolerates a variety of well-drained soil types, alkaline conditions up to a pH 

of 7.5, and short periods of dry condtions. Does not tolerate frost (-2 to 0 °C (28 to 32 °F)), strong 

winds, prolonged periods of drought, water logging, and cool climates. Propagation is by seed, 

budding, air layering, inarching, cuttings, and grafting. Seeds are viable for several months after 

being removed from the fruit. Germination occurs in 14 to 40 days. Trees are more commonly 

propagated vegetatively. Spacing should be 10 to 12 meters (33 to 39 feet) between trees. 

Maintenance pruning can be done. Fertilization aids growth. Irrigation is required during dry 

periods. Fruit do not drop when ripe. Fully mature or ripe fruit are hand-picked by clipping the 

peduncle. Fruit are mature when slightly dull, wrinkled and soft to the touch. Green types should be 

shiny, light green to yellowish brown in color and purple types should be pale and dark purple in 

color. Immature fruit should not be harvested, since ripening does not occur properly, and latex is 

contained in the flesh. The peduncle should be removed before packing. Fruit should be stored at 3 
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to 6 °C (37 to 43 °F) at 90 percent relative humidity for up to 3 weeks. Fruit is grown on a small 

scale in mixed orchards or home gardens and is harvested commercially throughout the distributed

range. Widely cultivated from Africa to Southeast Asia and Australia (PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

BARWICK, MORTON, ECOCROP, QUISQUALIS, DESERT TROPICALS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Sold in local markets (PERENNIAL).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh by cutting the fruit in half and spooning out the 

pulp. When opening the fruit it is recommended that none of the bitter latex from the peel contacts 

the pulp. Fresh fruit can be added to fruit salads or used as a flavoring. Fruit pulp can be processed 

to make preserves, candies, sherbet, ice cream and beverages. In Jamaica, a traditional dish is 

prepared by mixing pulp with orange juice, sugar, nutmeg and whipped cream. In Bolivia, fruit is 

parboiled. An emulsion of the seed kernels can be used to make nougats and other confections 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, ECOCROP).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: The pulp is used as an anti-inflammatory in laryngitis and pneumonia; used to 

treat diabetes. A decoction of the fruit is used to relieve chest pain. Unripe fruit are consumed to 

relieve intestinal problems. A decoction of the rind or leaves is taken to relieve muscle pain. A 

decoction of the bark is consumed as a tonic and stimulant and to halt diarrhea, dysentery, and 

hemorrhages. Pulverized seed is taken as a tonic, diuretic and fever reducer. Latex is applied on 

abscesses. When taken internally, it is taken as a diuretic, fever reducer, and remedy for dysentery; 

used to rid intestinal worms (JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico. 0.4 hectare (1 acre) is grown in Florida (GRIN, CRANE 

1996a, MARKLE).

5. Other production regions: West Indies including Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and Bermuda; Central America 

including Panama and Guatemala; South America including Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil; Mexico 

Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka; 

Africa; Australia; widely cultivated and naturalized in the tropics. In 1987, the Philippines grew 7,600 

hectares (18,780 acres) (25,389 tonnes (27,987 tons)). In India, trees can bear 68 kilograms (150 pounds) of 

fruit per year. Yields can reach 1,000 fruit per tree or 60 to 113 kilograms (132 to 249 pounds) per tree. 

There are no reliable worldwide figures available for the area grown or production (GRIN, MORTON, 

JANICK, LORENZI, BARWICK).

6. Use: Fruit consumed fresh. Seeds are used in confections; medicinal purposes; ornamental; home 

gardens; wood is used in construction and furniture; latex is used in making plastic (GRIN, MARKLE, 

BARWICK, MORTON).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Pulp only

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical an subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0367) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Papaya = star apple; Avocado = star apple

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MARKLE, CRANE 1996a, PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, 

BARWICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, ECOCROP, QUISQUALIS, DESERT TROPICALS, 

MORTON, POPENOE.

11. Production map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CSFCA
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582

1. Sugar-apple [(Rinón, Sitaaphal, Sharifah, custard-apple, sweetsop, annone écailleuse, pomme-canelle, 

Rahmapfel, Süßsack, Schuppenannone, Zuckerapfel, ata, fruta-do-conde, pinha, anón, anona blanca, 

chirimoyo, fruta del conde (GRIN, MARKLE))]

Annonaceae

Annona squamosa L. [(syn: Annona asiatica L. (GRIN))]

2. A small, semi-deciduous tree that grows to a height of 3 to 8 meters (10 to 26 feet). Native to tropical 

America, specifically the Caribbean region. The most widely grown Annona spp. in tropical America, 

Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Roots are shallow. The trunk is short. Sapwood is yellow. Heartwood is 

brownish. Wood is soft, light, and weak. Bark is light brown with leaf scars and smooth to slightly fissured. 

Inner bark is light yellow and slightly bitter. Branches are slender, irregular, and brown. The crown is broad 

and open. Dull green leaves are alternate, aromatic, leathery, pale underneath with a bloom, narrowly 

elliptic, oblong-lanceolate, lanceolate or oblong in shape, blunt tipped, pointed or rounded at the base, and 5 

to 17 centimeters (2 to 7 inches) long by 2 to 6 centimeters (0.8 to 2.4 inches) wide. Young leaves are 

slightly hairy. Petioles are green, short, hairy and 0.6 to 1.3 centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inch) long. Fragrant 

yellowish flowers are axillary, pendant, and single or in clusters of two to five on leafy shoots. Individual 

flowers are 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long, oblong in shape, and contain three degenerated, 

pointed, hairy green sepals (1.6 centimeters (0.6 inch) long), 3 fleshy oblong, thick, rounded, slightly hairy 

outer petals that are yellow-green outside and pale-yellow inside with a purple or dark red spot at the base 

(1.6 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) long by 0.6 centimeters (0.2 inch) wide), 3 ovate inner petals that are 

tiny scales, multiple pistils, a light green ovary, white styles, a conical receptacle, a number of white stamens 

(less than 1.6 centimeters (0.6 inch) long, and both male and female reproductive organs. Flower stalks are 

drooping, slender, and 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. Insects aid pollination. Hand pollination is also done. 

