The Spanish Lime (Melicoccus bijugatus), also known as Mamoncillo, Kenip Tree or Guinep, is a fruit tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family, which also includes other known species such as guarana, longan, and lychee. This tree is highly valued for its sweet, gelatinous fruits, consumed either fresh or processed into beverages and sweets. In addition to its culinary uses, Spanish Lime has traditional medicinal applications and is appreciated as an ornamental plant and a source of light wood for indoor projects.
Spanish Lime fruits are widely consumed in various tropical regions, sold in local markets and used in the preparation of juices, jellies, and other delicacies. Furthermore, the tree is cultivated in both urban and rural areas as an ornamental plant, thanks to its dense canopy and pleasant shade. Spanish Lime contributes to the local biodiversity in its habitat, serving as food for various wildlife species.
Native to northern South America, especially Colombia and Venezuela, Melicoccus bijugatus is also naturalized in parts of Central America and the Caribbean, including Margarita Island. The species adapts well to dry limestone coastal forests, secondary thickets, and roadside verges, growing at altitudes up to 1968 feet (600 meters). Its presence is common in regions with tropical climates, where the soil is well-drained, and the sun exposure is full or partial.
The botanical name Melicoccus bijugatus originates from Greek and Latin. “Melicoccus” comes from the Greek “meli” (honey) and “kokkos” (grain or seed), referring to the sweet flavor of the fruit. The specific epithet “bijugatus” is from the Latin “bi-” (two) and “jugatus” (joined in pairs), alluding to the compound leaves with two pairs of opposite leaflets, a distinctive characteristic of the species.
The taxonomy of Spanish Lime was established by Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 1760, based on specimens cultivated in Puerto Rico. Later, Carl Linnaeus used the spelling “Melicocca bijuga” which prevailed for about two centuries. However, a proposal to conserve this spelling was rejected in 1994, restoring the original nomenclature Melicoccus bijugatus. The species belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is related to other tropical fruits like lychee (Litchi chinensis) and longan (Dimocarpus longan).
Spanish Lime is a slow-growing tree, known for its dense and leafy canopy. Under ideal conditions, it reaches heights between 39 and 65 feet (12 and 20 meters), and can even grow up to 82 feet (25 meters), with a straight trunk up to 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) in diameter and smooth, gray bark. The growth is slow but vigorous, with ascending branches and symmetrical branching, giving the tree a rounded or oval silhouette. It has a deep, taproot system with well-developed lateral roots, providing drought resistance and stability in limestone or rocky soils.
The leaves are alternate, paripinnate compound, with two pairs of opposite leaflets (bijugate). Each leaflet is elliptical, with an acute apex and cuneate base, measuring between 2 to 5 inches (5 and 13 cm) in length and 1.3 to 2.5 inches (3.2 to 6.3 cm) in width. The margins are entire and the surface is glabrous, intensively green in color. The petiole and the rachis are winged and do not have glands. The young leaves may display a reddish hue before taking on their definitive green color. The helical arrangement of the leaves contributes to forming a dense canopy, providing abundant shade.
The species is predominantly dioecious, meaning individuals have either male or female flowers on separate plants, requiring the presence of both sexes to ensure fruiting. However, there are records of partially polygamous trees, bearing both sexes’ flowers on the same plant, although the pollen from these flowers may be unviable. The inflorescences are terminal or axillary racemes, measuring about 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 cm) in length, composed of small white or whitish-green flowers, with four petals and eight stamens.
The flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and other flying insects. Flowering mainly occurs in spring, from April to May in areas like Florida, and from October to May in regions of northern South America and the Lesser Antilles, coinciding with the rainy season. The flowering of the Spanish Lime is closely linked to the presence of a well-defined dry season, which acts as a stimulus for floral induction.
