rarefruittrees.ae
Monkey Banana (Porcelia macrocarpa) - Seedling - LIVE PLANT
Monkey Banana (Porcelia macrocarpa) - Seedling - LIVE PLANT
Couldn't load pickup availability
Plant Insights and Care
Monkey Banana (Porcelia macrocarpa), a rare and intriguing Annona relative, captures the imagination with its banana-like fruits. These fruits, characterized by their minimal yet tasty pulp, grow in radiating clusters reminiscent of a banana clump. The skin of the fruit is a distinctive yellow-brown, enveloping thin white flesh that houses several large seeds.
Key Points:
- Origin: Native to the semi-deciduous Atlantic forests stretching from Minas Gerais to Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Despite its rarity in the wild and absence of cultivation, Monkey Banana is a cherished species for its unique fruit.
- Climate: Thrives in wet, humid climates.
- Sun Exposure: Succeeds in dappled shade, benefiting from the filtered sunlight found in its natural habitat.
- Watering: Established plants exhibit drought tolerance, although regular watering is recommended to simulate the moist conditions of its native environment.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining soil, slightly acidic to neutral soil is beneficial.
Fruit Profile
The pulp of the Monkey Banana fruit is celebrated for its sweet and succulent taste, despite the challenge of its high seed-to-pulp ratio. The fruits, approximately 7cm long and 4cm wide, are enjoyed fresh, directly harvested from medium-sized trees that can grow between 15-45 feet tall and produce large, bulbous, white flowers.
Uses and Other Information
- Edibility: The fruit's pulp is consumed fresh, offering a delightful taste experience despite the limited quantity of pulp.
- Other Uses: Fibre obtained from the trunk can be utilized for making ropes, while the wood, described as medium-textured and moderately heavy, finds use in crafting boards, boxes, and toys due to its poor mechanical properties and lack of durability.
- Conservation Status: Very rare in the wild, not commonly cultivated, highlighting its importance as a conservation species and its potential value for exotic fruit collectors and tropical fruit cultivation enthusiasts.
Share