Yellowish-green, pale-green, gray-green, bluish-green, dull, deep-pink or purple fruit is solitary, compound, 

ovoid, round, conical, or heart-shaped, and 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in diameter by 350 grams (0.8 

pounds) in weight. The rind is thick, knobby and contains rounded protuberances (1.3 to 1.9 centimeters (0.5 

to 0.7 inch) long by 0.6 to 1.3 centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inch) wide) that can separate, exposing the flesh. A 

powdery bloom covers the rind. Pulp is divided into conical segments that are creamy white in color, 

glistening, fragrant, juicy and succulent. There is a fleshy center. The flavor is sweet and resembles a cross 

between a banana and a pineapple. Many conical segments of the frut contain a single oblong to 

oblong-cylindric, shiny, smooth, black to dark-brown seed that measures 1.25 to 1.6 centimeters (0.5 to 0.6 

inch) long. An average fruit can contain 30 to 60 seeds (PERENNIAL, JANICK, LORENZI, NATIONAL 

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, EFLORAS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering can occur for 3 to 6 months. Two major flowering peaks occur after the period 

of vegetative flush. The second peak occurs at the beginning of the monsoon season. Flowering and 

fruiting occur throughout the year in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Flowering occurs from 

April to May in Florida and India, and springtime in Brazil. In many areas, fruit is harvested from 

July to October and can be extended to March if summer pruning is conducted. Peak production is 

between July and March in Taiwan, January to April in Brazil, July to November in India (Poona), 

and July to September in Thailand, Florida, and the Caribbean. Fruit matures in 120 to 150 days. 

Fruit production occurs in 3 to 5 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from grafts (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, LORENZI, AGROFORESTRY).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, tropical lowlands or subtropical climate, full sun, elevations of sea 

level to 2,000 meters (0 to 6,562 feet), a mean temperature of up to 41 °C (106 °F), drier periods, 

well-drained, loose sand, sandy-loam, or rocky soils, a pH of 6.0 to 6.5, and medium rainfall above 

70 centimeters (28 inches). Prefers drier areas, lowlands, and moisture during the growing season. 

Lower temperatures (25 °C or 77 °F) and higher humidity improves pollination. Tolerates light frost, 

a wide range of well-drained soils (sand, oolitic limestone, clay loams, and loam), and drought. 

Young trees do not tolerate frost. Does not tolerate year-round high moisture, water logging, high 
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salinity, and high winds. Propagation is by seed, inarching, budding, cuttings, and grafting. 

Micropropagation is also done. Seed is the most common form of propagation. Planting depth 

should be 2 centimeters (0.8 inch). Germination occurs in 20 to 30 days. Soaking seeds for 3 to 4 

days increases the germination rate. For grafting purposes, the branches should be defoliated 1 to 2 

weeks before scion wood is cut to induce bud swelling. Budding should be done at the beginning of 

the growing season. Plants should be transplanted when 30 to 45 centimeters (12 to 18 inches) tall, 

at the beginning of the wet season. Grafts should be planted so that the union is placed 15 

centimeters (6 inches) above the ground. Trees should be irrigated well, and shaded after 

transplanting. Spacing should be 3.5 to 4.0 by 4.5 to 5.0 meters (11 to 13 by 15 to 16 feet). If 

machinery will be used in the rows, spacing can be increased to 5.0 to 5.5 by 6.0 to 6.5 meters (16 to 

18 by 20 to 21 feet). Pruning and proper spacing increases fruit set. For commercial production, 

trees should be pruned to a height of 2 to 2.5 meters (7 to 8 feet) and a canopy of 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 

10 feet) when dormant. Windbreaks and irrigation can aid fruit quality. Fertilization increases 

growth. Fruit is harvested when mature and firm (fruit turns color from gray green to yellowish 

green, fruit should give slightly when squeezed, and carpels near the peduncle separate and radiate 

out, exposing the white pulp). Fruit should be harvested carefully to prevent bruising of the skin. 

Harvested immature fruit do not ripen. Mature fruit ripen in 3 to 6 days after harvest. Fruit should 

be stored at 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F). One of the major commercial species of the Annona genus

that is cultivated in domestic orchards. Fruit is intensively cultivated in Taiwan (PERENNIAL, 

JANICK, LORENZI, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP, TRADE 

WINDS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in local village markets (especially in Brazil, India, 

and Taiwan). Fruit can be shipped by air to distant markets (JANICK, MORTON, LORENZI).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh after cutting the fruit in half lengthwise and 

twisting the halves to separate. A spoon can be used to scoop out the flesh. The seeds and fibrous 

center should not be eaten. Pulp can be mixed with cream and sugar or wine; added to fruit salads. 

