MELICOCCUS BIJUGATUS - KNIPPA.
Synonym
Melicoccus bijuga l.
Common name
Spanish lime, knipa, knippa, guenepa, mamoncillo, guenepe, honeyberry, limoncillo, grosella de miel, genip,
knepe.
Family
Sapindiceae (Soapberry family).
Overview
Spanish lime is a large stately tree with spreading branches and a smooth gray bark; indigenous to
tropical America, growing up to 100 feet tall.
The flowers are clustered in panicles; fragrant and greenish white. The fruits are borne in clusters; they are completely round and
1 - 1½' in diameter.
The leathery, tin green skin covers a layer of juicy pulp translucent and salmon pink.
The large seeds is also round and ¾" - 1" in diameter.
Knippa is mostly eaten out of hand; the juice can also be used as a cold drink.
The seeds can be roasted and are edible; when cooked, they are a substitute for cassava.
Hardiness
USDA zone 9 - 11.
Propagation
Seeds. Due to recalcitrant nature of the seeds, they have a short viable life, can not be
dried well and can not withstand low temperatures.
Culture
Full sun, well drained clay - loam soil.
It can tolerate drought well. Plant in frost free location; Spanish lime can withstand some frost but serious
damage occurs at 25° F. Recalcitrant seeds are not refundable since they are prone to fungus and often difficult to
germinate.
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