Achacha Tree
Original price
$79.00
-
Original price
$79.00
Original price
$79.00
$79.00
-
$79.00
Current price
$79.00
The Achacha Tree, scientifically known as Garcinia humilis, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Amazon basin, particularly Bolivia, and now cultivated for its tangy, refreshing fruit. Also called achachairú, this tree is valued for its vibrant orange fruits and ornamental qualities, with pale pink new leaves adding visual appeal. Below is a detailed overview of its characteristics, care requirements, and planting guidelines, tailored for gardeners seeking to grow this exotic fruit tree.Taste
The Achacha fruit is prized for its sweet-tart flavor, often described as a blend of mangosteen and citrusy sorbet. Its white, juicy flesh, encased in a thick, orange rind, offers a refreshing balance of sweetness and tang, with notes reminiscent of passionfruit or lemonade. The fruit is typically eaten fresh by breaking open the rind and removing the few seeds, or used in beverages, sorbets, and desserts. Its unique, invigorating taste earned it third place in the 2012 Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards in Berlin, making it a standout tropical delicacy.Best Growing Environment
The Achacha Tree thrives in warm, humid tropical or subtropical climates, ideally in USDA Zones 9b–11. It prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil rich in organic matter, such as loamy or sandy soil amended with compost or peat moss, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0). A sheltered location protects its delicate branches and leaves from strong winds. The tree adapts well to garden beds or large containers (15–20 gallons), making it suitable for patio or indoor growing in cooler climates, where it can be moved indoors during winter to avoid cold stress.Common Names
The Achacha Tree is known by several names, reflecting its regional and cultural significance:
The Achacha Tree typically reaches 12–20 feet in height when planted in the ground, with a canopy spread of 10–15 feet. In containers, it can be maintained at 5–8 feet through pruning, making it ideal for smaller spaces or indoor cultivation. Its compact size, vibrant green foliage, and occasional pale pink new leaves create an attractive, ornamental appearance, suitable for tropical landscapes or as a patio centerpiece.Growth Rate
The Achacha Tree is a slow-growing species, adding about 6–12 inches per year under optimal conditions. It may take 4–7 years to reach fruit-bearing maturity, with grafted trees fruiting slightly earlier (3–5 years) than those grown from seed. Growth is steady in warm, humid environments but slows in suboptimal conditions like poor soil or inadequate water. Regular fertilization and proper care can maximize its growth rate, though patience is required for significant fruit production.Sun Requirements
The Achacha Tree requires full sun, with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, to support healthy growth and fruit production. In extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorching, particularly for young trees. For container-grown trees, place them near a south- or west-facing window or under grow lights indoors to ensure adequate light. Insufficient sunlight can lead to sparse foliage, reduced flowering, and lower fruit yields, so a bright, sunny location is critical.Cold Hardiness
The Achacha Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9b–11, tolerating minimum temperatures of 30–35°F for mature trees. Young trees are more sensitive, suffering damage below 40°F. In Zone 9b, winter protection like frost blankets or indoor relocation for potted trees is necessary to prevent leaf drop or death. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 30°F can severely damage or kill the tree, making it best suited for tropical or near-tropical climates.Water Requirements
The Achacha Tree prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil, especially during establishment. For the first 6 weeks after planting, water every 3 days, ensuring the top 2–3 inches of soil remain moist. Once established, water mature trees weekly, increasing to twice weekly during hot summer months or dry spells. In humid tropical climates, natural rainfall often suffices, but supplemental watering is needed during dry seasons. For potted trees, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring excess water drains to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to fungal issues, while underwatering may cause leaf drop or poor fruit development.Planting Guide
To plant an Achacha Tree:
The Achacha fruit is prized for its sweet-tart flavor, often described as a blend of mangosteen and citrusy sorbet. Its white, juicy flesh, encased in a thick, orange rind, offers a refreshing balance of sweetness and tang, with notes reminiscent of passionfruit or lemonade. The fruit is typically eaten fresh by breaking open the rind and removing the few seeds, or used in beverages, sorbets, and desserts. Its unique, invigorating taste earned it third place in the 2012 Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards in Berlin, making it a standout tropical delicacy.Best Growing Environment
The Achacha Tree thrives in warm, humid tropical or subtropical climates, ideally in USDA Zones 9b–11. It prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil rich in organic matter, such as loamy or sandy soil amended with compost or peat moss, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0). A sheltered location protects its delicate branches and leaves from strong winds. The tree adapts well to garden beds or large containers (15–20 gallons), making it suitable for patio or indoor growing in cooler climates, where it can be moved indoors during winter to avoid cold stress.Common Names
The Achacha Tree is known by several names, reflecting its regional and cultural significance:
- Achacha
- Achachairú
- Bolivian Mangosteen
- Garcinia humilis (botanical name)
- Honey Kiss Fruit
The Achacha Tree typically reaches 12–20 feet in height when planted in the ground, with a canopy spread of 10–15 feet. In containers, it can be maintained at 5–8 feet through pruning, making it ideal for smaller spaces or indoor cultivation. Its compact size, vibrant green foliage, and occasional pale pink new leaves create an attractive, ornamental appearance, suitable for tropical landscapes or as a patio centerpiece.Growth Rate
The Achacha Tree is a slow-growing species, adding about 6–12 inches per year under optimal conditions. It may take 4–7 years to reach fruit-bearing maturity, with grafted trees fruiting slightly earlier (3–5 years) than those grown from seed. Growth is steady in warm, humid environments but slows in suboptimal conditions like poor soil or inadequate water. Regular fertilization and proper care can maximize its growth rate, though patience is required for significant fruit production.Sun Requirements
The Achacha Tree requires full sun, with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, to support healthy growth and fruit production. In extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorching, particularly for young trees. For container-grown trees, place them near a south- or west-facing window or under grow lights indoors to ensure adequate light. Insufficient sunlight can lead to sparse foliage, reduced flowering, and lower fruit yields, so a bright, sunny location is critical.Cold Hardiness
The Achacha Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9b–11, tolerating minimum temperatures of 30–35°F for mature trees. Young trees are more sensitive, suffering damage below 40°F. In Zone 9b, winter protection like frost blankets or indoor relocation for potted trees is necessary to prevent leaf drop or death. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 30°F can severely damage or kill the tree, making it best suited for tropical or near-tropical climates.Water Requirements
The Achacha Tree prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil, especially during establishment. For the first 6 weeks after planting, water every 3 days, ensuring the top 2–3 inches of soil remain moist. Once established, water mature trees weekly, increasing to twice weekly during hot summer months or dry spells. In humid tropical climates, natural rainfall often suffices, but supplemental watering is needed during dry seasons. For potted trees, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring excess water drains to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to fungal issues, while underwatering may cause leaf drop or poor fruit development.Planting Guide
To plant an Achacha Tree:
- Location: Select a sunny, wind-sheltered site with well-draining, fertile soil. For containers, use a 15–20-gallon pot with drainage holes.
- Soil Preparation: Dig a hole 2–3 times the width of the root ball and as deep, mixing 50% native soil with 50% compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrients.
- Planting: Gently remove the tree from its nursery pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the hole at the same depth as it was grown. Backfill, tamp lightly, and water thoroughly.
- Mulching: Apply 3–4 inches of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips or bark) in a 3–4-foot radius, keeping it 4–6 inches from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Spacing: Space trees 10–15 feet apart to accommodate their canopy and root spread.
- Container Planting: Use a well-draining, loamy potting mix and repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and manage root growth.