Mimusops coriacea

Mimusops coriacea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Sapotaceae
Genus: Mimusops
Species:
M. coriacea
Binomial name
Mimusops coriacea
Synonyms[2]
  • Imbricaria coriacea A.DC.
  • Mimusops dissecta Buch.-Ham. ex A.DC.
  • Phlebolithis indica Gaertn.

Mimusops coriacea, the monkey's apple,[3] is a plant in the family Sapotaceae, native to Madagascar and the Comoros.[4]

Description

Mimusops coriacea is a tropical evergreen fruit-bearing shrub growing up to 6 m (20 ft) tall. The bole can be up to 30 cm (12 in) in diameter. The round, bright yellow edible fruits range around 6–8 cm (2–3 in) wide.[5]

Distribution and habitat

Mimusops coriacea is native to Madagascar and the Comoros, where it is found in seaside sand dunes as well as in shoreline forests. It is also cultivated in botanical gardens for ornamental purposes.[4] It has been introduced to other Indian Ocean islands including Mauritius, Seychelles, Réunion and the Chagos Archipelago.[2]

References

  1. ^ Gautier, L. (2021). "Mimusops coriacea". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021 e.T151515702A161694877. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T151515702A161694877.en. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  2. ^ a b c "Mimusops coriacea (A.DC.) Miq". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  3. ^ "Mimusops coriacea (Monkey's Apple)". Flora of the Southeastern United States. North Carolina Botanical Garden. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  4. ^ a b "Mimusops coriacea - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  5. ^ "Biodiversity Heritage Library". www.biodiversitylibrary.org. Retrieved 2026-01-13.