Family: Sapindaceae
Author: Jacq.
Bibliography: Enum. Syst. Pl.: 19 (1760)
Year: 1760
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Melicoccus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Colombia to N. South America
Description
Genip, a fruit-bearing tree known scientifically as Melicoccus bijugatus, is a member of the Sapindaceae family. This versatile plant is indigenous to the tropical regions stretching from Colombia to northern South America. Known for its resilience and adaptability, the Genip thrives in a variety of climatic conditions, making it a staple in both cultivated and wild environments across its native range.
This species was first systematically described by the eminent botanist Jacquin in the seminal work “Enumeratio Systematica Plantarum” published in 1760. Its botanical classification was meticulously documented, cementing its place in the annals of botanical literature.
The tree produces small, green, and round fruits, often referred to as genips, Spanish limes, or mamoncillos. These fruits are not only prized for their sweet and tangy flavor but also for their nutritional benefits, which include high levels of vitamin C and other essential nutrients. The fruits are consumed fresh, used in beverages, or transformed into jellies and preserves, showcasing their culinary versatility.
In addition to its fruit, the Genip tree itself is valued for various practical uses. The wood is appreciated for its hardness and durability, finding applications in construction and craftsmanship. Moreover, indigenous communities have utilized different parts of the tree for traditional medicinal purposes, underscoring its cultural and ecological significance.
The cultivation of Melicoccus bijugatus is relatively straightforward, as the tree is hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in a range of soil types. It is often planted in orchards as well as used in urban landscaping due to its attractive foliage and the shade it provides.
In summary, the Genip is a remarkable species with a rich history and a variety of applications, from its delicious and nutritious fruits to its versatile timber. Its presence from Colombia to northern South America highlights its importance in both natural ecosystems and human agriculture.
Common Names
Deu: honigbeere, quenepa
Eng: spanish lime, spanish-lime, genip, honeyberry, ginep tree, kenip tree, kinnup tree
Swe: honungsbär
Fra: kenépier, quenette
Spa: mamoncillo
En: Genip, Spanish-lime, Honeyberry, Spanish lime, Ginep Tree, Kenip Tree, Kinnup Tree, Skinup, Ackee, Genip lime, Geniptree, Ginep, Ginepe, Guenepa, Guinep, Jamaica bullace plum, Kanappy, Knippelboom, Mamoncillo, Quenepa
Zh: 蜜苺
Nl: Knippa
Fr: Quenette, Kenépier, Quenettier, Kenettier, Knépier or quenettier, Quenepe
De: Honigbeere, Quenepa, Dotterknippe
Ht: Pye kenèp
Hu: Mézbogyó
Km: ពង្រ
Kv: Мамончилло
Ko: 마몬
Pt: Mamoncillo, Arvore de canopy
Ru: Мамончилло
Es: Mamoncillo, Macao, Maco, Grocella de miel, Kenepe, Limoncillo, Mamon, Mamón, Mamón de cartagena, Mauco, Muco, Quenepa
Sv: Honungsbär
Th: มามอนซิโย
Synonyms
- Stadtmannia bijuga (D.Dietr.)
- Melicocca bijuga (L.)
- Melicocca carpoodea (Juss.)
- Melicoccus bijugatus f. alatus (Kitan.)
- Melicocca bijuga f. alata (Kitan.)
Distribution
- Colombia (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Bahamas (introduced)
- Cayman Is. (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- El Salvador (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Galápagos (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Netherlands Antilles (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Southwest Caribbean (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Tuamotu (introduced)
- Turks-Caicos Is. (introduced)
- Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Oct 31, 2022 by ع. ب ال ص (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2022 by Mandy YOKESSA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2019 by kurt kurt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 17, 2021 by cecile MAHE (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 14, 2018 by georges pletinckx (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2014 by Tela Botanica − S. Paulin KOURA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 28, 2014 by Tela Botanica − S. Paulin KOURA (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Beatriz Muñiz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2021 by amandine escarguel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2021 by amandine escarguel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Marc Chouillou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2019 by Daniel Houalet (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 29, 2021 by mona bride (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2019 by Aurélien (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2019 by Philippe VINCENT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Acevedo, P. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Yamilette Herrera (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 28, 2020 by cheriette van der lugt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Other
Taken Sep 13, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189990)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:783682-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 4.0