Spondias purpurea

Spondias purpurea
Scientific name	Spondias purpurea
Common names	red mombin, purple mombin, Spanish plum, jocote, ciruela, Mexican plum
Genus	Spondias
Family	Anacardiaceae
Order	Sapindales
Fruit type	Drupe
Growth form	Deciduous tree or shrub
Native range	Tropical America; widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere
Climate and site	Warm tropical to subtropical; seasonally dry and frost-free
Mature size	Commonly about 7–15 m; occasionally larger
Propagation	Large stem or branch cuttings; seed
Years to fruit	Seedlings about 4–5 years; cuttings about 2–3 years; variable

Jocote is the deciduous tropical-American fruit tree Spondias purpurea L., also called red mombin, purple mombin, Spanish plum, and ciruela. The scientific name separates it from unrelated fruits sold as plum or mombin.^[1][2][3]

Description

Whole and cut jocote fruit. Photo by Rodrigo Tetsuo Argenton, CC BY-SA 4.0.

The tree or shrub commonly reaches 7–15 m. Small red or pink flowers appear on otherwise leafless branches, followed by drupes that may be yellow, red, purplish-red, or purple. A large fibrous stone occupies much of the fruit.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native primarily to tropical America and occurs in moist lowland forest, thickets, open forest, second growth, fencerows, and pastures from sea level to about 1,700 m. It is especially characteristic of seasonally dry landscapes and living-fence systems.[2]

Cultivation

Give the tree full sun, excellent drainage, and regular moisture during active growth. It can tolerate shallow soils and some seasonal wetness, but not permanently saturated containers. A pronounced dry season is useful for flowering; do not keep irrigation high enough to erase that seasonal signal where the tree is otherwise healthy.

Soil and water

Medium or loamy, well-drained soils are suitable. Reports of preferred pH around 6–7 and a broader tolerance are general guides, not strict limits. Avoid strongly acidic, stagnant ground.

Sun and humidity

The species is light-demanding, especially in dry areas and shallow soils. Use full sun and protect from frost. It is a warm-climate tree rather than an evergreen humidity-dependent fruit crop.

Seasonal changes

Jocote is strongly deciduous. It commonly loses its leaves in the dry or cool season and may flower on bare branches before the leaf flush. A marked dry period can support flowering and fruit set. Reduce irrigation after leaf fall while preventing prolonged root desiccation in containers; calendar dates vary by climate.

Propagation

Large stem or branch cuttings readily preserve desirable selections and can be used as living-fence posts. Seed is also used but is more variable. Broad estimates are 4–5 years to first fruit from seedlings and 2–3 years from cuttings; cultivar, cutting size, pruning, and climate can change the result.[3]

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

Spondias purpurea specimen in Florida. Photo by Daderot, CC0.

World Agroforestry reports March–April flowering and June–July ripening for its reference context, not a universal calendar. Harvest fully colored fruit beginning to soften for fresh eating; less-ripe fruit is used in sour preparations, pickles, sauces, and preserves.

Fruit and uses

Ripe fruit is eaten fresh and used in syrups, jams, preserves, ice cream, juices, beverages, and vinegar. Less-ripe fruit is used with salt, chile, pickles, and acidic sauces. Eat the ripe pulp and discard the large fibrous stone. Sources disagree about seed edibility versus toxicity, so the seed should not be recommended as food without species- and preparation-specific safety evidence.[1]

Photos

References

• ↑ [1] GBIF Species Match: Spondias purpurea.

• ↑ [2] IUCN Red List: Spondias purpurea.

• ↑ [3] World Agroforestry: Spondias purpurea.

Image credits

• Jocote.jpg — Jorge Mejía Peralta, CC BY 2.0.
• Ciriguela (Spondias purpurea) fruto cortado e inteiro.jpg — Rodrigo Tetsuo Argenton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
• Spondias purpurea - Fruit and Spice Park - Homestead, Florida - DSC08925.jpg — Daderot, CC0.