Genipap (huito, jagua) Genipa americana
Genipap (huito, jagua) (Genipa americana) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Rubiaceae family, native to Tropical America (Mexico and the Caribbean to Argentina). It grows 8–20 m (26–66 ft) tall and 5–10 m (16–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.
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Genipap (huito, jagua) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Mature height | 8–20 m (26–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 7 m (23 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | Tropical America (Mexico and the Caribbean to Argentina) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Genipap (huito, jagua) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the juice of the unripe fruit stains skin blue-black for 1–3 weeks.
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 Genipap (huito, jagua)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Genipap (huito, jagua)
- How far apart should I plant Genipap (huito, jagua)?
- About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–10 m (16–33 ft).
- Does Genipap (huito, jagua) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Genipap (huito, jagua) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Genipap (huito, jagua)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Genipap (huito, jagua) flower?
- From about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Genipap (huito, jagua) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the juice of the unripe fruit stains skin blue-black for 1–3 weeks.
- What grows well with Genipap (huito, jagua)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Genipap (huito, jagua). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Fruits of Warm Climates (Morton, 1987), Purdue University NewCROP
- Flora e Funga do Brasil, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (REFLORA)
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Amazonian peoples paint their skin with the blue-black dye (genipin) from the green fruit; the ripe, soft brown fruit makes drinks, jam and licor de jenipapo. Tolerates seasonal flooding.
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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