The fruit of the Spanish Lime is a globular drupe, measuring between 0.8 to 1.6 inches (2 to 4 centimeters) in diameter, with a green, smooth, thin, and leathery epicarp, which is easily breakable when pressed. Its interior is filled with a gelatinous and juicy pulp, technically an aril, which varies in color from light salmon, yellow-orange, to whitish, containing between 18.5% and 26% total soluble solids.
The flavor is sweet, refreshing, and slightly acidic, with notes that resemble a combination of lemon, lychee, and passionfruit, making the fruit highly appreciated for fresh consumption. The pulp is slippery and adheres firmly to the seed, making mechanical separation challenging, and it is commonly consumed by sucking the pulp directly from the fruit. The fruit matures on the tree, usually during the summer, and harvesting should be done at the ideal point to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
The seeds are large, hard, and pale yellow in color. When roasted, they can be consumed as a substitute for nuts, with a flavor similar to cashews. In some indigenous cultures, the seeds are ground and used in the preparation of traditional beverages.
In producing regions such as Puerto Rico and Florida, some local selections are recognized for superior characteristics, such as higher pulp ratio, sweeter flavor, and ease of seed separation. Among these selections, ‘José Pabón’, ‘Montgomery’, ‘Ponce’, and ‘Sosa’ stand out. The ‘Sasa’ variety is also a favorite in Puerto Rico due to its sweetness and ease of consumption. These selections are often propagated vegetatively through grafting or air layering to maintain desired characteristics, as seed propagation does not guarantee genetic fidelity.
Spanish Lime has traditional and useful medicinal applications as well. In some areas of Central America, the leaves are spread on the ground to attract fleas, which are later removed along with the leaves. Leaf extracts are also used in South America to repel flies and mosquitoes. In the Dominican Republic, a tea made from young leaves is consumed as a traditional remedy.
The Melicoccus bijugatus stands out in tropical landscaping as an ornamental tree of great aesthetic and functional value. Its rounded, dense canopy, composed of shiny compound leaves, provides a lush and balanced look to large residential gardens, institutional settings, public squares, and urban green areas. The intense green foliage offers ample shade, making it a natural refuge against the heat. The tree is frequently planted in parks, squares, and along streets, contributing to landscape aesthetics and thermal comfort.
Beyond its beauty, Spanish Lime offers significant ecological benefits. Its lush canopy provides shelter and a food source for various species of birds and insects, promoting local biodiversity. The deep root system contributes to soil stabilization, preventing erosion in sloped areas or those subject to heavy rain. Additionally, the tree plays a role in air purification, aiding in carbon capture and improving environmental quality, reducing the effect of heat islands.
The presence of Spanish Lime in public and private spaces also has cultural and social value. In many Latin American and Caribbean communities, the tree is associated with local traditions and festivities, with people commonly gathering under its shade to share stories and enjoy its fruits. This interaction strengthens community bonds and preserves ancient cultural practices.
In landscaping projects, Spanish Lime can be used as a focal element due to its imposing presence and harmonious form. Adding benches under its canopy is an invitation to rest in the shade, hold long conversations among friends and family, and enjoy its flavorful fruits. The low maintenance and resistance to adverse conditions make Spanish Lime a versatile choice for compositions that seek beauty and functionality.
Spanish Lime thrives in full sun environments, needing at least 6 hours a day of direct sunlight, which is essential for its growth and fruiting. The species is intolerant to excessively shaded environments, showing leaf drop and compromised growth. In areas with temperatures above 89.6°F (32°C), it is advisable to provide partial shade during the hottest parts of the day to avoid thermal stress.
The species is adapted to equatorial, tropical, and subtropical regions with average annual temperatures between 77°F and 80.6°F (25°C and 27°C). Spanish Lime does not tolerate frost, and temperatures below 32°F (0°C) can cause severe damage or even death to the plant. Regarding precipitation, the tree develops well in areas with annual rainfall between 35.4 inches and 102.4 inches (900 mm and 2600 mm), showing some drought tolerance, but sensitivity to soil waterlogging.
