Fruit Facts

Plant/Tree Descriptions List

1969-1989 Publications

Seed Bank

Fruit Specialists (Q & A)

CRFG Member Nurseries and Fruit Sources

Tidbits of Info

CRFG Publications 1969-1989 Index - M

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MABOLO

Remembered Fruits of the Philippines. By John McIntyre Jr.. 1976 YB, p 63
Return to the Philippines. By John McIntyre. 1978 YB, pp 5-13

MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA - Macadamia Nut, Queensland Nut
An Australian tree, with holly-like leaves, that grows well in a moist organic soil and will survive temperatures of 24°F. Seedlings bear in 5-7 years. The fruit is borne in a case enclosing a extremely hard spherical nut. The kernel is whitish, sweet and eaten raw or roasted. The flowers are white to cream and the leaves are in whorls of three. Propagation is by seed, grafting or air layering. Grown commercially. See Macadamia

MACADAMIA TETRAPHYLLA - Rough Shell Macadamia
A similar tree to the integrifolia with the exception that the leaves are in whorls of four. The adult leaf is 4 to 20 inches long, finely serrated with 15 to 40 teeth on each side. Flowers are generally pink. Grown commercially. See Macadamia

MACADAMIA

Bits & Pieces: Australia Trip; Brazil Trip; Macadamia; Edible Landscape. By Peggy Winter. 1987 #3, pp 22-23
Down Under. By Muriel B. Fisch. 1977 YB, pp 22-31
Dr. Lois James Addresses December Meeting. By Jim Neitzel. 1981 #1, pp 24-25
For the Beginner: Fruit and Nut Notes. By Ruby Law. 1986 #3, pp 13-14
For the Beginner: Future Growing Tips. By Ruby Law. 1988 #3, p 30
For the Beginner: Grafting Macadamias. By Ruby Law. 1987 #2, pp 28-29
For the Beginner: Suggestions for New Gardeners. By Phil Clark. 1985 #2, pp 6-9
From the Editor's Mailbag. 1984 #1, p 4
Fruits for San Francisco Bay Area. By Martin G. Blinder. 1972 #4, pp 6-7
Further Thoughts on Adjusting to Our Drier Climate. By E. Hager, R. Watts and A. Ramirez. 1989 #4, pp 14-21
Growing Rare Fruit in No. California. By John M. Riley. 1973 YB, pp 67-90
Hicksbeachia, Macadamia Relative From the Rain Forest. By John M. Riley. 1980 #3, p 12
Home Processing of Macadamia Nuts. By Paul H. Thomson. 1970 YB, pp 64-66
Idea Box: Macadamia Cracker; By John F. Donan. 1984 #4, pp 19-20
Idea Box: Varmint Control; Measuring Chill; Cracking Macadamia Nuts. By John F. Donan. 1985 #1, pp 13-14
Landscaping with Rare Fruits. By Paul H. Thomson. 1976 #2, pp 1-4
Macadamias in Your Garden. By Lois E. James. 1980 YB, pp 110-115
Macadamias: a Basic Understanding. Talk by T. Cooper. Reported by Melita Israel. 1989 #1, pp 28-30
More on Other Macadamia Relatives. By Dick Endt. 1981 #3, p 11
The Cultivation of Macadamia. By B.D. Spooner. 1983 YB, pp 44-46
The Macadamia in California. By Paul H. Thomson. 1972 YB, pp 41-101; 1980 YB, pp 46-109
Yes, You Can Transplant a Macadamia. By Gloria and Perry Lukacovic. 1989 #1, p 27

MACROPIPER EXCELSUM See Kawakawa

MADAGASCAR PLUM - Flacourtia indica

MADRONO - Rheedia madruno

MAGNOLIA VINE

Research Corner Notes. By John Riley. 1984 #2, pp 26-27

MAIDENHAIR TREE See Ginkgo biloba

MAKOPA See Malay Apple

MALABAR CHESTNUT

Malabar Chestnut. By Bill Nelson. 1982 #1, p 9

MALAY APPLE

Makopa: Syzygium malaccense. By John McIntyre, Jr.. 1977 YB, pp 41-42
Return to the Philippines. By John McIntyre, Jr.. 1978 YB, pp 5-13

