Purple Mombin Red Mombin
Spondias purpurea
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Pl. 8872 — Spondias purpurea
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IOverview
Overview
Purple Mombin, or Red Mombin (Spondias purpurea), is a shrub or small tree native to Central America and the Caribbean. It thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 10 meters tall. The plant is known for its edible fruit, leaves, seeds, and shoots, making it valuable both as an ornamental and a food source. Native to Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, and parts of Mexico, Purple Mombin can tolerate hardiness zones 10-12. Its distinctive feature is the purple fruit that ripens in summer, adding vibrant color to its landscape.
Quick answers
What is Purple Mombin Red Mombin?
Purple Mombin, or Red Mombin (Spondias purpurea), is a shrub or small tree native to Central America and the Caribbean. It thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 10 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Purple Mombin thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers medium to heavy clay soils but is adaptable. This tree or shrub grows up to 10 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-12. For propagation, use seeds or shoots. Harvest fruits, leaves, and seeds for various uses.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Shrub, Tree
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Purple Mombin Red Mombin for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sun-loving tree that thrives in warm climates.
- 1
What you'll need
A Purple Mombin Red Mombin sapling and well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer when the weather is warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral. For containers, use a pot with drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, ensuring not to damage the roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering during dry periods. Fertilize once a year in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when it turns red and softens.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sun, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:CosmeticFencingFire starterGumtextilesSoap makingLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 14 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 14 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 16 native· 14 introduced
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)BangladeshPhilippines
Americas15 regions
native (8)BelizeColombiaCosta RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasJamaicaNicaragua
introduced (7)BahamasBoliviaCubaDominican RepublicFrench GuianaPeruVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Southwest Caribbean
introduced:Venezuelan Antilles, Windward Is., Cayman Is., Florida, Galápagos
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8872d9a1-8a88-4b66-9cde-72a2b1497032
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