Hog plum, botanically Spondias mombin, is a fibrous oval shaped fruit, which is sour in taste even when ripe. However, the new hybrid varieties of hog plums are much less fibrous. They are also more sweet than sour and are quite edible.
- Origin: Central and South America
- Common names: Hog Plum, Yellow Mombin, Spondias, Sweet Ambazham, Spanish plum, "amra" - Hindi, "amra" or "jobo" - Bengali.
- Scientific name: Spondias mombin
- Botanical family: Anacardiaceae
- Edibility rating: 6/10
- Health Benefits: 6/10
Growth type:
Hog plum is a small to medium sized tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall. It has a dense, spreading canopy, a short boot and rough, grey-brown bark.
However, grafted varieties are very compact and can easily be grown in large pots.
Suitable climatic conditions and soil types:
Hog plum thrives in warm climates with temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. The plant prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It tolerates acidic and alkaline soil.
Sunlight requirement:
Hog plum prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.
Planting distance:
Hog plum trees from seedlings needs to be planted at a distance of 10 to 12 metres from each other.
However, nowadays only grafted varieties are planted which are much compact. Pruning is recommended to maintain their size and shape.
Water requirements:
Spondias mombin trees need regular watering, especially in the dry season. However, it's important not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot.
Ease of maintenance:
Maintaining Hogplum plants is fairly straightforward. Pruning should be done regularly to keep their shape and size, as well as to remove dead or diseased branches. It is usually devoid of pest attacks.
Fruit description, taste, size, and color:
The fruit of Spondias mombin is oval-shaped, with a smooth, yellow or orange skin that turns orange-red when ripe. The flesh is juicy and fibrous, with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. The fruit isize is typically 6-8 cm.
Edible uses:
Spondias mombin fruit is commonly eaten fresh or cooked.
In fact, it can be used as a substitute for raw mango in most recipes. While most mango varieties are seasonal, hog plums are available round the year.
The fruits from this grafted hog plum are slightly different from the traditional hog plums. Its fruit is not fibrous. When fully ripe, the fruit is not only slightly sweet but also not very sour.
In some regions, it is also used to make a traditional alcoholic beverage.
Medicinal uses and nutritional value:
Hog plums, also known as Spondias mombin, are a nutrient-rich fruit containing high amounts of vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants.