MALAYSIA

Adapting Apples to the Tropics.By Voon Boon Hoe. 1983 #4, pp 28-32
Asparagus. By Jim Neitzel. 1984 # 1 p 28
Bits & Pieces: Deciduous Trees; Litchis; New Mangos; Malaysia; Zoo. By Peggy Winter. 1985 #3, p 28
Book Review: Common Malaysian Fruits. Reviewed by Rick Parkhurst. 1981 #1, p 12
Book Review: Malaysian Fruits In Colour. Reviewed by Carol F. Graham 1982 #1, p 26
Editor's Mailbag. By Peggy Winter. 1982 #3, pp 2-4
Folk Medicine in Southeast Asia. By Lucy P. Hall. 1982 #4, pp 29-30
Fruit Season in Sarawak; Interested in Low Chill Apples, Pears, etc.. By Voon Boon Hoe. 1982 #3, pp 2-3
Fruits We Liked in Southeast Asia. By Peggy Winter. 1984 #3, pp 16-17
Rare and Common Fruits: Conservation of Genetic Resources in Malaysia. By Bobby Tee. 1984 YB, pp 47-55
Southeast Asia. By Peggy Winter. 1983 #2, pp 21-22
What We Learned, Saw and Tasted in Malaysia. By Peggy Winter. 1986 #4, pp 20-22

MALPIGHIA GLABRA - Barbados Cherry, Acerola, Escobillo
A tropical American tree. Fruit has a high vitamin C content and calcium and iron among its minerals. A slow grower which will reach 10 feet in a favorable environment, but only about 6 feet when container grown. Has a shrubby growth habit; young leaves are wine colored turning dark green. A tough, versatile plant that will grow in most soils, but will do better in a composted sandy loam. The thin-skinned fruit is cherry-like, red to crimson, semi-sweet to acid. Bears in its third year. Fruit is borne on previous year's growth and ripens a few days after flowering. Propagation is by seeds but generally from cuttings in the summer and airlayering. See Acerola

MALPIGHIA EMARGINATA - West Indian Cherry

MALUS AUGUSTIFOLIA - Wild Crabapple See Crabapple

MALUS CORONARIA - American Crabapple See Crabapple

MALUS PUMILA See Apple

MAMEY COLORADO. Colocarpum sapota; Pouteria sapota

MAMEY SAPOTE

Mamey or Red Sapote. By Muriel B. Fisch. 1973 YB, pp 24-34
Mamey Sapote in Florida. By William F. Whitman. 1973 YB, pp 35-38
Notes on the Mamey Sapote. By Paul H. Thomson. 1973 YB, pp 39-40
Return to the Philippines. By John McIntyre Jr. 1978 YB, pp 5-13

MAMMEA AMERICANA - San Domingo Apricot, Mammee apple
A tropical American upright, compact tree which grows best on a rich, well-drained, sandy loam. It bears fruit in 6 or 7 years from seed. The large, round fruit, up to 6" across, has a bitter, russet, roughened skin that should be removed from the flesh before eating. The bright yellow, firm, juicy flesh can be eaten raw, cooked, or made into preserves. The gum and seeds are used as insecticides. Propagated by seed. Air-layering has at times been successful. See San Domingo Apricot

MAMONCILLO

7th International Fruit Club Seminar. By David M. Guggenheim. 1989, #4 pp 3-10
Sapindaceae Family. By Bill Louscher. 1980 YB, pp 41-45

MANDARINS

Dom Tangerine. By Louis Schlom. 1973 #3, p 11
Notes on Some Unusual Citrus Varieties. By Orton H. Englehart. 1971 #2, pp 4-6
The Misunderstood Citrus: a Sleeper? By Walter V. Jerris. 1988 #4, pp 39-41
What? a Rare Fruit Gal in a Mobile Home Space? Yes! By Cay Hillegas 1983 #4, pp 21-23

