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Clusters of yellow peanut butter fruit flower buds

Native & adapted

Peanut butter fruit

Bunchosia argentea

Also known as Peanut butter tree · Bunchosia · Bunchosia armeniaca

A small South American tree with sprays of yellow flowers and small red fruit whose dense flesh tastes and feels a bit like peanut butter. A great conversation plant.

EdibleFruitingEvergreenContainer friendly
Landscape layersLower canopy
Mature size10–15 ft tall and 8–10 ft wide
Climate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b
Plant spacing10 ft from other trees
FrostDamaged near 32°F; protect below the mid-30s°F.
Special categoriesEDIBLE
Hardiness guidanceUSDA 10–11; damaged near 32°F
Winter chillNone
Typical harvestSummer into fall.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Fast-draining soil rich in compost. Phoenix soil is alkaline, so work in soil sulfur and organic matter and use chelated iron if new leaves turn yellow between the veins.

Required microclimatePlacement is part of the growing system.

Filtered shade under a nurse tree or on the east side of a building.

Cold hardinessCover on every frost night

Mature plants take a brief dip to about 30°F (one source says 28°F) and young plants must be protected. Cover it any frost night.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 30°F
Heat toleranceNeeds afternoon shade

Takes sun or part shade but prefers moist soil and handles dry conditions poorly. In Phoenix give it filtered or afternoon shade and steady water.

Sources: growables.com, toptropicals.com

Right plant, right place

Will Peanut butter fruit grow at your Arizona property?

Fruits young and does well in a large container.

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

Light

Sun exposure

Dappled light all day or morning sun only, much like a young mango.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate and steady.

Fruit set

Pollination

Self-fertile.

Harvest

How to use it

Eaten fresh when deep red and soft, or blended into smoothies.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Peanut butter fruit thrive

  1. 1

    Amend with soil sulfur, chelated iron and manganese.

  2. 2

    Shade from afternoon sun.

  3. 3

    Cover on nights below 34°F.

  4. 4

    Pick fruit when fully red and soft.

Read the horticultural reference ↗

Keep exploring

More plants for this system