Synsepalum dulcificum MIRACLE FRUIT (5 seeds)

Miracle fruit, also known as miracle berry, is a plant belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is a small, slow-growing tree native to Ghana that thrives in West Africa. Nowadays, it is cultivated worldwide, including across Asia. It typically reaches a height of 3 to 5 meters at maturity. The miracle berry was recently introduced to Europe, though its discovery dates back several hundred years. It remains rare to this day.

Its leaves are oval and dark green, with a smooth and shiny texture. They are arranged alternately along the stems, creating dense and attractive foliage.

The flowers of the Synsepalum are small and discreet, grouped in inflorescences. They appear in clusters, with white to slightly cream-colored petals. While the flowering is less spectacular than that of many other plants, it emits a very pleasant fragrance. When the flowers transform into fruits, they take the form of small red berries, which are edible and particularly prized for their ability to modify taste perception due to the presence of miraculin.

Miracle fruit seeds from Synsepalum dulcificum are oval, about the size of an olive pit, smooth, and composed of two different shades of brown.

- Properties / Uses:

The miracle berry is cultivated for its edible fruits with amazing properties. These small fruits are called miracle fruits. Indeed, the pulp contains miraculin, a protein capable of suppressing the sensation of acidity and bitterness and providing a sweetening power to any food. It is the only fruit on earth capable of neutralizing acidity.

Once in the mouth, the fruit pulp coats the taste buds of the tongue, neutralizing the acidity or bitterness of food. You get the impression that the foods are much milder and sweeter. This sensation of sweetness in the mouth lasts from thirty minutes to two hours. It is an excellent alternative for replacing sugar, particularly for people suffering from diabetes or those looking to reduce their sugar consumption.

It also helps with taking medication when it has a taste that is too acidic or bitter. Finally, it assists people whose sense of taste is altered, allowing them to enjoy foods they would normally find unpleasant. The miracle berry also contains antioxidant properties beneficial to our health.
Do not use for medicinal purposes without seeking medical advice.

- Germination, Sowing the Seeds:

• The best period to sow miracle berry seeds is from June until the end of July when temperatures are high enough.
• Prepare a tray of sieved and pre-moistened peat.
• Bury the seeds vertically.
• Water the culture copiously without allowing water to stagnate.
• Place the tray in a very warm and humid spot, such as a greenhouse, at a temperature close to 35°C.
• Germination will generally occur within 3 to 5 weeks after sowing.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

This shrub prefers a substrate rich in humus and well-draining. A mix of potting soil, peat, and perlite is perfectly suitable.

- Exposure / Light:

This unique plant enjoys a sunny exposure but can also tolerate indirect light. An ideal location would be near a south- or west-oriented window, where it can receive bright light without being exposed to direct rays that are too strong.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

It is a cold-sensitive shrub that prefers warm temperatures, generally between 20 and 30°C. It is sensitive to the cold and must not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C. In winter, it is best to maintain a constant ambient temperature and avoid cold drafts.

- Watering:

Watering should be moderate. It is important to let the substrate dry out slightly between waterings to avoid excess moisture. Generally, watering every 1 to 2 weeks is sufficient, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions. During the active growth period, more frequent watering may be necessary, whereas water requirements decrease in winter.

- Propagation:

Propagation of Synsepalum can be done primarily by sowing or by cuttings using semi-woody stem segments. These cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in an acidic substrate. They also require a warm and humid environment to encourage rooting.

- Pests / Diseases:

This plant is particularly sensitive to several pests that can seriously compromise its health. Among the most formidable, mealybugs stand out for their ability to settle on stems and leaves to feed on the sap. Their presence can not only weaken the plant but also promote the appearance of sooty mold, a black fungus that covers infected parts and hinders photosynthesis. Aphids, meanwhile, are small sap-sucking insects that cause yellowing of the leaves and deformation of new shoots, making the plant less attractive and vigorous. Finally, mites, particularly spider mites, attack the plant cells, leading to a progressive decline of the leaves.

- Maintenance:

Fertilizing is recommended 6 months after planting. Mulching may be necessary to limit the frequency of irrigation.