Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle fruit)

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Plant description

Miracle fruit is a slow growing, evergreen shrub. It grows to around 3 metres high in cultivation, and is of a bushy habit with glossy leaves. It bears small red berries that have a special characteristic. After eating a miracle fruit, sour tasting fruit will taste sweet. This effect lasts around an hour.

Miracle fruit grows best in a frost free area, in partial shade, with high humidity. Frost will kill the plant. It likes an acid moist soil and a sheltered position. It is drought tolerant when established, and can take full sun. It will begin to fruit after 3-4 years. Fertilise regularly with a liquid fertiliser for good growth and berry production. Can be grown in a large container, as well as in the garden.

Flowering to fruiting takes from 3-4 weeks. The berries turn red when ripe.It will flush with flowers several times a a year if the conditions are right.

Further reading: Hedges and Pruning a hedge in 7 steps (articles written by horticulturalist Angus Stewart).

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: White
Flowering season: not specified

Scent

The flowers are sweetly scented

Plant size

Maximum height: 3 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: not specified
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: insects.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 5.0-6.0

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Camellia and azalea fertiliser, or a good general purpose liquid or pelleted fertiliser, applied regularly through the growing season.

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