MANGIFERA INDICA - Mango
A handsome evergreen tree, widely grown in the drier tropics and subtropical U.S. for its superb and often very colorful fruit (the peach of the tropics) The shape of the tree varies from upright and tall, to round, or to a broad base and conical top. It should be pruned to maintain size and shape. The round to oblong fruit has green, yellow, red or purple skin that is fairly thick and leathery and dotted with glands. It contains a caustic sap which can cause irritation to eyes and skin and care should be taken when it is picked. The yellow flesh varies in thickness, texture and flavor from soft, fiber-free, sweet and juicy to fibrous and turpentine-flavored. It is rich in vitamin A and contains quantities of B and C. Propagated by fresh (do not allow seed to dry out), polyembryonic seed or grafting. See Mango

MANGGIS - Garcinia mangostana

MANGIFERA FOETIDA - Horse mango

MANGIFERA ODORATA - Kuwini
A large evergreen tree from S.E. Asia with a large oval fruit with green skin and sweet orange aromatic pulp. It is eaten fresh. Propagated by seed or grafting. Some find the odor of the fruit objectionable.

MANGO

7th International Fruit Club Seminar. By David M. Guggenheim. 1989, #4 pp 3-10
Anacardiaceae: Lacquer Mastic and Poison Ivy. By John F. Donan. 1986 YB, pp 1-9
Bits & Pieces: Deciduous Trees; Litchis; New Mangos; Malaysia; Zoo. By Peggy Winter. 1985 #3, p 28
Bits & Pieces: Mango Trees Being Sold; Summer Grafting Deciduous Woods. By Peggy Winter. 1985 #4, pp 21-22
Culture of Rare Fruits in the San Francisco Bay Area. By J. Garrin Fullington. 1974 #4, pp 3-6,
Describing Mango Varieties. By Claude Sweet. 1986 YB, pp 13-21
Down Under. By Muriel B. Fisch. 1977 YB, pp 22-31
Establishing a Mango Grove in San Diego. By Jerry H. Staedeli. 1972 YB. pp 11-18
For the Beginner: Suggestions For New Gardeners. By Phil Clark. 1985 #2, pp 6-9
From the Editor's Mailbag. By Peggy Winter. 1980 #1, pp 15-16; 1984 #1, p 2
Fruits for San Francisco Bay Area. By Martin G. Blinder. 1972 #4, pp 6-7
Further Report on Establishing a Mango Grove. By Jerry H. Staedeli. 1977 YB, pp 32-34
Getting Over the Rough Spots of Mango Propagation. By T.T. Reese. 1988 #3, pp 7-8
Gleanings: Mangos. By Jim Neitzel. 1984 #1, pp 30-31
Growing Mangoes... Down Under. By David Wallace. 1988 #1, pp 13-14
Growing Mangos in Southern California. By Paul H. Thomson. 1969 YB, PP 9-21
Mango Growing in California. By Jim Neitzel. 1986 YB, pp 22-28
Mango Report 197677. By Jerry H. Staedeli. 1977 #2, p 10
Mangoes in the Arizona Desert. By Alois Falkenstein, M.D.. 1989 #4, pp 12-13
Miami #20222 Mango (Southland). By Jerry H. Staedeli. 1976 #1, pp 11-12
More Answers to Mango Questions. By M. H. Panhwar. 1988 #4, pp 13-14
My Experience with the Mango. By L. L. Bucklew, Sr.. 1970 YB, pp 2-6
Notes from John Townsend, Kauai Hawaii. 1982 #2, pp 10-12
Notes from Members, San Diego, California. 1977 #2 p 10
Notes from Our Members. 1976 #1, p 11
Practical Tips: Mango Culture. By Robert F. Allen. 1983 #3, p 14
Preliminary Observations on Growing Mangoes. By Pat C. Pendse. 1975 #2, pp 2-5
Preliminary Report of a Successful Mango Air Layer. By Louis G. Lopyan. 1988 #3, pp 9-10
Propagation of Mangoes, Culture Questions. By Walter V. Jerris. 1988 #1, pp 11-12
Questions & Answers. 1985 #4, p 27
Rare Fruits in Coastal San Diego. By David B. Lloyd. 1975 #3, pp 1-5
Rare Fruits in Laguna Beach. By Mariane R. Percy. 1977 #4, p 1
Remembered Fruits of the Philippines. By John McIntyre Jr.. 1976 YB, p 64
Some Answers to Questions About Mangoes. By David Wallace. 1988 #3, pp 6-7
Status Report on an Experimental Mango Grove. By Jerry H. Staedeli. 1986 YB, pp 10-12
The Biggest Meeting So Far. 1983 #1, p 9
Update on Mango Growing. By Jerry Staedeli. 1983, #2, p 14

