Purple Mombin (Spondias purpurea)

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes optimal fruit production and dense canopy growth

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Watering Water deeply when the top 10 cm of soil dries out; drought-tolerant once established

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Temperature Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical climates; sensitive to frost and temperatures below 10°C

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Leaf: Pinnately compound, 15–30 cm long, with 5–11 ovate, glossy green leaflets that turn yellow in fall
Flower: Small, creamy-white, fragrant blooms clustered in terminal panicles
Fruit: Oval drupe, 2–4 cm long, ripening from green to deep red/purple with tart-sweet fleshy pulp

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Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and flowering; reduce slightly as fruits ripen

Fertilization

Apply balanced organic fertilizer every 4 weeks. Discontinue fertilization once fruits start to ripen to improve fruit flavor

Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 months, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching to support fruiting

Pruning

Prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches
Thin overcrowded canopy to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration
Trim suckers at the base to maintain tree form and direct energy to fruiting branches

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats

Humans: Edible ripe fruit; large quantities of unripe fruit or seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset

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Culture: In Central America, fruits are used in traditional jams, beverages, and savory dishes

Usage: Edible fruit production; ornamental shade tree for gardens and urban landscapes