Common Name:

seven-year-apple

Synonym(s):

Genipa clusiifolia, Genipa aculeata

Genus species:

Casasia clusiifolia

Family:

Rubiaceae

Form:

tree

Size:

10-12 (25) ft tall by 15 ft wide

Life Span:

long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

yellow, green, black

Phenology:

evergreen; blooms year round

Noted For:

Recommended Uses:

Specimen plant, hedge plant. Large shrub to small tree. Large, showy, shiny leaves.

Considerations:

Dioecious (separate male and female plants), so both male and female are required to get fruits. While mature fruits are not attractive, young fruits are nice looking.

Availability:

Propagation:

Male and female flowers on different plants, so need to plant both to get fruits.

Light:

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Short very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms).

Soil or Other Substrate:

Lime Rock, Sand, Humus (organic, upland)

Soil pH:

calcareous (high pH)

Suitable to Grow In:

10A, 10B, 11

Wildlife:

Fruit is eaten by birds and mammals.  Mockingbirds specifically are reported to enjoy the fruits.

Larval host plant for tantalus sphinx (Aellopus tantalus) moths.

Nectar plant for mangrove skipper (Phocides pigmalion) and other butterflies.

Native Habitats:

Coastal hammocks

Natural Range in Florida:

Visit the USF Libraries Atlas of Florida Plants

Ethnobotany:

Wood has been used for tools such as rifle handles.

Fruit is edible when fully ripe (black), but not tasty to many people.

General Comments: