Apeiba aspera (Monkey's Comb)

Apeiba aspera (Monkey's Comb) black round spiky fruit close up held in hand palm.
Apeiba aspera (Monkey's Comb) round black spiky fruit held in the palm of a hand.

Botanical name: Apeiba aspera

Common name: Monkey's Comb

Family: Malvaceae

Origin: Central America

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)




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