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Plant Informational Database

Miracle Fruit

Synsepalum dulcificum

a.k.a. Miracle Berry

A relatively tasteless berry with an amazing side-effect. After eating one miracle fruit, sour things will instantly taste sweet. Eating even the sourest of lemons, one will taste only sugary sweetness. The effect lasts an hour or two. The miracle fruit is a remarkable natural sweetener that is virtually unknown to much of the world.

Seed Availability

Seeds have limited viability and cannot be dried or stored for very long. We may have fresh seeds almost any month of the year, but they are generally available only for a short time. A link to a store order page will appear here if seeds are available.

Seed Availability

Seeds have limited viability and cannot be dried or stored for very long. We may have fresh seeds almost any month of the year, but they are generally available only for a short time. A link to a store order page will appear here if seeds are available.

Description

A slow growing bush or small tree to 15ft.

Hardiness

Hardy to about 32F. Plants will show a slow decline in cooler temperatures (below 55F) and prefer a year-round warm climate.

Growing Environment

Needs acidic soil and is intolerant to alkaline conditions. Growing in half soil-half peat works well and plants will benefit considerably from occasional applications of acidic fertilizer. Will tolerate minimal frost when full grown, but plants need lots of water year round. The miracle fruit cannot be grown outside in the United States except Southern Florida, but it makes an easy house plant. Fruit is produced throughout the year and hundreds of berries can be harvested from a single plant. The miracle fruit grows and fruits well in containers.

Propagation

By seeds. Seeds should not be dried out before planting.

Uses

Berries are eaten fresh. In its native range, Africans sometimes use the fruits to improve the taste of stale food. Fruits are being investigated as a possible source for a natural food sweetener.

Native Range

Native to tropical West Africa.

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Synsepalum dulcificum
Miracle Fruit
Synsepalum subcordatum
Giant Miracle Fruit