Native & adapted

Noni

Morinda citrifolia

Also known as Indian mulberry · Cheese fruit · Nhàu

A small tropical tree with large glossy leaves and lumpy fruit used mostly for juice. It fruits young and nearly year-round in warm conditions.

EdibleFruitingContainer friendlyEvergreenFrost tender

Landscape layersLower canopy

Mature size

10–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a

Plant spacing

8–10 ft from other trees

Frost

Damaged at 32°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE

Hardiness guidance

USDA 10b–11; damaged near 32°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

Year-round in warm months; pick when the fruit turns pale and translucent.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Tolerates many soils, including somewhat salty ground.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

Sheltered courtyard or a large container moved under cover in winter.

Cold hardiness

Cover on every frost night

Very cold tender: the species profile lists 54°F as its lowest tolerated temperature, and a grower reported heavy leaf burn and leaf drop after a 40°F night. Bring it in or under cover well before frost; it usually regrows after leaf damage.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 40°F

Heat tolerance

Shade from late-afternoon sun

Tough for a tropical: grows in full sun or heavy shade and rides out months of drought once mature. In Phoenix the big leaves scorch in west sun, so give it afternoon shade and regular water.

Sources:

www3.ctahr.hawaii.edu , palmtalk.org

Right plant, right place

Will Noni grow at your Arizona property?

Fruits within a year or two. Place it away from seating areas because of the smell of ripe fruit.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a.

Light

Sun exposure

Morning sun with afternoon shade from June through September, such as the east side of a house or under a taller nurse tree. Protect from frost on winter nights.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate and steady.

Fruit set

Pollination

Self-fertile.

Harvest

How to use it

Mostly juiced or fermented. Ripe fruit has a strong, cheese-like smell.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Noni thrive

1
Shade from afternoon sun in summer.
2
Protect on every frost night.
3
Feed lightly through the warm season.
4
Pick fruit before it drops and smells.

Read the horticultural reference ↗