Pulp can be used to make juices, drinks, custards, fillings for cakes, shakes, ice cream, sherbets, and 

other desserts; pulp can be used in spicy dishes such as curry. Seed oil can be used for cooking 

purposes after being detoxified (PERENNIAL, JANICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 

MORTON).

e. Nutritional aspects: Pulp is a good source of carbohydrates, potassium, thiamine, fiber, calcium, 

phosphorus, and vitamin C. Seeds are poisonous (PERENNIAL, MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: A leaf decoction is used as a cold remedy, fever reducer, tonic, digestive, or 

arthritis remedy; taken in cases of dysentery. Crushed leaves are sniffed to overcome hysteria and 

fainting spells. Leaves are applied on ulcers and wounds. A bark decoction or the juice of the fruit 

is used to treat diarrhea. Bark extracts have an anti-tumor effect in the laboratory. Roots are used to 

treat dysentery. Green fruit is taken to aid diarrhea. Crushed ripe fruit is applied on tumors 

(JANICK, MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands. There is increasing production 

in South Florida (12 hectares (30 acres) in 1994). Guam harvested 458 kilograms (1,010 pounds) in 1992 

(MARKLE, CRANE 1995, 1992 CENSUS, MORTON).

5. Other commercial production regions: Tropical America including Mexico, Central America, South 

America including Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Peru, French Guiana, 

Guyana, Colombia, and Argentina, and the Caribbean including the Bahamas, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Haiti, 

Martinique, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Barbados, and Bermuda; Asia including Taiwan, 

Vietnam, Surinam, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, and India, Africa, Egypt, Greece, the 

lowlands of Palestine, the Pacific; Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Polynesia. Sugar apples are 

important fruits in many tropical areas. Taiwan (especially Taitung county) produces the most fruit. The 

average annual production in Taiwan was 50,005 tonnes (55,121 tons) from 4,978 hectares (12,300 acres). 

Mature trees can produce up to 100 fruit per tree (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, LORENZI, NATIONAL 
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195

GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY). 

6. Use: Fruit; primary genetic relative; progenitor of atemoya; medicinal purposes; ground seed, green fruits, 

and leaves are used as an insecticide; oil from seed kernels is used in the manufacture of soap; oil from 

leaves is used in the manufacture of perfume; fiber from the bark is used in cordage; wood for fuel; home 

garden plant; ornamental (GRIN, MARKLE, JANICK, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp, which is custard like, sweet and contains numerous seeds. 

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: 006 (FI 0368 and FI 4151) Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: Sugar apple = Cherimoya, atemoya, custard apple, ilama, soursop and 

biriba

10. References: GRIN, MARKLE, BAYER, CRANE 1995, 1992 CENSUS, PERENNIAL, JANICK, 

LORENZI, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MORTON, AGROFORESTRY, EFLORAS, ECOCROP, 

TRADE WINDS.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13

12.Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: ANUSQ
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1. Sun Sapote [(sansapote (GRIN))]

Chrysobalanaceae

Licania platypus (Hemsl.) Fritsch [(syn: Moquilea platypus Hemsl. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. An erect tree that grows to a height of 30 to 50 meters (98 to 164 feet). Native to Central and South 

America. The trunk is sometimes slightly buttressed and up to 1 meter (3 feet) in diameter. Sapwood is 

pale-yellow to light yellowish-brown. Heartwood is purplish to reddish in color, fine grained, heavy, and 

strong. Bark is dark purplish, grey, or brown in color, rough, and dotted with tiny white or reddish-white 

lenticels. Branches are thick and stout. The crown is rounded, tall, narrow, heavily foliaged, and 25 to 35 

meters (82 to 115 feet) in diameter. Dark green leaves are simple, alternate to spiraled, deciduous, leathery, 

thick, finger-shaped, elliptic to narrow-lanceolate in shape, pointed to round at the ends, and 10 to 30 

centimeters (4 to 12 inches) long by 3 to 12 centimters (1.2 to 5 inches) wide. Blades curl toward the midrib. 

The midrib is thick. Petioles are thick and up to 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) long. Leaf loss usually occurs in 

December. Young foliage is bronze to red-purple in color and showy. Many flowers occur on broad, 

terminal branched, pyramidal panicles that are 10 to 35 centimeters (4 to 14 inches) long. Individual 

greenish white to cream colored fragrant flowers are small (0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch)), densely hairy, and 

contain 5 recurved petals, an orange calyx, and 15 protruding stamens. Pollinated by insects. Greenishbrown, dark-brown, yellow-brown, or reddish fruit is solitary or contained in clusters of up to 5 fruit. 

Individual fruit is large, oblong, round, obovoid or pyriform in shape, 13 to 20 centimeters (5 to 8 inches) 

long, 10 to 14 centimters (4 to 5.5 inches) wide and up to 900 grams (2 pounds) in weight. Skin is thin, warty, 

fibrous, and covered with white lenticels. Pulp is yellow to orange-yellow in color, soft, fibrous, dry to juicy, 

and 1.5 centimters (0.6 inch) thick. The flavor is sweet to sub-acid; some describe the taste as pumpkin-like. 

