Nance (nanche, murici) Byrsonima crassifolia
Nance (nanche, murici) (Byrsonima crassifolia) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Malpighiaceae family, native to Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil (savannas and pine woods). It grows 3–10 m (10–33 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
Plan Nance (nanche, murici) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Nance (nanche, murici) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Malpighiaceae |
| Mature height | 3–10 m (10–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil (savannas and pine woods) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇴 Colombia |
Is Nance (nanche, murici) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
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 Nance (nanche, murici)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Nance (nanche, murici)
- How far apart should I plant Nance (nanche, murici)?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Nance (nanche, murici) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Nance (nanche, murici) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Nance (nanche, murici)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Nance (nanche, murici) flower?
- From about April for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Nance (nanche, murici) 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.
- What grows well with Nance (nanche, murici)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Nance (nanche, murici). 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
- Flora e Funga do Brasil, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (REFLORA)
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- A gnarled, fire-hardy savanna tree with yellow flowers that turn orange, visited by oil-collecting bees; the cherry-sized yellow fruit with a cheesy scent is eaten fresh, in syrup or as the liqueur crema de nance.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Acerola (Barbados cherry) Malpighia emarginata
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Grapevine Vitis vinifera
- Common fig Ficus carica