Morinda citrifolia
Embrace the exotic with the Indian Mulberry, also known as the legendary Noni tree. With its magnificent, large, glossy green leaves, this plant brings a lush, tropical vibe to any space. More than just a beautiful plant, the *Morinda citrifolia* is famed for its unique, bumpy fruit, a cornerstone of traditional wellness practices for centuries. It's a fast-growing, resilient plant that makes a bold statement in your home or garden. Own a piece of botanical history and a stunning natural specimen.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Indian Mulberry, Noni Tree
Botanical Name: Morinda citrifolia
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Tropical fruit tree / shrub
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-1721
Alternative Names:
Great Morinda
Beach Mulberry
Cheese Fruit
توت هندي
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Morinda
3. Origin & Distribution
Native Range: Southeast Asia and Australasia.
Distribution: Widely naturalized and cultivated throughout the tropics, including the Pacific Islands, Caribbean, and parts of South America.
4. Visual Characteristics
Foliage: Large, simple, elliptical to oblong leaves. They are dark green, glossy, and have prominent, deep veins.
Flowers: Small, white, tubular flowers that emerge from a dense, globular head.
Fruit: A compound (syncarp) fruit, oval-shaped and lumpy. It is green when young, turning yellow and then translucent white as it ripens, emitting a strong, pungent, cheese-like odor.
Stem/Trunk: Can grow as a large shrub or small tree with a straight trunk and large, spreading branches.
5. Size & Dimensions
Mature Height: Typically 3–10 m (10–33 ft).
Mature Spread: 2–5 m (6–16 ft).
Growth Rate: Fast.
6. Light Requirements
Optimal Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Notes: Prefers full sun for the most vigorous growth and best fruit production. Can tolerate some shade but may become leggy.
7. Watering Needs
Frequency: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Drought Tolerance: It is highly drought-tolerant once established but performs best with consistent moisture.
8. Soil & Potting
Soil Type: Extremely adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, volcanic, and saline soils.
Drainage: Excellent drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
pH Level: Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 - 7.5).
9. Temperature & Humidity
Temperature Range: Thrives in warm tropical climates, with an ideal range of 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It is not frost-tolerant.
Humidity Level: Prefers high humidity levels typical of its native tropical habitat.
10. Fertilization
Frequency: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Type: A balanced, all-purpose granular or liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) is suitable.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Easy.
Maintenance: Low. It is a very resilient and hardy plant. Pruning can be done to maintain a desired shape and size or to remove any dead or damaged branches.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation Method: Easily propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
Germination: Seeds can take from 3 to 12 months to germinate and benefit from scarification before planting.
Growing Season: Year-round in tropical climates; spring and summer in subtropical zones.
13. Common Problems
Pests: Generally resistant to pests but can occasionally be affected by aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs, especially when grown in non-ideal conditions.
Diseases: Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained, waterlogged soils. Fungal leaf spots can occur in overly humid or wet conditions.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental: Grown as a decorative plant for its large, lush, tropical foliage.
Medicinal/Traditional: The fruit is famous for its use in traditional Polynesian medicine and is processed into Noni juice, a popular health supplement. All parts of the plant have traditional uses.
Other: The roots and bark have been used to create red and yellow dyes.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Human: The fruit is edible but has a very strong, pungent odor and flavor. Due to its high potassium content, individuals with kidney disease or on low-potassium diets should consult a healthcare professional before consumption.
Pets: Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but due to its potent compounds, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of the fruit or leaves.
Morinda citrifolia
Embrace the exotic with the Indian Mulberry, also known as the legendary Noni tree. With its magnificent, large, glossy green leaves, this plant brings a lush, tropical vibe to any space. More than just a beautiful plant, the *Morinda citrifolia* is famed for its unique, bumpy fruit, a cornerstone of traditional wellness practices for centuries. It's a fast-growing, resilient plant that makes a bold statement in your home or garden. Own a piece of botanical history and a stunning natural specimen.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Indian Mulberry, Noni Tree
Botanical Name: Morinda citrifolia
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Tropical fruit tree / shrub
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-1721
Alternative Names:
Great Morinda
Beach Mulberry
Cheese Fruit
توت هندي
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Morinda
3. Origin & Distribution
Native Range: Southeast Asia and Australasia.
Distribution: Widely naturalized and cultivated throughout the tropics, including the Pacific Islands, Caribbean, and parts of South America.
4. Visual Characteristics
Foliage: Large, simple, elliptical to oblong leaves. They are dark green, glossy, and have prominent, deep veins.
Flowers: Small, white, tubular flowers that emerge from a dense, globular head.
Fruit: A compound (syncarp) fruit, oval-shaped and lumpy. It is green when young, turning yellow and then translucent white as it ripens, emitting a strong, pungent, cheese-like odor.
Stem/Trunk: Can grow as a large shrub or small tree with a straight trunk and large, spreading branches.
5. Size & Dimensions
Mature Height: Typically 3–10 m (10–33 ft).
Mature Spread: 2–5 m (6–16 ft).
Growth Rate: Fast.
6. Light Requirements
Optimal Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Notes: Prefers full sun for the most vigorous growth and best fruit production. Can tolerate some shade but may become leggy.
7. Watering Needs
Frequency: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Drought Tolerance: It is highly drought-tolerant once established but performs best with consistent moisture.
8. Soil & Potting
Soil Type: Extremely adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, volcanic, and saline soils.
Drainage: Excellent drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
pH Level: Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 - 7.5).
9. Temperature & Humidity
Temperature Range: Thrives in warm tropical climates, with an ideal range of 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It is not frost-tolerant.
Humidity Level: Prefers high humidity levels typical of its native tropical habitat.
10. Fertilization
Frequency: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Type: A balanced, all-purpose granular or liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) is suitable.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Easy.
Maintenance: Low. It is a very resilient and hardy plant. Pruning can be done to maintain a desired shape and size or to remove any dead or damaged branches.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagation Method: Easily propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
Germination: Seeds can take from 3 to 12 months to germinate and benefit from scarification before planting.
Growing Season: Year-round in tropical climates; spring and summer in subtropical zones.
13. Common Problems
Pests: Generally resistant to pests but can occasionally be affected by aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs, especially when grown in non-ideal conditions.
Diseases: Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained, waterlogged soils. Fungal leaf spots can occur in overly humid or wet conditions.
14. Benefits & Uses
Ornamental: Grown as a decorative plant for its large, lush, tropical foliage.
Medicinal/Traditional: The fruit is famous for its use in traditional Polynesian medicine and is processed into Noni juice, a popular health supplement. All parts of the plant have traditional uses.
Other: The roots and bark have been used to create red and yellow dyes.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Human: The fruit is edible but has a very strong, pungent odor and flavor. Due to its high potassium content, individuals with kidney disease or on low-potassium diets should consult a healthcare professional before consumption.
Pets: Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but due to its potent compounds, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of the fruit or leaves.