Each fruit contains a single rounded to ovate-oblong flattened seed that is 6 to 10 centimeters (2.4 to 4 inches) 

long and occupies most of the volume of the fruit (PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, CDS, 

CAMPBELL).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from November to December in Florida, July to September in Mexico

and February to March in Honduras. Fruit mature from August to December in Mexico and June to 

September in Honduras. Fruit matures in approximately 250 days. Fruit production occurs in 10 

years from seed (PERENNIAL).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, humid tropical climates, elevations below 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), 

and annual rainfall over 150 centimeters (59 inches), well-drained soils, and seasonally dry 

conditions. Grows semi-wild as a few isolated clumps of trees in tropical humid lowlands that are

seasonally dry and seasonally dry, dense forests. Tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils. Does 

not tolerate frost. Propagation is by seed. Germination occurs within a month. Transplanting is 

done when trees are 50 to 60 centimeters (20 to 24 inches) tall. Spacing is 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 

feet). When mature, fruit fall from the tree and ripen/soften on the ground in 2 to 3 days. Heavy 

fruiting occurs every other year. Fruit is obtained from semi-wild cultivation or small plantings of a 

few individual trees. Fruit is not often cultivated since fruit is variable in size, fibrous, and infested 

with insects (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CDS).

c. Availability in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in native markets in Central and South America 

(JANICK, CAMPBELL).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh or used as a flavoring; very easy to peel; eaten 

when other fruits are not available (PERENNIAL, JANICK, CAMPBELL).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop photos

4. Production in U.S.: Florida, Hawaii (JANICK).
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5. Other production regions: Central Mexico, Central America including Panama and Costa Rica; South 

America including Colombia and Brazil; the Philippines. A mature tree can produce 300 to 400 fruit (GRIN, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, CDS).

6. Use: Fruit, wood for furniture, marine construction, cabinet work, and fuel; ornamental; shade tree (GRIN, 

JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications: 

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruit - inedible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, MORTON, CDS, CAMPBELL.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: LCNPL
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1. Tamarind-of-the-Indies [(Spanish-tamarind, vavangue, voavanguier, tamarindo extranjero (GRIN))]

Rubiaceae

Vangueria madagascariensis J. F. Gmel. [(syn: Vangueria edulis (Vahl) Vahl (GRIN))]

2. A deciduous multi-branched shrub or small tree growing to a height of 2 to 15 meters (7 to 49 feet). 

Native to Africa and Madagascar. Bark is smooth and grey. Dark green leaves are opposite, large, shiny to 

slightly pubescent, elliptic-ovate or rotundate in shape, and 7 to 20 centimeters long (3 to 8 inches) by 2 to 11 

centimeters (0.8 to 4 inches) wide. Sweet-scented flowers are borne in dense axillary cymes along the short 

lateral branches, are 0.8 centimeters (0.3 inch) long, and are greenish-yellow, greenish-white, yellow or 

cream with reddish-yellow pubescence. Yellowish-brown to light brown fruit is round, glossy and 2 to 4.5 

centimeters (0.8 to 1.8 inches) in diameter. Immature fruit is green in color. The skin is very smooth, shiny 

and tough; skin may contain white speckles. Pulp is greenish-yellow in color; the flavor is sweet-sour, acid 

or mealy. Many describe the flavor as chocolate-like. Each fruit contains 4 to 5 woody seeds that are 1.6 

centimeters (0.6 inch) long. Famine food (PERENNIAL, JANICK, FAMINE, ECOCROP, QUISQUALIS).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: In most locations, flowers develop during the rainy season after the new leaves appear in 

September and October. In Tanzania, flowering occurs from October to February. In most locations, 

fruit ripen during the dry season from January to April. In Tanzania, fruit ripening occurs April to 

December. In Dodoma, Singida and Tabora, ripening occurs from April to July. In Kilimanjaro and 

Arusha, fruit ripens from August to December (JANICK, FAO).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet tropical lowlands. Found growing in evergreen forests, riverine 

lowland forests, wooded bushlands and grasslands, rocky outcrops and termite mounds throughout 

Africa, Asia and Australia. Grows best in open, cleared areas at elevations ranging from sea level to 

2,400 meters (7,874 feet). Requires mean annual temperatures of 17 to 29 °C (63 to 84 °F), and 

mean annual rainfall of 93 to 124 centimeters (37 to 49 inches). The tree has a high light demand. 

Grows best in rocky, sandy red clay or sandy clay soils. Tolerates, drought, a variety of soil 

conditions including volcanic ash soils, sandy clay loams, loamy sands, and red to dark red friable 

clays and a wide variety of sites including woodlands, bush, scrub, stony outcrops, and dunes. Not 

tolerant of frost and fire. Propagation is by seed and coppice. The hard seedcoat makes germination 

difficult. Coppicing and pruning induce new growth and control shape. Fruit are semi-cultivated on 

farms and grown along boundaries and home compounds. Weeding should be performed until 

maturation is achieved. Harvested unripe mature fruit ripens approximately one week after harvest 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, FAO, QUISQUALIS).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in local markets (JANICK).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh; because the skin is tough, it is usually removed 

and the pulp with the seeds is sucked. Seeds are discarded. Fruit may also be stewed, used to flavor 

beer, or placed into beverages and other foods (PERENNIAL, JANICK, FAO, QUISQUALIS).

e. Nutritional aspects: No specific entry.

f. Medicinal aspects: Roots and bark are used to treat worm infections (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Northeast tropical Africa (Ethiopia, Sudan), east tropical Africa (Kenya, 

Tanzania, Uganda), west-central tropical Africa (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Zaire), west tropical 

Africa (Ghana, Nigeria), south tropical Africa (Malawi), South Africa, Madagascar, Asia; cultivated in India, 

northern Australia, and Trinidad; naturalized elsewhere in the Tropics; no yield data is available (GRIN, 

PERENNIAL, JANICK, FAO).

6. Use: Fruit, firewood, charcoal; wood for building construction and tools; flowers are a source of honey 

(GRIN, JANICK, FAO, ECOCROP).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp (FAMINE).

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit.
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, PERENNIAL, JANICK, FAMINE, ECOCROP, QUISQUALIS, FAO.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: VAGMA
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1. Velvet Tamarind [(tamarind-plum, Samttamarinde, keranji (GRIN))]

Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae). Also placed in: Caesalpiniaceae.

Dialium indum L. 

