Blighia sapida
TAXONOMY
FamilySapindaceae
GenusBlighia
Zone10
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Blighia sapida, commonly known as the ackee tree, is native to tropical West Africa. It is a member of the Sapindaceae family and is known for its fruit, which is a staple in Jamaican cuisine. The tree thrives in wet tropical climates and can grow up to 10 meters tall. The fruit is toxic when unripe but becomes edible when fully mature.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Akea Solitaria
Akee
Akee-Apple
Akeesia Africana
Aki
Bonannia Nitida
Cupania Akeesia
Cupania Edulis
Sapindus Obovatus
Vegetable Brain
Cupania sapida
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity80%
GDD5,475
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
The ackee tree requires bright, direct sunlight and thrives in warm, humid conditions. It prefers consistently wet soil and should be watered regularly to maintain moisture. The tree grows best in moderate to high temperatures and high humidity levels.Harvest
Blighia sapida, commonly known as ackee, should be harvested when the fruit naturally splits open, revealing the creamy, edible arils inside. This typically occurs about 3-4 months after flowering. To harvest, carefully pick the opened fruits from the tree, ensuring that the arils are fully exposed and the seeds are visible. It is crucial to only consume the arils from fully opened fruits, as unripe or improperly prepared ackee can be toxic. After harvesting, the arils should be cleaned and cooked thoroughly before consumption.Soil
Ackee trees prefer loamy soil that is well-draining yet retains moisture. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support the tree's nutrient needs. Ensure the soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the tree during the growing season to support its nutrient requirements. Apply the fertilizer every few months for optimal growth.Repotting
Ackee trees are typically not grown in pots due to their size and growth requirements. If grown in a container, repotting is not usually necessary as the tree prefers to be planted directly in the ground.Propagation
Ackee trees can be propagated from seeds. Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them consistently moist. Germination can take several weeks. Propagation is best done during the warm growing season.Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and health of the ackee tree. Prune during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree. Regular pruning helps improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.Toxicity
The unripe fruit and seeds of the ackee tree are highly toxic and can cause severe poisoning if ingested. The fruit must be fully ripe and properly prepared before consumption. It is toxic to both humans and pets if consumed in its unripe state.Additional
The ackee tree is an important cultural and culinary plant in Jamaica, where it is the national fruit. It is often used in the traditional dish 'ackee and saltfish.' Proper care and handling of the fruit are essential to avoid toxicity.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
