Mammea americana
mamey
Large evergreen tree, native to tropical areas, to 20m in height, heavily branched with a very dense, oval crown of leathery, glossy dark green leaves. Fragrant, white flowers with 4-6 petals, in late spring or early summer, are followed by edible rounded brown or grey fruit with thick flesh, the flavour similar to an apricot. Good for wildlife
Other common names
mammeemammee apple
see moremartin
San Domingo apricot
Santa Domingo apricot
South American apricot
wild apricot tree
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Grey Silver Brown | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Clusiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Suited to tropical climates only where the fruit and timber are widely used. Prefers a deep, rich, well-drained neutral to acid sandy loam in sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed, greenwood cuttings with bottom heat, or grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Sub-tropical
- Wildlife gardens
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to a range of tropical insects such as borers
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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