Indian Mulberry

(Morinda citrifolia)

Indian Mulberry (Morinda citrifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as Indian Mulberry or Noni, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to South and Southeast Asia and Australasia, often found in coastal and volcanic habitats. It typically grows up to 9 m (30 ft) tall and has large, simple, dark green, shiny, and deeply veined leaves. The plant’s structure is somewhat ungainly, with a straight trunk and numerous, almost horizontal branches. Morinda citrifolia is known for its resilience and can thrive in a variety of environmental conditions, including secondary forests, on lava flows, and in coastal habitats with saline soils.

The Indian Mulberry is notable for its year-round production of pungent, cheese-like fruits, which are considered to have medicinal properties in various cultures. The fruit is a multiple fruit, oval in shape, and changes color from green to yellow and then almost white as it ripens. It is commonly used in traditional medicine, dietary supplements, and as a natural dye. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade, tolerates a range of soil types, and requires moderate watering. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. The plant is also used for reforestation and erosion control due to its robust root system. However, it can become invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 20-30 feet
  • Width: 8-15 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

native to South and Southeast Asia and Australasia, often found in coastal and volcanic habitats

Other Names

Common Names: Indian-Mulberry, Cheesefruit, Canary-Wood, Brimstone Wood, Great Morinda, Cheese Fruit, Mora De La India, Bois Douleur, Pokok, Mengkudu

Scientific Names: , Morinda citrifolia, Morinda tinctoria, Morinda elliptica, Morinda tomentosa, Morinda citrifolia var. citrifolia, Morinda citrifolia var. potteri, Morinda citrifolia var. elliptica, Morinda teysmanniana, Morinda citrifolia f. potteri

GBIF Accepted Name: Morinda citrifolia L.