Synsepalum dulcificum
| Synsepalum dulcificum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific name | Synsepalum dulcificum |
| Common names | miracle fruit; miracle berry; sweet berry |
| Genus | Synsepalum |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Growth form | Tropical shrub or small tree |
| Native range | Tropical West Africa |
| Mature size | About 1.8–4.5 m (reported range) |
| Climate/site | Frost-sensitive; partial shade and high humidity |
| Propagation | Seed or cuttings; seed germination reported in 14–21 days |
| Fruit | Red berry about 2–3 cm long, usually with one seed; contains miraculin |
| Harvest | First fruiting reported after about 3–4 years; two crops per year described after the rainy season |
| Years to fruit | About 3–4 years under reported conditions |
Synsepalum dulcificum is an accepted species in the family Sapotaceae and order Ericales.[1][2] It is a tropical West African shrub commonly called miracle fruit or miracle berry. Its red berry contains miraculin, a protein associated with a temporary sweet taste for subsequently eaten sour foods.[3][4]
Description[edit | edit source]
The plant is described as reaching about 1.8–4.5 m, with dense foliage and white flowers. The fruit is red at maturity, about 2–3 cm long in the retrieved descriptions, and usually contains one seed; these dimensions are reported ranges rather than a fixed mature size for every plant.[3][4]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Cultivation is associated with acidic soil around pH 4.5–5.8, and the California Rare Fruit Growers account describes well-drained soil.[3][4] The practical target is an acidic, freely draining root zone rather than stagnant or alkaline soil.
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
The plant is frost-sensitive and is reported to grow in partial shade with high humidity.[3][4] Protect it from freezing temperatures and provide shelter that maintains humidity without eliminating airflow.
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Two crops per year are described after the rainy season.[3] In frost-prone climates, cold protection becomes the priority during the freezing season because the plant is frost-sensitive.[4]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Propagation by seed or cuttings is described by the California Rare Fruit Growers account. Seed germination is reported in about 14–21 days, although the timing can vary with seed freshness and growing conditions.[3][4]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
The flowers are white and the berries become red at maturity. The fruit is about 2–3 cm long and usually contains one seed.[3][4] First fruiting is reported after about 3–4 years, with two crops per year described after the rainy season; timing varies with climate, plant age, and growing conditions.[3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The edible berry contains miraculin, which can make subsequently eaten sour foods taste sweet for a limited period. The California Rare Fruit Growers account describes the effect as lasting about 30 minutes or longer.[3][4]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Synsepalum dulcificum 0zz.jpg — file page, photograph by David J. Stang, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Synsepalum Dulcificum - Miracle Fruit Farm.JPG — file page, photograph by MiracleFruitFarm, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
