Spanish cherry
Mimusops elengi · Sapotaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around spanish cherry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Mimusops elengi
- Family
- Sapotaceae
- Form
- Tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to summer, fragrant white flowers
- Adult size
- 8 to 12 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
- Hardiness
- Tropical and subtropical (13-25°C)
- Origin
- India and South Asia
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist without excess water during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter or dry season. Avoid waterlogging which promotes root rot. Effective drainage is essential.
Light exposure
Place the marouc in full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. This tropical species appreciates generous light but tolerates some partial shade. Protection from strong winds is recommended.
Soil
Choose a rich, well-draining substrate that is slightly acidic to neutral. A mixture of potting soil, compost and coarse sand works well. Improve the soil with compost before planting to encourage rooting.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring-summer), every one to two months. Reduce applications in winter. A fertilizer rich in potassium promotes flowering and fruiting.
Pruning and training
Pruning is not strictly necessary except to remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Prune after flowering to maintain a balanced shape. Favor light and gradual pruning.
Diseases and pests
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites in dry conditions. In case of excess moisture, fungi may appear: improve aeration and reduce watering. Preventive treatments based on neem oil or potassium soap if necessary.
Did you know?
The marouc has been revered in India since ancient times for its intensely fragrant flowers, traditionally used in religious rituals and floral offerings. Its small fleshy berries, which are edible, are appreciated in South Asia and were once used to prepare Ayurvedic remedies. This tree symbolizes fertility and generosity in several tropical cultures.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.