Mammee Apple
Mammea americanafam. Annonaceae
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Pl. 4926 — Mammea americana
Mammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americanaMammea americana
IOverview
Overview
The Mammee Apple (Mammea americana) is a tree native to the Caribbean and Central America, ranging from Florida to Mexico and parts of South America. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade, making it adaptable to various soil types including sandy, medium, and clay soils. With a height of up to 18 meters, the Mammee Apple is a distinctive tree that can be both ornamental and useful due to its fruit, which can be eaten fresh or used in jams and desserts. Its ability to grow well in a pH range from 4 to 8.5 makes it versatile for cultivation in different environments.
Quick answers
What is Mammee Apple?
The Mammee Apple (Mammea americana) is a tree native to the Caribbean and Central America, ranging from Florida to Mexico and parts of South America.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Mammee Apple thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical regions. This tree grows up to 18 meters tall and requires regular watering but can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels from 4 to 8.5. For propagation, gardeners may use seeds or grafting methods.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
18.0 m tall
Soil pH
4–8.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Mammee Apple for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for your Mammee Apple tree.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Mammee Apple sapling, well-draining soil, and a large pot or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. Adjust pH between 4 and 8.5 if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young sapling from a nursery pot to your garden or container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade if full sun is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established and regular watering. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to shape the tree and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when it turns yellow-green and is slightly soft.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, using incorrect soil pH, not providing enough space for growth, and neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruitSap
Edible uses: Drink, Gum, Pectin
Other uses:ContainersDyeFire starterLumberGumHairPest controltextilesPectinErosion controlTannin
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 10 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 16 native· 10 introduced
Americas10 regions
native (7)BahamasCubaDominican RepublicGuatemalaHaitiJamaicaPuerto Rico
introduced (3)EcuadorEl SalvadorVenezuela
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Guinea
Broader regions
native:Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Southwest Caribbean, Windward Is., Cayman Is., Venezuelan Antilles, Florida, Leeward Is., Mexico Gulf
introduced:Brazil Northeast, Caroline Is., Society Is., Trinidad-Tobago, Zaïre, Brazil North
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
7 related
See also
7 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Annonaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Annonaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 49262382-ba06-4ac6-810c-480d94f4149b
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