Icaco (Chrysobalanus icaco)

Tropical plants that produce edible fruits are often of great ornamental value, and the icaco it is not far behind. This is a shrub or rarely tree that has very striking bright green leaves. In addition, it can be grown in all types of gardens, small or large, and even in pots.

All you need is sun, water and heat. Do we know it?

Origin and characteristics of the icaco

Our protagonist is an evergreen plant that grows between 1 and 10 meters whose scientific name is Chrysobalanus icaco. It is native to tropical America and the Caribbean Basin, including Cuba, southern Florida, and the Bahamas. Its leaves are oval, almost round, green in color and with a texture similar to that of leather. These are 3 to 10cm long by 2,5 to 7cm wide.

The flowers are small, white and are grouped in clusters that appear in late spring. The fruit ripens in late summer and is a drupe that can measure 2,5 to 5cm in diameter and be pink, dark purple, or pinkish purple.. This is edible and is used to make jellies.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy of icaco, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Location

• Body exterior:: full sun. If you are going to have it in the garden, plant it at a distance of at least 2 meters from other large plants.
• Interior: in a room with plenty of natural light, away from both cold and warm drafts, and with high humidity.

Earth

• Flower pot: universal culture substrate mixed with 30% perlite. The pot must have holes in the base through which the water can escape during irrigation, as this will prevent the roots from rotting.
• Garden: it is indifferent as long as it is fertile and has good drainage. Tolerant of salt. If the soil in your field is very compact and poor in nutrients, make a planting hole of 1m x 1m, and fill it with a mixture of mulch with 30% perlite or similar.

Irrigation

Irrigation must be frequent, as it does not tolerate drought. It has to be watered 3-4 times a week in summer, and somewhat less the rest of the year. Likewise, you should preferably use rainwater, but if you cannot get it, other options are water for human consumption, or one that is as pure as possible.

When you go to water, moisten the soil or substrate, never the plant. In order to save a little water, it is advisable to water it at sunset, because if it is done in the morning the substrate or the soil will remain wet for less time.

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From early spring to late summer it is advisable to use ecological fertilizers, on a monthly basis. You just have to bear in mind that if you have it in a pot it is preferable to use liquid fertilizers so that the drainage remains correct; On the other hand, if you have it on the ground, you can use it in powder or granules.

One of the most recommended is guano, as it is very rich in nutrients and has a rapid effectiveness. But herbivorous animal manure, mulch, compost or others will also work for you.

Planting or transplanting time

En spring, when the temperature is at least 15 degrees Celsius.

Multiplication

By seeds in spring. You have to follow this step by step:

1. First, a seedbed must be filled, such as a seedling tray or pots, with specific substrate (for sale here).
2. Then, it is watered thoroughly, and one or two seeds are placed in each socket or pots.
3. Afterwards, powdered copper or sulfur is spread to prevent the growth of fungi.
4. It is then covered with a little substrate.
5. Finally, the seedbed is watered and placed outside, in semi-shade.

If all goes well, they will germinate in about 10-15 days.

Plagues and diseases

The icaco it is quite resistant in general; however, in hot and dry environments it can be affected by Red spider, mealybugs y aphids especially. These can be treated with diatomaceous earth or potassium soap.

Pruning

Don't need it. But if you see that it has a broken or dry branch, you can cut it using pruning shears previously disinfected with alcohol.

Rusticity

It does not support frost. The minimum temperature to be able to grow it outside all year round must be above 10 degrees Celsius.

What uses does the icaco have?

This is a plant with several uses:

Ornamental

It is very decorative. It can be had in pots, as well as in any type of garden, large or small.

Edible

The fruits can be consumed without problems; in fact its use as jelly is known. The flavor is mild, so much so that in their places of origin they are called as icaco sweets.

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