2. A medium to large-sized, upper canopy evergreen tree that grows to a height of 40 to 43 meters (131 to 

141 feet). Native to Indonesia. The trunk is branchless up to 12 meters (39 feet) and is 95 centimeters (37 

inches) in diameter. Wood is hard and compact. Dark green leaves are alternate, pinnate and contain three to 

nine smooth, leathery, alternate, penni-veined leaflets. Stipules are 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inch) long. Flowers 

occur on large branched, terminal panicles. Individual small (0.8 centimeter (0.3 inch) in diameter), white to 

white-yellowish flowers contain short calyx tubes, a lanceolated lobe, no petals, two stamens and anthers, a 

sessile ovary, two ovules, and five sepals. Black fruit is small, oblong or ovoid and globose in shape, 1.5 to 

3 centimeters (0.6 to 1.2 inches) long and 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inch) wide. The pod is thin, brittle, 

and covered in black velvet. Pulp is orange-red to black in color, pithy, and dried-fruit-like in texture. The 

flavor is sweet and similar to tamarind. One shiny, slightly flattened seed (0.5 centimeter (0.2 inch) long) is 

contained in each pod (PERENNIAL, JANICK, ASIANPLANT, FRUITIPEDIA).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from April to June in Thailand. Harvesting occurs from August to 

September in Thailand. Fruit develops in 3 to 4 months. Trees produce fruit in 5 to 17 years from 

seed (JANICK).

b. Cultivation: Requires hot, wet tropical climates, sandy to clay soils, and elevations up to 1,200 

meters (3,937 feet). Rain before flowering can accelerate fruiting. Adapated to well-drained 

monsoon areas, undisturbed mixed dipterocarp and sub-montane forests, secondary forests, hillsides, 

ridges, and swamp and peat-swamp forests. Grows well under rubber stands. Tolerates good and 

poor soil (including ultrabasic and limestone soils), and shade. Does not tolerate dry conditions. 

Propagation is by seed. Fruit is collected from the wild in Southeast Asia. Harvesters must climb 

the tree and knock or shake the fruit off. Some harvesters cut the branch off to obtain fruit. Fruit is 

then placed on a mat, and dried in the sun for a few days until the shell and pulp separate. The shell 

is broken by placing the fruit in a cloth bag and hitting the bag on the ground. The broken shell is 

then separated from the pulp by shaking. Fruit are graded by size. Rarely grown commercially 

(PERENNIAL, JANICK, ASIANPLANT, FAO).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: Products made from the fruit (luk yee paste, coated luk yee, and 

dried fruit) are sold in markets, at railway and bus stations, and at many tourist centers in Thailand. 

Pulp is also sold for its medicinal purposes (JANICK, FRUITIPEDIA).

d. Preparation for cooking: Pulp is consumed fresh; can be used as dessert. In Thailand, two 

products are prepared. Luk yee paste is preapared by mixing the pulp (with or without seeds) with 

sugar, chilli, and salt. Then it is wrapped in thin plastic sheets. The other product is coated luk yee. 

This is prepared by coating the pulp either with sugar or a mixture of sugar, chilli, and other 

ingredients (‘sweet’ or ‘hot’ luk yee). Fruit can be dried in the sun, separated from the shell and sold 

in the market along with the seeds (PERENNIAL, JANICK, FRUITIPEDIA).

e. Nutritional aspects: The pulp has a low free-sugar content and non-detectable polyols (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: Pulp has medicinal purposes (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Southeast Asia including Thailand, Indonesia (Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra, 

Borneo) and Malaysia (GRIN, PERENNIAL, ASIANPLANT).

6. Use: Fruit, potential as wood, medicinal purposes, bark for tanning (GRIN, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 005 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - edible peel

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, PERENNIAL, JANICK, ASIANPLANT, FRUITIPEDIA, FAO.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Wampi [(Chinese clausena, wampee, whampi, huang pi (GRIN))]

Rutaceae

Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels [(syn: Clausena punctata (Sonn.) Rehder & E. H. Wilson, 

Clausena wampi (Blanco) Oliv., Cookia punctata Sonn., Cookia wampi Blanco, Quinaria lansium 

Lour. (basionym) (GRIN))]

2. A fast-growing, attractive, upright, evergreen large shrub or small tree that reaches a height of 3 to 12 

meters (10 to 39 feet). Native to southern China. A distant relative of Citrus. The trunk can reach up to 40 

centimeters (16 inches) in diameter. Wood is white and close-grained. Bark is gray-brown in color and 

rough. Branches are long, upward-slanting, low, and flexible. The canopy is open and willow-like. Dark 

green, glossy leaves are evergreen, dense, spirally-arranged, odd pinnately compound, resinous, aromatic 

(anise-scented), and 10 to 30.5 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) long. Each leaf contains 5 to 15 leaflets. Leaflets 

are alternate, thin, papery, smooth to slightly hairy above, elliptic, elliptic-ovate, ovate, or lanceolate in 

shape, pointed at the tip, oblique at the base, wavy and shallowly toothed at the margin, and 7 to 10 

centimeters (3 to 4 inches) long. The underside of the leaf contains a yellowish and warty midrib. Leaflet 

stalks are approximately 0.3 centimeter (0.1 inch) long. The petiole is warty and hairy. Flowers are 

contained on slender, hairy, open terminal panicles that are 10 to 51 centimeters (4 to 20 inches) long. 

