Hortiforum

General Info – Red Mombin, Jocote, Hog Plum, Ciruela, Siniguelas, Purple Mombin

With its strong preference for wet and dry climates and remarkable drought tolerance, the Red Mombin stands out as an ideal plant for growers seeking a delectable fruit perfectly suited to monsoonal environments.
Appreciated throughout the American tropics, particularly in Central America, the Red Mombin produces Vitamin-C rich fruits akin to large Grapes, adorned with an edible, thin red, waxy skin. Beneath this skin is a succulent, aromatic, sub-acidic flesh, reminiscent of Plums or Mangoes, that is adored for its sweet and tangy flavour. Often enjoyed fresh or with a sprinkle of sugar, Red Mombin are also enjoyed in ice-cream, beverages or stewed for desserts and jellies. The unripe fruits offer a crunchy texture and sour taste, ideal for pickling or tart sauces. Young shoots and new growth are also edible with a fresh, acidic flavour and can be cooked as a green vegetable. Fruit-bearing can commence within two years if cultivated from cuttings, or within four years from seedlings. Red Mombin can be targeted by Fruit Fly and as such netting of fruits is advisable.
Red Mombin trees thrive in subtropical and tropical regions, provided they experience only minimal light frosts. Plants flourish in monsoonal climates characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons lasting up to six months, requiring such conditions for proper flower set and fruiting. Red Mombin become deciduous in the dry-season and exhibit exceptional resilience to drought, with only moderate rainfall needs, albeit with a distinct seasonal distribution (i.e. majority of rainfall in one period). The Red Mombin is a member of the Anacardiaceae family and the Spondias genus, placing it as a close relative of the Ambarella and the Imbu, and more distantly related to the Mango and Cashew Nut, all of which thrive in monsoonal climates. While the Red Mombin is adaptable to various soil types such as clay, gravel, and sandy soils, it thrives best in well-draining and moderately fertile soils, excessively infertile or poorly draining soils are not suitable and may inhibit health and fruiting. Red Mombin require at least two compatible plants for proper pollination, which given their moderate size, may encourage regular pruning of trees to keep a compact form.
Often maintained as a shrub or small-medium tree, the Red Mombin’s spreading growth habit provides ample understory shade. Its foliage, characterised by small, alternately spaced, densely arranged pinnate leaves, adds to its appeal. Notably, the Red Mombin’s ornamental value peaks during flowering, as it produces abundant clusters of small red flowers soon after dormancy ends.
As a prolific producer of delicious sub-acidic fruit and a low-maintenance, water-wise option for monsoonal tropical climates, the Red Mombin emerges as an excellent choice for gardeners seeking both practicality and aesthetic appeal.

Plant Profile/Properties