Strychnos spinosa - Monkey Orange

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6971 Strychnos spinosa - Monkey Orange

See it in Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia

Small tree 10-20 ft Full sun Moderate water White, off-white flowers Thorny or spiny Poisonous or toxic Edible plant Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds Subtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

Curious fruit tree from Tropical Africa, Madagascar. This small to medium sized tree with its dark green glossy leaves and bright yellow fruit, with interesting pleasant taste somewhat similar to mangosteen. The tree is compact and slow growing.
What does the Monkey Orange taste like? The fruits, size of an orange, have a hard shell that protects their sweet-tart pulp with interesting pleasant taste somewhat similar to mangosteen. Some people say it tastes like a mix of citrus and pineapple with a hint of fermentation.
Rich in vitamin C and B vitamins, the fruit can be enjoyed fresh or transformed into jams, juices, and even wine.
Its durable wood is prized for carvings, and its leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine and as natural insecticides.
Slow-growing yet resilient, this hardy tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, offering beauty, nourishment, and practicality - an excellent choice for tropical or subtropical landscapes.
Why is it called Monkey Orange?
The "monkey orange" likely gets its name from its appeal to monkeys that eat the fruit and distribute the seeds in their habitat in Africa.

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