Whitish, yellowish-white, or yellowish-green flowers are small, fragrant, 4 to 5-parted, subsessile, and 1.4 

centimeters (0.6 inch) in diameter. Individual fruit contains 5 sepals (1.25 centimeters (0.5 inch) wide), five 

white boat-shaped petals, a small, five-parted calyx, ten stamens with yellow anthers, a hairy, short-stalked, 

five-celled ovary, a short style, and a rouned stigma. Fruit are contained on 0.6 to 1.25 centimeter (0.2 to 0.5 

inch) long stalks that hang in showy, loose clusters of several strands. Each bunch can contain 2 to 80 fruit. 

Light brownish-yellow, whitish, or yellowish individual fruit is a berry that is round, subglobose, oval, 

oblong, or conical-oblong in shape, slightly flattened a the base, round at the tip, and up to 2.5 centimeters (1 

inch) in diameter. The rind is thin, pliable, sometimes brittle and papery, tough, leathery, oily, resinous, 

minutely hairy, soft, and is dotted with tiny, raised, brown oil glands. The rind can sometimes contain 5 faint, 

pale ridges emerging from the apex and the pulp is divided into five segments, is yellowish-white to 

colorless, grape-like, mucilaginous, soft, and juicy. The flavor is sweet, subacid, tangy, or sour. Some say 

the fruit resembles grapes or gooseberries in taste. Each fruit may contain 1 to 5 seeds (one per pulp 

segment). Seeds are large, flattened, oblong in shape, thickish, bright green in color with one brown tip, and 

1.25 to 1.6 centimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inch) long. There are sweet, subacid and acid varieties. One of the most 

popular fruit in Thailand (MORTON, ECOCROP, BPI, FAO, CULL, LORENZI, BARWICK, 

DALEYSFRUIT).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering is similar to lychee and occurs during the late winter in many locations. In 

Brazil, flowering occurs from September to October. Fruits mature in early to mid-summer in many 

locations. Fruit ripens from July to August in Florida, June to October in Southeast Asia, May to 

July in Thailand, January to March in Brazil, and November to December in Australia. Fruiting 

occurs in 5 to 8 years from seed (MORTON, FAO, CULL, LORENZI).

b. Cultivation: Requires subtropical to humid tropical climate, full sun, elevations of sea level to

2,450 meters (8,038 feet), and well-drained, rich loam to clay-loam soil. Grown in forests, forest 

edges, gallery forests, humid lowland woodlands, wooded grasslands, and secondary regrowth near 

villages. Thrives in USDA zones 10 to 12. Tolerates brief exposure to temperatures ranging from 

1.1 to 2.2 °C (28 to 30 °F), and a wide range of soils (deep sand, oolitic limestone). Does not 

tolerate temperatures of 7 °C (20 °F) and lower, and long dry periods. Propagation is by seeds, 

softwood cuttings, air-layers, and grafting. Germination occurs in a few days. Trees must be 

irrigated during long, dry periods. The crown can be thinned. Fertilization aids growth. Fruit are 

harvested when ripe. Cultivated in the domestic orchards of Brazil. Cultivated most in Asia, 

particularly China and Thailand (MORTON, ECOCROP, BPI, LORENZI, BARWICK, 

DALEYSFRUIT).
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c. Availablity in the marketplace: Fruit is sold in local markets. Immature fruit and roots are sold in 

Asian pharmacies (MORTON, FAO).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fully ripe fruit can be consumed out-of-hand after peeling and removing 

the seeds. The peel should not be consumed since it is highly resinous. Pulp can be added to fruit 

cups, gelatins, pie, jam, marmalades, preserves, or other desserts. Seeded fruit are served with meat 

dishes in China. Fruit are used to flavor meat curries in Sri Lanka. A carbonated beverage similar to 

champagne is made from the pulp by fermenting the fruit with sugar and straining off the juice. Jelly 

can be made from the under-ripe acid type fruit (MORTON, BPI, BARWICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit contain vitamin C (MORTON).

f. Medicinal aspects: Pulp is used to aid stomach problems, remove intestinal parasites, and cool the 

body. Halved, sun-dried, immature fruit and slices of dried roots are used to cure bronchitis. A 

decoction of the leaves is used to preserve the color of the hair and treat the scalp (MORTON).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: Hawaii; experimental plants in Florida and Puerto Rico (MORTON).

5. Other production regions: Southeast Asia and Indo-China including China, Vietnam, Malaya, Singapore, 

Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines; Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Central 

America, South America including Brazil; experimental plants in Jamaica and St. Croix; widely cultivated in 

the tropics and subtropics. Mature trees can yield 45 kilograms (100 pounds) of fruit in one season (GRIN, 

MORTON, FAO).

6. Use: Fruit, medicinal purposes, home garden plant, hedge plant, ornamental (GRIN, MORTON, 

ECOCROP, CULL, LORENZI).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits -

inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, MORTON, ECOCROP, BPI, FAO, CULL, LORENZI, BARWICK, 

DALEYSFRUIT.

