Apeiba aspera (Monkey's Comb)

Brosimum alicastrum (Breadnut) tree with a wide orange buttress trunk and green forest foliage.
Brosimum alicastrum (Breadnut) showing a distinct orange buttress trunk with mossy green bark.

Botanical name: Apeiba aspera

Common name: Monkey's Comb

Family: Malvaceae

Origin: Central America

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10?

USDA Plant Hardiness MapSmall tree 10-20 ftSemi-shadeFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyYellow, orange flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

Yellow, heavily scented flowers are followed by interesting fruits that resemble sea urchins about 2" in diameter. These black fruits are covered with soft, short spines. Folk lore has it that these spiny fruit pods are used by monkeys as a comb.

Similar plants: Apeiba aspera (Monkey's Comb)


Image gallery: 5 images
Apeiba aspera (Monkey's Comb) black round spiky fruit close up held in hand palm.
Apeiba aspera (Monkey's Comb) black fruit close up held in a palm for size scale
Brosimum alicastrum (Breadnut) thick orange tree trunk with textured green mossy bark close up.
Brosimum alicastrum (Breadnut) tree with orange roots extending from a dark brown wooden plant trunk
Brosimum alicastrum (Breadnut) tree with a thick reddish brown trunk base and green leaves


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/apeiba_aspera.htm
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