The ideal soil for Spanish Lime cultivation is well-drained, which may be sandy, clayey, or calcareous, with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 8.7. The species is moderately tolerant to salinity and can grow in nutrient-poor soils, although it performs better in fertile soils. It is important to avoid compacted soils or those subject to flooding, which can impair root development and plant health.
Although Spanish Lime is a large tree, its cultivation in containers is possible during the first years of life, especially when propagated via seeds. However, due to its vigorous growth and deep root system, container cultivation is limited, and in the long term, the plant should be transplanted to soil to reach its full potential.
For preparing the planting bed, it is recommended to dig a hole three to four times the diameter and three times the depth of the seedling’s container. The hole should be filled with the original soil, avoiding the use of fertilizers or organic compounds directly at the bottom, which can cause root burns. After planting, it is essential to water abundantly to eliminate air pockets, hydrate the plant, and ensure proper contact between the roots and the soil.
Planting in the final location should ideally be done during the rainy season, ensuring adequate moisture for plant establishment. It is important to choose a location with good sun exposure and away from other trees or structures, considering that the Spanish Lime can grow to substantial sizes.
Irrigation should be regular in the first years after planting, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. After establishment, the tree becomes more drought tolerant, only needing supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Fertilization should be done with complete fertilizers, preferably those recommended for fruit trees, containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. For young trees, applications every eight weeks are recommended. In calcareous or high pH soils, the provision of micronutrients such as iron, manganese, and zinc may be necessary, preferably via foliar application, to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Staking of the seedlings is optional, but can be beneficial in areas prone to strong winds, providing additional support during initial growth. It is important to use materials that do not damage the stem, such as cotton ties or natural fibers, avoiding the use of wires or synthetic ropes.
Formative pruning should be started in the second year after planting to promote proper branching and structure of the crown, facilitating harvesting and the health of the plant. Cleaning pruning, removing dead or diseased branches, should be carried out regularly. Fruit pruning aimed at renewing productive branches and controlling the size of the tree is recommended after fruit harvest.
General maintenance includes the removal of weeds around the base of the tree, application of mulch to conserve soil moisture, and monitoring for pests and diseases. Although Spanish Lime is relatively resistant, it can be affected by fungi that cause leaf spots and root rots, and it is important to adopt appropriate cultural practices to minimize these risks.
Spanish Lime is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it is not free from phytosanitary issues. Among the fungal diseases, root rot caused by Clitocybe tabescens and leaf spots caused by Fusarium and Phyllosticta species are notable. Additionally, the red algae Cephaleuros can attack leaves, stems, and branches, leading to plant decline. Regarding pests, the citrus blackfly (Aleurocanthus woglumi) is an insect that can infest the species, although natural parasitoids like Prospaltella spp., Eretmocerus serius, and Amitus hesperidium contribute to biological control.
Propagation can be performed by seeds or vegetative methods such as air layering and grafting, each with its own particularities and challenges. Seed propagation is the most common method, although it does have some limitations. Seeds should be sown immediately after harvest as they quickly lose viability. Germination occurs in 15 to 30 days, but the resulting plants may take 5 to 10 years to bear fruit and do not guarantee identical characteristics to the mother plant due to genetic variability. Additionally, as the species is predominantly dioecious, it is necessary to plant multiple individuals to ensure the presence of both sexes and guarantee fruiting.
To obtain plants with desirable characteristics and reduce time to fruiting, vegetative methods are preferable. Air layering is performed on vigorous branches about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter during warm periods of the year. After removing a ring of bark, rooting hormone is applied and the area is wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and plastic to maintain moisture. Roots generally form in 5 to 6 weeks. This method has success rates between 60% and 88%, especially when performed on vertical and vigorous branches.
Grafting, although less common, can be used to propagate the Spanish Lime. It involves the joining of a branch (scion) from a plant with desirable characteristics to an already established seedling (rootstock). This method requires technical skill and specific care to ensure the success of the union and the development of the grafted plant.