11. Production Map: EPA Crop Production Region 13.

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: CUSLA
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1. White Star-Apple

Sapotaceae

Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don 

2. A small to medium tree that grows to a height of 25 to 40 meters (82 to 131 feet). Native to Ghana, Kenya, 

Sierra Leone, Sudan and Uganda. The trunk is buttressed, straight, fluted, free of branches for up to 21 

meters (69 feet), and 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 7 feet) in diameter. Wood is coarse, open, soft, and brownish white 

in color. Bark is thin, pale brownish green in color and exudes white, gummy latex. Dark green leaves are 

simple, oblong, oblong-elliptic, elongated-obovate, or elongate obovate elliptic in shape, pointed at the tip, 

wedge-shaped at the base, pale tawny (when young) to silver-white (when mature) below, and 12 to 30 

centimeters (5 to 12 inches) long by 4 to 10 centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) wide. The petiole is 1.7 to 4.2 

centimeters (0.7 to 2 inches) long. Flowers occur in dense clusters in the leaf axils or from above the scars of 

fallen leaves. Individual flowers are small and contain a short pedicel and a five-lobed calyx (0.3 

centimeters (0.1 inch) long) that is rusty pubescent outside and creamy white inside. Orange-red, pinkish, 

yellow, or yellow-brown fruit are almost spherical in shape, slightly pointed at the tip, and approximately 3 

to 4 centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) in diameter. Immature fruit are greenish grey in color. The skin is 

smooth and sometimes speckled. Pulp is yellowish in color, fleshy and juicy. The flavor is acidic. Each 

fruit contains three to five seeds that are brown, shiny, compressed, bean-like, and arranged in a star-shaped 

pattern. Individual seeds are 1 to 1.5 by 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 by 0.8 inch) in size and contain a hard 

seedcoat (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs from April to June in Nigeria. Fruiting occurs in December to March 

(JANICK).

b. Cultivation: A dominant canopy tree that is grown mostly in lowland mixed tropical rainforests 

and along river banks. Propagation is by seedlings, direct sowing and cuttings. Seeds are usually 

stored in layers of red clay. Seeds should be planted soon after being removed from the fruit. 

Cracking the seedcoat may improve germination. Seedlings should be shaded. Fruit should be 

stored at 10 ° C (50 ° F) (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: No specific entry.

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh. Pulp can be made into jam and soft drinks. 

Fruit can be fermented to make wine and distilled spirits. Dried products are also made from the 

pulp. The seed is not consumed, but the seed oil is edible (JANICK).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is a good source of calcium, iron and vitamin C (JANICK).

f. Medicinal aspects: No specific entry.

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: Northeast tropical Africa (Sudan), east tropical Africa (Kenya, Uganda), 

west-central tropical Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Zaire), west tropical Africa (Benin, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, 

Nigeria, Sierra Leone) (GRIN).

6. Use: Fruit, seed oil for cooking and soap-making; wood for construction work and tools; planted in 

villages (GRIN, JANICK).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit

9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: Proposed for 006 Assorted tropical and subtropical fruits - inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: No specific entry
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1. Wild loquat [(masuku, mesange (GRIN))]

Phyllanthaceae. Also placed in: Euphorbiaceae Uapacaceae

Uapaca kirkiana Müll. Arg. 

2. A small to medium evergreen or semi-deciduous tropical fruit tree that reaches a height of 5 to 13 meters 

(16 to 43 feet). Native to the miombo ecological zone (countries in central and southern Africa including 

Angola, northern Namibia, northern Botswana, northern South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Democratic 

Republic of Congo, Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique). The root system consists of a mass of small 

laterals and a deeply penetrating taproot that ranges in size from 50 to 150 centimeters (20 to 59 inches). The 

trunk is short, but can sometimes remain unbranched for up to 9 meters (30 feet). Trunk height is 5 to 12 

meters (16 to 39 feet) and trunk diameter is 5 to 40 centimeters (2 to 16 inches). Wood is uniform, hard, 

durable, pale pink-red in color, and medium and even in texture. Bark is dark grey to grey-brown in color, 

thick, and deeply fissured. Branches are spreading, stout, short, thick, and contain prominent leaf scars. The 

crown is dense and rounded. Dark green leaves are simple, alternate, thick, broad, leathery, shiny, smooth, 

clustered at the ends of branches in a spiral arrangement, obovate to subcircular-obovate in shape, rounded at 

the tip, wedge-shaped at the base, and 7 to 36 centimeters (3 to 14 inches) long by 4 to 24 centimeters (1.6 to 

9 inches) wide. Young leaves contain short grey to rust-colored curly hairs underneath. Young shoots are 

covered in creamy-brown hairs. Petioles are velvety, short, stout, and up to 3.5 centimeters (1.4 inches) long. 

Stipules are pubescent, deciduous, and 0.3 to 0.4 centimeters (0.1 to 0.16 inch) long. Inflorescences occur in 

axillary positions among the leaves or below them on the second or third season’s wood of the branchlets. 

Pale yellow flowers are globose in shape. Male and female flowers are located on different plants. Male 

inflorescences occur in clusters of 4 to 12. Each male inflorescence contains 10 to 20 flowers, four to eight 

oblong-elliptic to broadly elliptic pale yellow-green bracts, and a 1 to 2 centimeter (0.4 to 0.8 inch) long 

peduncle. Each male flower contains five triangular and fringed or linear calyx lobes (0.2 centimeter (0.08 

inch) long and five to seven in number) and ranges in size from 0.5 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 inch) long by 

1.2 to 1.8 centimeter (0.5 to 0.7 inch) wide. Each female inflorescence contains pink bracts that are similar 

to staminate bracts and a 0.6 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 inch) long peduncle. Female flowers are solitary, and 

contain a shallow copular five to eight-lobed calyx, an ovoid sub-globose, three to four locular densely 

brownish-yellow or tawny tomentose ovary (0.3 to 0.4 centimeter (0.1 to 0.16 inch)), and three to four 

fan-shaped styles (0.4 centimeter (0.16 inch) long). Pollinated by insects. Yellow, yellow-brown, brown, 

cream, brownish-red, or reddish fruit is a drupe that is round in shape, 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inch) in 

diameter, and 5 to 50 grams (0.2 to 2 ounces) in weight. The peduncle is thick, short, and less than 1 

centimeter (0.4 inch). The skin is tough, thin or thick, finely hairy when young and smooth when ripe. 

