Jocote

spondias purpurea

Also known as: ["Red Mombin","Spoonwood","Jocote de Castilla"]

Family: Anacardiaceae Genus: Spondias Category: Fruits

Overview

A tropical deciduous tree native to Central and South America, known for its small, edible fruits that range in color from yellow to red.

Benefits & Perks

["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Spondias
Botanical Name: Spondias purpurea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Fruits
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Edible Gardeners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate the tree.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer fruits.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually to avoid leaf scorch; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun is essential for fruiting; rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in cooler months.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not compacted; amend heavy soils with organic matter; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical climates (65–85°F / 18–29°C); can tolerate brief dips to 30°F (-1°C) but prefers stable warmth.

Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced fertilizer

Fertilize in spring before new growth; use a balanced formula; reduce or stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or air layering; seeds can be used but may not retain parent traits.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem.
  2. Cut just below a node.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-woody stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back; avoid excessive pruning during flowering or fruiting.

Pruning Plan

Prune to shape the tree, improve air circulation, and encourage fruiting; remove dead or crossing branches.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; shape for light penetration.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; essential for container-grown plants to maintain vigor.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; ensure water penetrates deeply to encourage deep roots; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the root zone, avoiding foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or sunburn on leaves in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may drop; young plants are more susceptible to frost damage.

Solution: Protect with frost cloth or move to a sheltered location; avoid watering before cold nights to prevent root damage.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; fruit development may be impaired.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Choose appropriate fertilizer; apply at correct dilution; fertilize during active growth; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Spondias purpurea may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as iron or nitrogen, water stress, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Spondias purpurea is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root issues like root rot, which can impair water uptake and lead to plant decline.

Leaf spots on Spondias purpurea can be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in defoliation, reduced photosynthetic capacity, and weakened plant structure.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Spondias purpurea is commonly caused by overwatering or fungal pathogens, leading to decay of plant tissues, reduced nutrient absorption, and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of the pits or unripe fruits of Spondias purpurea. The pits can also pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
pits unripe fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Keep cats away from pits and unripe fruits. If ingestion occurs, monitor for symptoms and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of the pits or unripe fruits of Spondias purpurea. The pits can also pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
pits unripe fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Keep dogs away from pits and unripe fruits. If ingestion occurs, monitor for symptoms and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Spondias purpurea, commonly known as jocote or red mombin, is generally safe for consumption when ripe. However, ingestion of large quantities of pits or unripe fruits may cause mild gastrointestinal distress due to the presence of tannins and other compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
pits unripe fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Consume ripe fruits in moderation and avoid ingesting pits or unripe fruits to prevent mild gastrointestinal upset.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Jocote fruit safe for human consumption?

A: Yes, the fruit is non-toxic and commonly eaten fresh or used in culinary preparations.

Q: How often should the tree be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially during the fruiting season.

Q: Does the tree require full sun?

A: Yes, the Spondias purpurea thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

Quick Reference
Family: Anacardiaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","edible gardeners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Guianan Tapirira
View
Turkish turpentine, Chios turpentine, Terebinth
View
Pistachio
View
Brazilian pepper
View