MANGOSTEEN

Genus Garcinia: the Mangosteen and Related Species. By Ottis Warren Barrett. 1978 YB, pp 66-72
Gibberellic Acid and the Mangosteen. By Alois Falkenstein, M.D.. 1989, #3 p 7
Grafted Mangosteens Bearing Seven Years after Planting. By Milwant Singh Sandhu. 1984 #3, p 6
Grafting Mangosteens. By Bill Whitman. 1984 #1, p 3
Mangosteen Letter from Dr. Sandhu 1983, #2 p 3
Mangosteens Fruiting in 7 Years. letter from Dr. Milwant Singh Sandhu. 1983 #2, p 3
Remembered Fruits of the Philippines. By John McIntyre Jr.. 1976 YB, pp 64-65
Things I Didn't Know About the Durian and the Mangosteen. By Peggy Winter. 1982 #4, pp 25-26

MANIHOT DULCIS - Sweet Cassava
A relative of M. esculenta, but largely free of bitter, poisonous prussic acid, which can be used in the same fashion. The green leaves of this plant can be eaten as cooked spinach. The boiled pressed juice is used as a condiment.

MANIHOT ESCULENTA - Cassava, Yucca, Tapioca
A bushy herb or shrub from Brazil, with long tuberous edible roots. There are two varieties, the sweet one, whose roots may be eaten raw, and the bitter one, whose roots contain much prussic acid which is destroyed by cooking. The flavor of both is good when cooked. The Latins cook it with olive oil and garlic. The roots are used as potatoes and as a flour-like thickener. The tapioca used in pudding is the starch of this plant root. See Cassava

MANILA BEAN See Winged Bean

MANILA TAMARIND

Kamatsele: Pithecellobium dulce. By John McIntyre, Jr. 1977 YB, pp 40-41

MANILKARA HEXANDRA - Khirni
A tropical native of S.E. Asia. A tree of medium height but of remarkable width. It bears ½" oval fruit with one or more seeds. The young pods are boiled and eaten. The seeds, fried or roasted, taste like peanuts but contain an alkaloid and are not to be used in excess.

MANILKARA ZAPOTA - Sapodilla, Chicle Tree
An attractive Central American slow-growing evergreen tree that has tough branches which will withstand strong winds and a certain amount of salt spray. It is famous as the source of chicle, or chewing gum. The fruit varies from round to oval according to the variety, 2 to 3½" across, green at first, finally turning a russet brown. When perfectly ripe, the flavor and consistency of the flesh are similar to a pear and surround a center of hard, shiny black seeds. Propagated by seed, air layering, and grafting. See Sapodilla

MANIS See Carambola

MANMOHPAN See Terminalia ferdinandiana

MARACUJA See Passiflora

MARANG

Marang: Artocarpus odoratissima. By John McIntyre, Jr.. 1977 YB, p 42
Return to the Philippines. By John McIntyre Jr.. 1978 YB, pp 5-13

