Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa) Melicoccus bijugatus
Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa) (Melicoccus bijugatus) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Sapindaceae family, native to Colombia, Venezuela and the Guianas; long grown across the Caribbean. It grows 10–25 m (33–82 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 9 m (30 ft) apart.
Plan Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 m (33–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 9 m (30 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit pulp, roasted seeds |
| Native to | Colombia, Venezuela and the Guianas; long grown across the Caribbean |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous, but the large slippery seed is a known choking hazard for young children.
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 Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa)
- How far apart should I plant Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa)?
- About 9 m (30 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa) flower?
- From about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa) 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, but the large slippery seed is a known choking hazard for young children.
- What grows well with Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mamoncillo (Spanish lime, quenepa). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Fruits of Warm Climates (Morton, 1987), Purdue University NewCROP
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Bunches of green, lime-like fruit whose thin shell cracks to show a tangy salmon pulp; sold by the branch at Caribbean roadsides. Trees are male or female (some bisexual), so plant several.
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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