Weight | 17 lbs |
---|---|
Dimensions | 10 × 10 × 35 in |
Tree Size | 3 Gallon Tree |
7 in stock
$50.00
Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) – Nature’s Sweetness Switch
Miracle Fruit, also called miracle berry, Graviola berry, or sweet berry, is an evergreen tropical shrub native to West & Central Africa (Sapotaceae family). It’s famous for its small red berries containing miraculin—a natural glycoprotein that turns sour foods sweet for up to an hour. These berries are popular for flavor-tripping events and are valued as a natural sweetener substitute.
Quick Facts:
• Botanical Name: Synsepalum dulcificum
• Common Names: Miracle Fruit, Miracle Berry, Sweet Berry
• Family: Sapotaceae
• Native Region: West and Central Africa
• USDA Zones: 10–11 (container in 9b)
• Mature Size: 6–10 ft tall (4 ft in containers)
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Acidic, well-drained peat-based mix (pH 4.5–5.8)
• Moisture: Keep consistently moist, avoid soggy roots
• Self-Fertile: Yes
• Fruiting Time: Year-round in ideal conditions
• Time to Fruit: Less than a year
• Best Uses: Flavor enhancer, smoothies, berries eaten fresh
Climate & Hardiness: Native to tropical West Africa. Thrives in zones 10–11, container grown in 9b. Cannot tolerate frost; sensitive below 28°F.
Soil & Moisture: Requires acidic soil—ideal pH 4.5–5.8. Use peat moss, perlite, or pine bark blends. Always moist, never saturated. Use rainwater or filtered water—avoid chlorine.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Protect from strong afternoon rays if in containers. Bright indirect light works indoors.
Size & Pruning: In-ground plants can reach 6–15 ft. Container-grown plants stay around 4 ft. Prune to shape and improve air circulation.
Fruit & Flavor: Red, oblong berries about 1–2 cm long. Pulp contains miraculin, a glycoprotein that binds taste receptors, making sour foods taste sweet for 30–60 minutes.
Pollination & Fruiting: Self-fertile. Pollinated by insects. Blooms multiple times per year in ideal climates. Fruits ripen in clusters.
Propagation: Can be grown from seed (germinates in 2–3 weeks) or propagated by cuttings or grafting. Grafted plants bear fruit faster.
Fertilizer & Pests: Use fertilizer for acid-loving plants (e.g., azalea or blueberry formulas). Avoid overfertilizing. Watch for scale, mealybugs, and root rot from poor drainage.
Is Miracle Fruit self-fertile? – Yes, one plant can set fruit on its own.
How tall does it grow? – 6–10 ft in ground, 4 ft in containers with regular care.
How long until it fruits? – Typically fruits in the first year.
Can I grow it in a container? – Yes, it’s ideal for pots and stays small when pruned.
What kind of soil does it need? – Acidic, well-draining mix with pH 4.5–5.8.
How does miraculin work? – It temporarily alters taste receptors, making sour foods taste sweet.
What are common problems? – Root rot from poor drainage, sensitivity to tap water, and minor pests like scale.
SHIPPING
Carriers and Services
We ship all orders via UPS, offering Standard, Expedited, and Overnight services. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on your location and the selected service.
Winter Shipping Advisory
Cold Weather Alert: Tropical trees are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. During colder months, our greenhouses maintain warm, optimal conditions for growth, which makes plants more vulnerable to cold damage during shipping.
Recommendations: If temperatures along the shipping route are below 40°F, we recommend holding your order until it’s safe to ship. We will notify you if a delay is necessary.
No Freeze Warranty: We do not guarantee plants shipped during freezing conditions. Shipping in cold weather is at the buyer’s discretion and risk.
Shipping Schedule
Local (In-State) Shipments: Orders ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure delivery before the weekend. Most locations within the state receive deliveries in 1 to 2 days.
Out-of-State Shipments: Orders ship primarily on Monday and Tuesday to avoid weekend delays.
Packaging and Damage Claims
Plants are carefully packaged to minimize the risk of damage during transit. However, if damage occurs, you must contact us within 24 hours of delivery.
Submit clear photos of the packaging and the plant to southeden@outlook.com. Claims cannot be processed without photos.
Order Processing and Pickup
Orders placed before 5:00 PM are processed the same business day.
Local pickups are available between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays and are processed on the same day.
Returns
All sales are final.
Due to agricultural regulations, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on any items, including live tropical trees.
If you receive an incorrect or damaged item, contact us at southeden@outlook.com within 3 days of delivery. Claims must include clear photos of the packaging and item to be reviewed. We’ll work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Thank you for supporting South Eden Edible Nursery! We appreciate your understanding and are committed to ensuring your plants arrive in the best possible condition.