This includes balancing interaction between the tree and crops to avoid crop pests and diseases. This concerns vernacular names, tree appearance, fruit production capacity, medicinal properties, origins and particular environmental conditions. The variation between individual trees is large, but the variation between populations is relatively small as is the variation between countries. The nature, the level and the structure of the phenotypic diversity observed in P. biglobosa is the result of several factors, among which are genetics and environment. The species has developed various adaptive strategies that are reflected in its phenology and reproductive system.
Leaves are always present, but gradually fall in the last weeks before the new leaves unfurl.
Vegetative and reproductive parts are in competition for available energy sources. The onset of flowering is staggered from south to north, from November-December in the south to late March in the north, creating a difference of 3 to 4 months. As a consequence, fruiting is staggered too, from March in the south to July in the north. In contrast, in a east-west direction, staggering of flowering and fruiting is less, only about two weeks. Phenological variation along the latitudinal gradient is gradual.