Mamoncillo, Spanish Lime, Guayo

Melicoccus bijugatus

Physical Characteristics

Melicoccus bijugatus is an evergreen Tree growing to 18 m (59ft) by 18 m (59ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Northern and western S. America - Colombia and Venezuela.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Drink Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is juicy, aromatic and somewhat sweet with a pleasant, acid flavour. A sweet and gelatinous pulp with a grape-like flavour[200 ]. Usually eaten out of hand, they can also be cooked in pies, jams and jellies etc[301]. They make a cooling drink[301 ]. The fruit is up to 3cm in diameter, containing a single, occasionally two, large seed[200]. The large, starchy seeds are roasted and used as a substitute for cassava[200, 301, 317 , 335 ]. The elliptic seeds can be up to 28mm long[447 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antihydrotic Dysentery A decoction of the bark is widely used by local people to treat dysentery[200 ]. An infusion of the leaves is used to decrease or retard perspiration[348 ].

Known Hazards

None known