MARCOTTING See Air layering

MARKETING

Babaco: New Fruit in New Zealand to Reach Commercial Production. By Dick J.W. Endt. 1981 YB, pp 48-52
Carob Pods. By Clement K. Quinn. 1973 #4, p 12
Cultivation of Granadillas in South Africa. By Frans A. Kuhne. 1975 YB, pp 56-70
Down Under. By Muriel B. Fisch. 1977 YB, pp 22-31
Fruit Buyers. By Claude Sweet. 1987 YB, p 35
Growing Unusual Fruits as a Source of Retirement Income. By Claude Sweet. 1986 #3, pp 3-4
Kiwifruit: a Cost and Revenue Analysis. By Claude Sweet. 1978 YB, pp 14-56
Marketing Opportunities for Subtropical or Unusual Fruits. By Claude Sweet. 1986 #1, pp 9-10
Marketing. By Tom Del Hotal. 1987 YB, pp 26-27
Subtropicals and Farmers' Markets: a Natural Match. By Mark Wall. 1987 #2, pp 7-9
The Cherimoya. By Miguel Cervantes Gomez. 1983 YB, pp 5-29
The Rising Demand for Rare Fruit. By William L. Nelson. 1986 #1, pp 7-8
Tips for Successful Rare Fruit Marketing. By Paul H. Thomson. 1977 #3, pp 7-12

MAYHAW

Mayhaws in California. By Sherwin Akin. 1985 #1, pp 15-17

MEDICAL

Chemistry and Botany. By Peggy Winter. 1982 #4, p 28
Dehydroepiand-rosterone (DHEA). By Hans Weber. 1984 #2, p 4
Diseases in Plants and People. By Lorraine Small. 1974 #3, pp 4-5
Folk Medicine in Southeast Asia. By Lucy P. Hall. 1982 #4, pp 29-30
Greening of the Future. Conclusion. By Noel Vietmeyer. 1980 #4, pp 17-22
Greening of the Future Part II. By Noel Vietmeyer. 1980 #3, pp 15-16
Papaya and Your Stomach. By Beverly Ferderber. 1981 #3, pp 12-13
Rosemary for Singers. By Phillip Cohen. 1984 #4, p 4
The Rose Apple. By Burton E. Fisch. 1976 YB, pp 1-06-107

MEDLAR

Growing Rare Fruit in No. California. By John M. Riley. 1973 YB, pp 67-90
Rare Fruit Sources. By Arlo Hale Smith. 1977 #1, pp 3-16
Rare Fruits. But Not New. By C.T. Kennedy. 1985 YB, pp 40-51
The Medlar. By George Polkowski. 1976 YB, pp 1-19-120

MELASTOMA MALABATHRICUM - Indian Rhododendron, Malabar Melathstome, Harendog
A spreading shrub from India, grown as an ornamental in some countries. The ¼" berry-like fruit is covered with a scaly calyx filled with seeds surrounded by red, sweet, astringent pulp that is eaten fresh. The sour young leaves are cooked in stews. The fruit yields a black dye, the roots a pink dye.

MELICOCCA BIJUGA - Mamoncillo, Spanish Lime, Genip
A large dioecious tree from tropical America, related to the litchi and rambutan. The fruit resembles a small green lime growing in grape like clusters. The green skin is thick, leathery, slightly brittle and surrounds a thin layer of yellow flesh enclosing a large seed or seeds. The flesh is soft, translucent and juicy. Flavor varies from sour to semi-sweet and refreshing. It is mainly eaten raw and the starchy white kernels of the seeds are roasted and eaten like nuts. Propagated by seed or air layer. See Mamoncillo

MELINDJO

Bago: Gnetum Gnemon; Gnetaceae. By Roberto E. Coronel. 1983 #3, p 26

MEMBERSHIP

Geographic Distribution of CRFG Members. By MaryLouise Gurley. 1981 #3, pp 20-21
Life Membership Program. 1987 #3, p 14
Point to Ponder. By Walter V. Jerris. 1988 #4, p 15

