Melicoccus bijugatus

Read about Melicoccus bijugatus in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Melicocca bijuga, Linn. Spanish Lime or Genip. Fig. 2349. Lfts. in 2 pairs, elliptical or elliptic-lanceolate, entire, glabrous: fls. whitish, in terminal racemes.—Cult, and naturalized in W. Indies and perhaps native there. The foliage is distinct, the compound lvs. with winged petioles resembling those of Sapindus saponaria, the W. Indian soap-berry. The Spanish lime is cult. in S. Fla. and S. Calif. Its frs. are about the size and shape of plums, green or yellow, and have a pleasant grape-like flavor. The large seeds are sometimes roasted like chestnuts. The tree grows slowly, attaining 20-60 ft., and bears freely. It can be fruited in the N. under glass. It withstands several degrees of frost. This fruit is the mamoncillo of Cuba, where it is much prized. It is little known in the U. S. The fr. is usually about an inch long, with thin leathery and green skin and a rather scant acid refreshing pulp that adheres closely to the seeds; it is eaten out of hand, being torn open at one end to allow the translucent white and juicy contents to pass into the mouth. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.