Water
Water consistently, especially during establishment and dry periods. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent waterlogging, ensuring good drainage to avoid root rot.
Also known as Green Monkey-Orange · Monkey Ball · Monkey-Orange
Kaffir-Orange (Strychnos spinosa) is a spiny shrub or small tree native to Africa, known for its hard, edible fruit and medicinal uses.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruiting.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow topsoil to dry between waterings; reduce in winter.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Warm to Moderate
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-28°C. Protect from frost; can tolerate brief periods of cooler weather.
Moderate
50% intensity
Annual feeding in spring with balanced fertilizer and compost.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
The seeds and leaves contain strychnine and brucine, which are highly toxic. Ingestion can cause convulsions, respiratory failure, and death.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently, especially during establishment and dry periods. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent waterlogging, ensuring good drainage to avoid root rot.
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation. Light pruning can be done after flowering to encourage bushiness.
Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce fruit production for the season.
Propagate from seed sown in spring. Seeds may require scarification or soaking to improve germination rates.
Alternatively, cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood in summer, though this method is less common and requires suitable conditions.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years, or when root-bound, typically in spring. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Mature plants generally do not require frequent repotting and prefer to be slightly root-bound for best flowering and fruiting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Kaffir-Orange (Strychnos spinosa)
Where Kaffir-Orange (Strychnos spinosa) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Loganiaceae |
| Genus | Strychnos |
| Species | Strychnos spinosa |
Similar in genus Strychnos
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
