Parinari curatellifolia (Mupundu)

Parinari curatellifolia (Mupundu) small grey fruit held within a palm for a close up
Parinari curatellifolia (Mupundu) grey fruit resting inside a hand for size scale and identification

Botanical name: Parinari curatellifolia

Common names: Mupundu, Mobola Plum, Parinari

Family: Chrysobalanaceae

Origin: West Africa

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 10-12

Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Large tree taller than 20 ftPlant form: Large tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Parinari curatellifolia is an evergreen tropical tree of Africa, found in various kinds of deciduous woodland most frequently in poorly drained areas and inland at moderate altitudes. It is also known as Mupundu or Mobola Plum after the fruit, which is considered tasty and causes the tree to be spared when woodland is cleared for cultivation.

It grows in the Guinea Savanna region of West Africa from Senegal across to Chad and then in seasonal woodland across the Equator through Kenya and the eastern side of the continent in deciduous Miombo woodland inland to Zambia and Zimbabwe.

A traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare. The main value of the tree is the delicious fruit, which appears early in the dry season and can be harvested over 3 or more months. It is used a snack and the kernel has a high oil content. The crushed pulp of the fruit is an ingredient in drinks and since it ferments well, is often used to make alcoholic drinks as well.


Parinari curatellifolia (Mupundu) brown fruit close up captured with a textured surface
Parinari curatellifolia (Mupundu) brown fruit resting upon a soft white fabric surface


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