Ackee (akee, isin) Blighia sapida
Ackee (akee, isin) (Blighia sapida) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Sapindaceae family, native to West Africa (Senegal to Gabon); taken to Jamaica in the 18th century. It grows 7–15 m (23–49 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Ackee (akee, isin) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Mature height | 7–15 m (23–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about January for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe arils only, from fruit that has opened naturally on the tree (cooked; ackee and saltfish) |
| Native to | West Africa (Senegal to Gabon); taken to Jamaica in the 18th century |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Ackee (akee, isin) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: unripe fruit, seeds, pink raphe, pod, water used for cooking
Unripe arils and the seeds contain hypoglycin A, which causes Jamaican vomiting sickness (severe hypoglycaemia; sometimes fatal). Eat only the creamy arils of fruit that has split open by itself, with seeds and pink membrane removed, and discard the cooking water.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ackee (akee, isin)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Ackee (akee, isin)
- How far apart should I plant Ackee (akee, isin)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Ackee (akee, isin) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ackee (akee, isin) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ackee (akee, isin)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Ackee (akee, isin) flower?
- From about January for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Ackee (akee, isin) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Unripe arils and the seeds contain hypoglycin A, which causes Jamaican vomiting sickness (severe hypoglycaemia; sometimes fatal). Eat only the creamy arils of fruit that has split open by itself, with seeds and pink membrane removed, and discard the cooking water.
- What grows well with Ackee (akee, isin)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ackee (akee, isin). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Fruits of Warm Climates (Morton, 1987), Purdue University NewCROP
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- Red, pear-shaped pods split into three to show shiny black seeds on cream arils. Jamaica’s national fruit; named Blighia after Captain Bligh, who took specimens to Kew in 1793.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Sugar maple Acer saccharum
- Norway maple Acer platanoides
- Field maple Acer campestre