Spondias purpurea

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jocote fruit

Siniguelas (Spanish plum - Spondias purpurea) - Mindanao, Philippines

Spondias purpurea, commonly known as the purple mombin, hog plum, or Jocote, is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to tropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. The plant is widely cultivated for its edible fruit.

Description

Spondias purpurea is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. The leaves are pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets that are ovate to oblong in shape. The tree produces small, yellow to red flowers that are borne in panicles. The fruit is a drupe, typically 2-5 cm long, with a thin skin and a juicy, acidic pulp.

Cultivation and Uses

The fruit of Spondias purpurea is consumed fresh or used in the preparation of beverages, jams, and jellies. It is also used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits. The tree is often grown in home gardens and small farms, and it can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.

Distribution

Spondias purpurea is found in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, savannas, and coastal regions. It is tolerant of a range of soil types and can thrive in both dry and wet conditions.

Related Species

Spondias purpurea is closely related to other species in the genus Spondias, such as Spondias mombin (yellow mombin) and Spondias dulcis (ambarella).

Gallery

• Spondias purpurea fruit.jpg

  Fruit of Spondias purpurea

• Spondias purpurea tree.jpg

  Tree of Spondias purpurea

See Also

• Anacardiaceae
• Spondias mombin
• Spondias dulcis
• Tropical fruit