When mature, a hard, thick exocarp encloses the pulp. Pulp is yellow in color, thin, fleshy, and has a pH of 

5.05. The flavor is sweet and pear-like in taste. Each fruit contains three to five seeds that are whitish in 

color, heart-shaped, flattened on one side, ridged, pointed at the tip, tough, fibrous, and up to 2 centimeters 

(0.8 inch) long by 1.4 centimeters (0.6 inch) wide. The seedcoat is brittle. Fruit that contain four seeds are 

larger and contain thinner skins and more pulp. The preferred fruit tree in many countries of southern Africa 

(JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

3. Crop Data:

a. Season: Flowering occurs during the beginning of the rainy season (October/November) and 

extends during the 5 to 6 months of the rainy season. Most trees flower from January to March. 

Male flowers begin flowering before female flowers. Fruiting is biennial and usually begins during 

the rainy season. Fruit set occurs from January to February and fruit maturation occurs from August 

to December in many areas. Fruit are said to be edible from October through February. Fruit in 

some areas ripens from November to April. Fruit development occurs in 5 to 8 months. Trees

produce fruit in 9 to 10 years from seed and 3 years from vegetatively propagated material (JANICK, 

AGROFORESTRY, FAO).

b. Cultivation: Requires tropical climate, elevations of 500 to 2,000 meters (1,640 to 6,562 feet), 

mean annual temperatures of 12 to 29 °C (54 to 84 °F), an annual rainfall of 50 to 200 centimeters 
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(20 to 79 inches), well-drained sandy loam or gravelly soils, a pH of 4 to 6, a hot, dry season 

(September to November), a hot, wet season (November to March), and a cool, dry season (April to 

August). Grown in the miombo ecological zone (a deciduous, non-spinescent woodland with a 

shrub layer of variable density and composition). Also grown in upland wooded grasslands, steep 

slopes, lowland forests, secondary woodlands, open woodlands, and along streams on stony soils or 

rocky slopes. Tolerates a wide variety of soils with low cation exchange capacity, low organic 

matter content, and low macronutrients (ferruginous or ferralitic soils and poor, shallow soils). Does 

not tolerate hydromorphic soils with high organic matter content that overlie gravelly soils, frost, hot, 

dry season fires, and seasonal flooding. Propagation is by seed, coppicing, cuttings, wildlings, root 

suckers, air-layering or grafting. Seed should be planted soon after being removed from the fruit 

(within 2 weeks). Germination occurs in four to six weeks. Soaking the seed in cold tap water can 

increase the germination rate. However, seeds should never be directly planted in the field. 

Grafting should occur from October to December during the onset of the rainy season. Weeding and 

use of inoculation can enhance growth. When mature and ripe, fruit fall from the trees and are 

collected from the ground. Fruit can also be picked from the branches. To collect fruit from taller 

branches, the tree is climbed, or beaten. Fruit is collected from semi-wild or wild conditions. There 

are also a few commercial plantings of the fruit. Fruit is preferred in southern Africa due to its role 

in food security, potential for income generation, and nutrition. A major part of the diet in rural 

households and during times of famine (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP, FAO).

c. Availablity in the marketplace: The market is informal and there is no standard pricing system. 

Most fruit is sold along roadsides. Consumption and trading of the fruit occurs in both rural and 

urban areas. Many collectors and retailers exist, but few wholesalers exist. Wine made from the 

fruit is sold in local supermarkets (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

d. Preparation for cooking: Fruit is consumed fresh. Traditionally, fruit is processed by women.

Pulp can be made into refreshing beverages, a variety of local beers, wines, juice, sweetmeats and 

jams. A salt for seasoning food is obtained from wood ash (JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

e. Nutritional aspects: Fruit is low in fat and high in potassium and vitamin C (JANICK, 

AGROFORESTRY).

f. Medicinal aspects: Leaves, bark and roots are used in traditional medicine. An infusion of boiled 

roots is used as a remedy for indigestion, dysentery, and intestinal problems (JANICK).

g. Crop Photos

4. Production in U.S.: No data (GRIN).

5. Other production regions: East Tropical Africa (Tanzania), west-central tropical Africa (Zaire), south 

tropical Africa (Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe); Angola, Burundi, northern Namibia, northern 

Botswana, northern South Africa, and south of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Madagascar. Fruit 

production varies by tree size, populations, and seasons. Mature trees can produce over 2,000 fruit per tree 

(GRIN, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY).

6. Use: Fruit; wood is used to make furniture, crafts, tools, buildings, charcoal, and and firewood; a salt for 

seasoning food is obtained from wood ash; medicinal purposes; blue dye is made from the roots; leaves are 

used as a wrapper for storing processed food; leaves are used as a cockroach repellent; at the end of the dry 

season, leaves and fruit are used as fodder for cattle; shade tree; erosion control; soil improver; ornamental; 

boundary or barrier plant; flowers are used for honey production (GRIN, JANICK, 

AGROFORESTRY).

7. Part(s) of plant consumed: Fruit pulp

8. Portion analyzed/sampled: Whole fruit
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9. Classifications:

a. Authors Class: Tropical and subtropical fruit, inedible peel

b. EPA Crop Group (Group & Subgroup): Miscellaneous

c. Codex Group: No specific entry. General entry is 006 (FI 0030) Assorted tropical and subtropical 

fruits - inedible peel.

d. EPA Crop Definition: None

10. References: GRIN, BAYER, JANICK, AGROFORESTRY, ECOCROP, FAO.

11. Production Map: No entry

12. Plant Codes:

a. Bayer / EPPO Code: UAPKI