Hortiforum

General Info – Nance, Changunga, Hogberry, Golden Spoon, Muruci

Widely loved throughout its native range of the American Tropics, the Nance stands out as a prolific producer of fragrant and flavourful fruit, adaptable to various conditions.
The Cherry-sized yellow fruits ripen during the summer and autumn months. The oily pulp tightly clings to the seed and is described as sweet, acidic, or reminiscent of Pear, Lychee, Banana, and for some, a sharp cheese. These pungent fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins B, C, K and E, Calcium, Potassium and Manganese. Nance enjoys popularity across the Americas where most fruits are commonly savoured fresh but are also commonly preserved in jars where they develop an Olive like texture. Fruits are also used to flavour and create a range of products such as preserves, juices, ice-creams and soups.
Nance plants thrive throughout the tropical Americas, thanks to their robust and resilient nature. They endure a range of soil conditions, including sandy, rocky, and alkaline soils, though optimal production occurs in fertile, loamy soils with good drainage. Highly drought-tolerant, these plants also adapt to coastal environments, enduring poor, sandy soils and salt-laden winds. Although otherwise hardy, Nance plants are sensitive to cool conditions and require a frost-free climates in additon to a full sun position. Beyond this, they have few demands, tolerating a wide range of rainfall. With consistent rainfall, they maintain their evergreen charm, boasting ornamental dark-green glossy leaves throughout the year and forming an attractive, well-rounded, spreading crown.
The distinctive small blossoms of the Nance cover the tree when in bloom, with flowers transitioning from yellow to orange and red, creating a vibrant spectrum akin to autumn foliage. Under optimal conditions, Nance plants can reach heights of up to 10 metres, however, in less favourable but still suitable condtions, their growth may be limited with plants developing a shrub like form below 4m tall. Regardless of preferred conditions, Nance trees are well suited to pruning to ensure a compact form and preferred size. The evergreen foliage consists of glossy, dark green, oval leaves with a leathery texture and wooly underside. Nance are a member of the Malpighiaceae family together with Acerola.
Suited to nearly all tropical conditions, highly ornamental, and requiring minimal maintenance, the Nance proves to be an excellent choice for many gardens with its abundant, vitamin-rich, and tasty fruit further improving its appeal.

Plant Profile/Properties