Casasia clusiifolia
| Seven Year Apple (Casasia clusiifolia) | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Casasia clusiifolia [1] |
| Family | Rubiaceae [1] |
| Order | Gentianales [1] |
| Genus | Casasia [1] |
| Habit | Evergreen shrub or small tree [3] |
| Native range | Caribbean and southeastern North American coastal habitats [3] |
| Fruit | Soft, wrinkled fruit with black jelly-like pulp when fully ripe [3] |
| Sex expression | Dioecious; male and female plants are needed when fruit and seed are wanted [3] |
Casasia clusiifolia, commonly called Seven Year Apple, is an evergreen shrub or small tree associated with coastal Caribbean and southeastern North American habitats. GBIF lists the name as an accepted species in Rubiaceae and the genus Casasia. [1] [2] [3]
Description[edit | edit source]
The species occurs in coastal sand dunes and hammocks, including habitats recorded in Florida. Its evergreen habit indicates a plant that remains leafy through the year rather than entering a pronounced seasonal leafless phase. [3]
The ripe fruit has a soft, wrinkled, prune-like exterior and black jelly-like pulp. The flavor is described as somewhat liquorice-like. [3]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Coastal sand dunes and hammocks are the useful habitat clues for establishment. As a habitat-based starting point, use a sandy, sharply draining root zone rather than a mix that stays saturated. The species is also described as tolerating high soil salinity; that trait should not be treated as a reason to let salts accumulate around container roots. [3]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
As a habitat-based starting point, grow it in a warm, humid position with airflow. The contrast between open coastal dunes and more sheltered hammocks supports trying strong light while avoiding a stagnant position; this is a habitat inference rather than a fixed light requirement for cultivated plants. [3]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The species is evergreen and may flower and fruit through the year, with most flowering in the warm season. Keep warm-weather plants supplied with the conditions needed for active growth when flowering is most likely rather than assuming a strict cool-season dormancy. [3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Seed propagation is recorded for Casasia clusiifolia. The species is dioecious, so a single seedling should not be assumed to supply fruit: male and female plants are needed when fruit and seed production are the goal. [3]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Flowering and fruiting may occur year-round, with the main flowering period in the warm season. Because the species is dioecious, fruit production depends on having male and female plants in the growing population. [3]
Harvest the fruit when it has reached the fully ripe, soft and wrinkled stage. The ripe pulp is black and jelly-like; it is eaten by making a hole in the fruit and sucking out the pulp. [3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The ripe fruit is eaten raw. Its soft texture and hole-and-suck serving method make it a fruit for immediate eating rather than a firm fruit intended primarily for slicing. [3]