Hortiforum

General Info – Nauclea, African Peach

The Nauclea, also known as the African Peach, is a true delight for aficionados of rare and exotic fruits.
Indigenous to tropical West Africa, the Nauclea is not commonly found in local supermarkets, but fortunately gardeners can cultivate it in their own backyard. Nauclea thrives in hot, tropical conditions and flourishes in a range of environments from rainforests to savannah within its native habitat. While it typically prefers moist, humid conditions with ample rainfall, its native adaptability allows for a reasonable level of drought tolerance, given its presence in savannahs which experience strongly seasonal rainfall and long, dry periods. A variety of soils are tolerated though a well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic soil is preferred.
Notable for its pleasant flavour, the African Peach lives up to its name, despite its dissimilarity in taste and appearance to the conventional Peach. The medium-sized fruits may seem unremarkable at first glance, featuring a rough, bumpy, dark red skin. However, beneath this exterior lies a stunning, vibrant, dark red pulp reminiscent of the red Dragon Fruit. Similar to Dragon Fruit, the crunchy, watery pulp is remarkably refreshing, offering a taste that combines the flavours of Strawberries and Apples. Perfectly suited for quenching thirst on a hot summer day, these fruits can also be transformed into delightful beverages and desserts.
The Nauclea tree typically attains a medium to large size, ranging from 10 to 30 metres, with considerable variation based on factors such as fertility and rainfall. The plants boast a broad, open canopy and undergoes deciduous changes during dry seasons. Adding to its allure, the unique flowers of the Nauclea are white, fuzzy and fragrant, featuring distinct hairs that give it a unique appearance almost like a Dandelion seed head. Flowers and fruits create an appealing contrast against the broad, veined, green leaves. Nauclea is a member of the Rubiaceae family together with the universally appreciated Coffee and the lesser known tropicals the Blackberry Jam Fruit and Borojo.
Easy to cultivate and yielding delicious, one-of-a-kind fruits, the Nauclea is a must-have for rare fruit enthusiasts and anyone seeking a peculiar fruit that won’t be found easily.

Plant Profile/Properties