Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle Fruit) Plant

Description

Synsepalum dulcificum, known as Miracle Fruit, is native to West Africa. This evergreen plant grows up to 2-5 metres in height and produces small red berries, which are eaten to make bitter and sour foods taste sweet, hence it’s name.

When the fleshy part of the fruit is eaten, the molecule, miraculin binds to the tongue’s taste buds, causing sour foods to taste sweet. At neutral pH, it blocks the receptors, but at low pH – so sour foods, like lemons – miraculin binds proteins and becomes able to activate the sweet receptors, resulting in the perception of sweet taste. This effect can last up to an hour.

• Common Name.

Miracle Berry; Sweet Berry; Magic Berry.

• Syn.

Synsepalum subcordatum.

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Seed Grown Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Synsepalum dulcificum is a slow grower that prefers full sun to part shade positions in free draining soil. It is drought and frost tender, preferring high humidity climates.

Pruning: Synsepalum dulcificum requires minimal pruning and naturally develops a dense, attractive shrub-like form. Light pruning can be carried out after fruiting to maintain shape, improve airflow, and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Tip-pruning young plants encourages bushier growth and a more compact habit. Avoid heavy pruning, as Miracle Fruit is a slow-growing species and may take time to recover from severe cutting.

Pests and Diseases: Synsepalum dulcificum (Miracle Fruit) is generally a resilient plant with few major pest problems, but it can occasionally be affected by aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies, particularly when grown in containers or sheltered environments. Young plants may be more susceptible to infestations than mature specimens. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage.

We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: 

Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser

The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food

We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

Interested in fruiting plants? Have a look at these

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Buddha’s Hand Citron) Plant

Theobroma cacao (Cacao) Plant

Casimiroa edulis (White Sapote) Plant