Spondias purpurea
TAXONOMY
FamilyAnacardiaceae
GenusSpondias
Zone10
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Spondias purpurea, commonly known as the Jocote, Red Mombin, or Purple Mombin, is a fruit-bearing tree native to tropical regions of the Americas. It thrives in seasonally dry tropical climates and is known for its small, plum-like fruits. The tree can reach up to 15 meters in height and has a deciduous nature, shedding its leaves during the dry season.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Jocote
Purple Mombin
Warmingia Pauciflora
Spondias cirouella
Spondias crispula
Spondias jocote-amarillo
Spondias mexicana
Spondias myrobalanus
Spondias negrosensis
Spondias purpurea var. munita
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD2,250
Dormancy2 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Spondias purpurea requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in warm temperatures and moderate humidity. Water the plant when the soil is almost completely dry, but avoid waterlogging. The tree can tolerate some drought once established.Harvest
Spondias purpurea, commonly known as the purple mombin or jocote, is typically harvested when the fruits are fully ripe, which is indicated by their deep red or purple color. Harvesting is usually done by hand, either by picking the fruits directly from the tree or by shaking the branches so that the ripe fruits fall to the ground. It is important to handle the fruits gently to avoid bruising. The best time to harvest is during the dry season when the fruits are at their peak ripeness. Post-harvest, the fruits should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality.Soil
The tree prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot. A mix of sand and organic matter can improve soil structure and drainage.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 during the growing season. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks to support healthy growth and fruit production.Repotting
Repot young trees every 2-3 years to accommodate growth. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in the early spring before the growing season begins.Propagation
Spondias purpurea can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature trees and planted in a similar soil mix, keeping them moist until roots develop.Pruning
Prune the tree during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree. Regular pruning helps maintain the tree's structure and encourages healthy growth.Toxicity
Spondias purpurea is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. The fruits are edible and commonly consumed in various culinary dishes.Additional
The tree is relatively low-maintenance once established and can tolerate some neglect. It is also known for its resilience to pests and diseases, making it a good choice for tropical and subtropical gardens.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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