SafePlants

Mamoncillo: A Taste of the Tropics

The mamoncillo, a fruit enjoyed in many parts of the world, offers a unique flavor experience. Let's delve into the details of this interesting fruit and the tree it grows on.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the fruit contains a large seed.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the fruit contains a large seed.
• The fruit's flesh clings to the seed.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Melicoccus bijugatus
• Common Names: Mamoncillo, Spanish Lime, Genip, Quenepa, Limoncillo, Mamon

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)
• Genus: Nephelium (mentioned in context, though Melicoccus is the accepted genus)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Mexico, Central and South America, and parts of the Caribbean.
• Also found in the Philippines.
• Widely distributed in the West Indies and northern South America.
• Grows throughout the lowlands of Central America and northern and western South America.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The mamoncillo tree is slow-growing, erect, and can reach up to 85 ft (25 m) in height.
• The trunk can grow up to 5 1/2 ft (1.7 m) thick with smooth, gray bark.
• It is a perennial evergreen to semi-deciduous plant.
• The fruit is small and oval, with a green-colored skin.
• The aril, the fleshy covering of the seed, ranges in color from orange to yellow.

Quirky Facts

• In Colombia, the fruit is called "mamon" which means "sucker," named so because the fruit is sucked like a boiled sweet.
• The name Melicoccus comes from the Greek words "meli" (honey) and "kokkos" (kernel), referring to the fruit's sweet taste.

Additional Information

• Wikipedia has an article on Mamoncillo.