Peanut Butter Fruit (Bunchosia argentea)
Regular price $99.95Rare Tropical Favorite with Peanut Butter Fruit
Peanut Butter fruit (Bunchosia argentea) tastes just like the name implies: like rich, creamy, delicious peanut butter but with the added bonus of a true tropical fruity flavor with a surprisingly light consistency. When ripe, the fruit transforms from a vibrant light color to a cool deep red, like your favorite shade of lipstick. The fruit is teardrop shaped and just a tad larger than a quarter or a really big grape.
Peanut Butter fruit trees are related to acerola and native to Venezuela, Colombia, and other parts of South America. It grows as a low-maintenance evergreen shrub with attractive foliage year-round and small, intricate yellow flowers that appear in early spring, often starting around March. The plant forms a dense, manageable structure, making it well-suited for food forests, rare fruit collections, and tropical home landscapes.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Peanut Butter Fruit is grown and enjoyed throughout tropical regions of South America and has gained attention globally as a rare fruit curiosity. It is typically eaten fresh when fully ripe, when the pulp becomes soft, aromatic, and richly flavored. In home gardens, it is valued both for its edible fruit and ornamental presence, often included in mixed tropical plantings where unique flavors and extended harvest diversity are desired.
Why Grow Peanut Butter Fruit?
- Produces uniquely flavored fruit with a true peanut butter-like taste and tropical fruit undertones
- Attractive evergreen foliage with year-round ornamental value
- Low-maintenance growth habit ideal for tropical home gardens and collectors
- Small size makes it suitable for containers and compact spaces
- Excellent addition to food forests and rare fruit plant collections
Quick Care Guide
| Plant Type: |
Tropical /Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree |
|
Harvest Season: |
Summer - Winter |
| Mature Size: | Up to 15 ft. |
| Soil & Moisture: | Moist, well draining sandy soil |
| Light Requirements: | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Self-Fertile: | Yes |
| Growth Rate: | Medium, Fast |
| Zone Hardiness: | Outdoors 9+ with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation: |
Our Peanut Butter Fruit Trees are grown from seed or cutting Medium Pot Size: Capable of abundant production within 1-2 years. X-Large Pot Size: Mature Tree capable of fruiting. |
How to Grow Peanut Butter Fruit Plants
The Peanut Butter Fruit (Bunchosia argentea), also known as Marmela or Marmalade Box, is a tropical fruit tree that produces small, peanut-butter-flavored fruits. Here's a basic growing guide:
Climate and Soil:
Peanut Butter Fruit thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It is sensitive to frost and prefers temperatures above 50°F. Provide well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-7.0).
Propagation:
Peanut Butter Fruit can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or air layering. To grow from seeds, soak them for 24 hours, then plant in well-draining soil. Cuttings, 6-8 inches long, can be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a suitable medium. Air layering involves wounding a branch, wrapping it with moss or soil, and allowing roots to form before detaching and transplanting. Choose the method that suits your preference and conditions for successful propagation.
Planting:
To plant Peanut Butter Fruit, choose a sunny location with well-draining, loamy soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your seedling. Place the seedling in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Ensure spacing of at least 15-20 feet between trees for proper growth. Regularly water to keep the soil consistently moist, and provide balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
Sunlight:
Plant in a sunny location with full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day. This tree requires abundant sunlight for fruit production.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to establish and maintain healthy growth.
Fertilization:
Fertilize Peanut Butter Fruit trees with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer. Follow the package instructions for application rates. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and nutrients.
Pruning:
Prune to shape the tree, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage a strong, well-structured canopy.
Pest and Disease Control:
Peanut Butter Fruit is relatively pest and disease-resistant but can occasionally face issues like aphids and scale insects. Monitor and treat as necessary with organic methods.
Harvesting:
Harvest the fruit when it's fully ripe and turns a golden-yellow color. It should easily come off the tree with a gentle twist. The fruit can be eaten fresh, used in jams, or as a flavoring in various culinary dishes.
Overwintering:
Peanut Butter Fruit, a tropical tree, is susceptible to cold temperatures. In regions with mild winters, it can be left outdoors. In colder areas, consider planting in large containers that can be moved indoors during the winter months to protect it from frost. Prune before overwintering to remove dead or weak growth and maintain a manageable size. Provide sufficient light indoors for continued growth.
Growing Peanut Butter Fruit can be a rewarding experience, offering a unique and delicious fruit. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy the distinctive flavor of its peanut butter-like fruit in your own backyard.
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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