Mamoncillo
Melicoccus bijugatusfam. Sapindaceae
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Pl. 2648 — Melicoccus bijugatus
Melicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatusMelicoccus bijugatus
IOverview
Overview
Mamoncillo (Melicoccus bijugatus) is a tree native to Colombia and Venezuela, where it thrives in full sun to partial shade. Known for its edible fruit, the mamoncillo can grow up to 18 meters tall and prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 4 and 7.5. It tolerates various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils and is hardy in zones 9-12. One distinctive feature of this tree is its ability to grow in both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to different environments. The fruit and seed are edible parts that can be enjoyed directly from the tree.
Quick answers
What is Mamoncillo?
Mamoncillo (Melicoccus bijugatus) is a tree native to Colombia and Venezuela, where it thrives in full sun to partial shade. Known for its edible fruit, the mamoncillo can grow up to 18 meters tall and prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 4 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mamoncillo thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist but well-drained soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) types. It is hardy in zones 9-12, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. The plant requires regular watering but can tolerate dry conditions once established. Propagation is best done through seeds. For optimal growth, maintain a soil pH between 4 and 7.5.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
18.0 m tall
Soil pH
4–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Mamoncillo for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for your Mamoncillo tree.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Mamoncillo 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 a pH between 4 and 7.5. For containers, use a pot at least 1 meter wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant your sapling to its permanent spot or a large container filled with well-draining soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade for a few days to acclimate.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established. Water when dry and fertilize lightly during spring and summer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after fruiting to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruits when they turn yellow.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 21 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 21 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native· 21 introduced
Americas10 regions
native (2)ColombiaVenezuela
introduced (8)BahamasCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorHaitiJamaicaPuerto Rico
Broader regions
introduced:Cook Is., Florida, Galápagos, Leeward Is., Netherlands Antilles, Society Is., Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, Tuamotu, Turks-Caicos Is., Venezuelan Antilles, Windward Is., Cayman Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sapindaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Sapindaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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