Hortiforum

General Info – Genipa, Genipap, Genip, Jagua, Huito

Native to the tropical Americas, the Genipa tree thrives in tropical gardens, where the delectable pulp of its fruit finds use in various beverages and desserts.
The small, ovular fruits of the Genipa have a leathery, brown skin and flavourful acidic pulp that is both succulent and aromatic. Fruits are often bletted as overly ripe fruits become the most flavourful and palatable, with a flavour of Quince and dried Apple. Genipa are commonly sweetened and transformed/combined into drinks, preserves and desserts such as ice creams. Fruits may be targeted by Birds and Bats and benefit from netting. Plants fruit in Late Summer to Early Autumn and are rich in Vitamin C and Iron.
A healthy Genipa trees boast handsome, elongated foliage and enchanting, fragrant white flowers. Trees reach an imposing height, typically up to 20m tall and rarely to 30m with a dense, spreading crown. Genipa are a relative of Coffee and the ornamental Gardenia.
Endemic to the tropics of the Americas, the Genipa exhibits limited cold tolerance, with reported tolerance for very brief temperatures of 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, but otherwise requiring a warm winter. Genipa trees natively grow in coastal woodlands and seasonal floodplain forests and thrive in hot, humid conditions, desiring ample rainfall and naturally tolerating seasonally dry periods of up to 6 months. Plants prefer a slightly acidic, fertile, loam soil and will tolerate seasonal flooding.
This unique tree stands out as an extraordinary option for those in tropical climates seeking a rare and exotic fruit-bearing addition to their surroundings.

Plant Profile/Properties