Yellow Mombin, Hog Plum, Ambarella
spondias mombin
Also known as: ["Yellow Mombin","Hog Plum","Ambarella","Hog Plum","Jamaican Plum"]
Overview
A tropical deciduous tree native to Central and South America, known for its edible fruit and medicinal properties.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Spondias |
| Botanical Name: | Spondias mombin |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
- Suitable For:
- 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 sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- 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.
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 over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure outdoor placement in well-lit areas.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical conditions (65–85°F / 18–29°C); prefers stable temperatures, sensitive to frost.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain humidity in dry heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, keep warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (75–85°F / 24–29°C), high humidity (70–80%), partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome or plastic bag, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, encourage fruiting branches, maintain airflow.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, make clean cuts, remove debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, ensure good drainage, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, water lightly, place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may yellow or drop; prolonged cold can cause dieback or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; reduced fruit yield; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use correct dilution, apply evenly, avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring and summer; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are susceptible to gastrointestinal upset from consuming unripe fruits or seeds of Spondias mombin. The cyanogenic glycosides in the seeds can be particularly dangerous due to their smaller body size and potential sensitivity. The toxicity primarily affects the digestive system but can lead to more severe systemic effects in rare cases.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume unripe fruits or seeds of Spondias mombin. The cyanogenic glycosides in the seeds can pose a risk, particularly to smaller dogs or those that ingest large quantities. The effects are generally limited to the digestive tract but can be more severe in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSpondias mombin, commonly known as hog plum, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when consumed in unripe form or in large quantities. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to toxicity. The physiological impact is primarily localized to the digestive system, with potential systemic effects if seeds are ingested in significant amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the fruit of Spondias mombin edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and commonly consumed in many tropical regions.
Q: Does Spondias mombin require a lot of maintenance?
A: It has moderate maintenance needs, requiring regular watering and occasional pruning.
Q: Can Spondias mombin be grown in drought conditions?
A: Yes, it is drought-tolerant and can thrive in arid environments.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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