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Re: Miracle fruit

heres some info on the Miracle fruit via the California Rare Fruit
Growers homepage :

SYNSEPALUM DULCIFICUM - Miracle Fruit 
This small, tropical, African shrub or tree requires acid soil. Needs
lots of water and
some shade. It adapts well as a container plant. The small bright-red
fruit is sweet
with a mild and pleasant after-taste. It has the unique ability to
change the taste buds
so that, for an hour or more after eating it, everything sour or bitter
will taste sweet. It
is propagated by seed or cutting under mist.

CULTURE

Location: As an indoor plant, provide the plant with bright light such
as a well lit
window. In the summer the plant can be moved with care to a warm,
lightly shaded
spot. 

Soils: An acid soil is a must for miracle fruit. They prefer a soil
acidity of pH 4.5 to 5.8.
This can be achieved by planting in equal parts Canadian acid peat and
pine bark. Also
peat and perlite mixes are said to give excellent result. In the basic
soils of California,
the plants slowly die back until virtually only the stems remain. Allow
the roots of the
plant to fill the container before transplanting into a larger one. 

Irrigation: Be sure that the soil is well draining as the plants do not
like to sit in wet
soils. Coming from a tropical climate they need highly humid
conditions. When indoors,
especially during the winter months, a small clear plastic bag put
around the plant and
supported by wood or a wire frame is helpful in maintaining humidity.
Also, placing the
plant container on a tray with stones on the bottom and filled with
water to the top of
the stones will add humidity to the local area. Misting the leaves with
good water also
helps. 

Fertilization: Use a water soluble fertilizer such as Miracid and
follow the label
directions. Use sparingly with frequency dependent on the growing
season, fertilizing
more frequently during the summer months 

Pruning: In general, there is no need to prune the miracle fruit plant. 

Propagation: Propagation of miracle fruit is usually either by seed or
cuttings. As the
seed viability is short, plant the cleaned seed immediately just below
the soil line When
shipping cleaned seed for others to plant, package in a small plastic
bag and enclose a
slightly moistened toweling. Seed that are allowed to dry can be
shipped for at least
two weeks but rapidly loose their viability. 

Pests and diseases: Watch for mealybugs, spider mites and other indoor
potted plant
pests. Waterlogged plant will succumb to root rot. 

Commercial Potential: The plant is not important as a food crop.
Attempts to exploit
the striking effect on perception of sour flavors in development of
artificial sweeteners
have not been successful but are continuing. 


I hope this clears up your questions :)
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    "ang sinomang hindi marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan ay
hindi                                      makararating sa kanyang
paroroonan"
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