Miraculous Berry

(Synsepalum dulcificum)

Miraculous Berry (Synsepalum dulcificum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Synsepalum dulcificum, commonly known as Miraculous Berry or Miracle Fruit, is an evergreen shrub native to the tropical forests and marginal savannahs of West and Central Africa. It typically grows 1.8–4.5 m (5.9–14.8 ft) in height and is characterized by dense foliage and a bushy growth habit. The plant produces small, inconspicuous white flowers throughout much of the year, which are followed by its notable red berries, each about 2 cm (0.79 in) long and containing a single seed. The berries have the unique property of altering taste perception, making sour foods taste sweet after consumption.

Miracle Fruit is valued for its horticultural novelty and potential use in culinary applications. It is grown in botanical gardens and by exotic fruit enthusiasts, often as a potted plant or in greenhouses outside its native range due to its sensitivity to frost. The plant requires acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.8, high humidity, and protection from frost. It is somewhat drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture. While it can tolerate full sun, it thrives in partial shade with medium drainage. Fruit production begins when the plant is around 3–4 years old, with two harvests typically following the end of the rainy season. Potential cultivation challenges include sensitivity to cold, root rot in overly wet soils, and the need for hand pollination when grown indoors or in greenhouses to ensure fruit set.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

Tropical forests and marginal savannahs of West and Central Africa

Other Names

Common Names: Sweet Berry, Miracle Berry, Miracle-Fruit, Miraculous-Berry, Fruit Miraculeux, Mirakelbär, 變味果;神秘果

Scientific Names: , Synsepalum dulcificum, Richardella dulcifica, Synsepalum glycydora, Pouteria dulcifica, Sideroxylon dulcificum, Bakeriella dulcifica, Bumelia dulcifica, Synsepalum glycydorum subsp. error,

GBIF Accepted Name: Synsepalum dulcificum (Schumach. & Thonn.) Daniell