Species akee
Orange fruit with beige stems and black seeds, green leaves, yellow petiole, midrib and veins.

akee

Blighia sapida

Akee (Blighia sapida) is an amazing tropical fruit tree native to West Africa. It produces red-centered fruits that are incredibly juicy and flavorful. Akee is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and Vitamin C, making it a great addition to a nutritious diet. It also has a unique sweet taste, making it ideal for a variety of dishes. Its high fiber content helps to regulate digestion and reduce hunger cravings. The tree has a magnificent silhouette and produces an abundance of fruits during the spring. The seed within the fruit is considered to have medicinal properties. Akee is an amazing plant species, highly valuable to human health and nutrition.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

Greenish white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

yellow,orange Fruits Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Akee prefers a moist environment, so it is important to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. The soil should be watered regularly, approximately once a week in the summer months, and about every two weeks in the winter months. If the top layer of soil is dry to the touch, then watering is needed. Soak the soil until the water runs off and then allow any excess water to drain away. Avoid overwatering and remember to let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings. Akee plants may also need weekly misting to keep the leaves and flowers moist.

sunlight

As an indoor plant, it prefers bright, indirect light, with some direct sun for a few hours each day. Depending on the location and season, it should receive 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day, preferably in the morning or late afternoon hours. When grown outside in zones 10 and 11, akee enjoys full sun, flourishing in temperatures from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid direct sun in the heat of the day and make sure to provide adequate shade during periods of intense, direct sunlight.

pruning

The ideal timeframe for pruning the akee tree are the winter months, or after the fruiting season. Akee needs moderate pruning, and can be cut back 1/3 of its size in a single pruning session every two or three years. This lessens the need for regular pruning while maintaining the shape of the tree. For any neglected branches, they should be pruned to a single bud or branch junction to encourage new growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Blighia sapida (akee) typically begins in September and ends in December.

Starts Flowering

Akee typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map