MENINJAU See Melindjo

MESPILUS GERMANICA - Medlar
Dioecious. A sometimes spiny tree, growing to about 20, it makes an unusual specimen tree for the garden, often assuming a contorted shape. The wide, solitary, white-pink flushed flowers are produced at the tips of the main and side shoots in summer. The leaves are large, downy and dull green and turn colors in the fall. It grows best in areas where frost occurs, when the apple-shaped fruit are said to become better. Propagated by grafting or seed. See Medlar

MEXICO

In Search of the Banana of Domingo. By Steven Spangler. 1977 #4, pp 8-9

MEXICAN BREADFRUIT - Monstera deliciosa

MEXICAN LIME - Citrus aurantifolia

MEXICAN TEA - Chenopodium ambrosioides

MEYER LEMON - Citrus meyeri

MICHURIN GOOSEBERRY See Kolomikta

MICROCITRUS AUSTRALASICA See Finger Lime

MIRACLE FRUIT

7th International Fruit Club Seminar. By David M. Guggenheim. 1989, #4 pp 3-10
Alternative Sweeteners. By Carl Mehl. 1981 #4, p 24
Greening of the Future. Part II. By Noel Vietmeyer. 1980 #3, pp 15-16
Miracle Fruit. By Christina Jensen. 1982 #2, p 23
News from the Hills. By David Silber. 1988 #4, pp 5-7
Synsepalum dulcificum, Miracle Fruit and Gymnema sylvestre Counter-agent. By Muriel Fisch. 1972 YB, pp 7-10

MIST SYSTEMS

Cherimoya Misting Unsuccessful. By George F. Emerich. 1984 #2, pp 11-12
Low-cost Mist Bed Control System. By Bob Smith. 1984 #1, pp 10-11

MOCK ORANGE See Wild Orange

MONKEY PUZZLE TREE - Araucaria araucana

MONKEY TAMARIND - Inga edulis

MONSTERA DELICIOSA - Ceriman, Swiss Cheese Plant
A jungle climbing relative of the philodendron from Mexico and Guatemala. It is seen in gardens in tropical and subtropical areas, growing well in partial sun or shade. The plant begins bearing after three years. Popular as a houseplant, it seldom fruits in the home. The large pinnate leaves are perforated with oblong or oval holes, hence one common name. The 9", dull, deep green, cone-like fruit is actually an unripened flower spike, covered with hexagonal scales that dry out and separate as the fruit ripens from the base upwards, revealing the white pulp. It takes a little longer than a year to mature to an edible stage. Unripe fruit, if eaten causes irritation to the mouth and throat because of the oxalic acid. It can be induced to ripen by picking when the base has started to wrinkle and wrapping in a bag for a few days. When unwrapped, the scales should have separated. Propagated by cuttings of mature wood or air layering. See Ceriman

MORINGA OLIFERA - M. pterygosperma. Horseradish Tree, Moringa
A small, semi-deciduous tree from India, grown as an ornamental and food producer. The root tastes like horseradish and is used in the same way. The leaves, shoots, flowers, and buds are used as a cooked vegetable. Ben oil is extracted from the seeds and used for perfume, soap, and lubricating oil. Propaga-tion is by seed or cuttings. See Moringa

MORINGA

Calamunggay: Moringa pterygosperma. By John McIntyre, Jr. 1977 YB, p 38
Growing in Granada Hills: Experiences With Unusual Fruit Tree Culture. By David Silber. 1987 #2, pp 9-10
Herb Trees for Warm Climates. By Robert E. Bond. 1989 J, p 46
The Horseradish Tree. By Robert E. Bond. 1985 #4, pp 14-16

MORUS ALBA - White Mulberry
This large, deciduous tree is the mulberry used to feed the silkworm. The leaves are large, light green, smooth and shiny. In Asia Minor, it is cultivated for its fruit. The 1-2" white, pinkish, or blackish purple berry is eaten fresh, dried or cooked in jams and pies. Some varieties are sweet, others acid or insipid. Propagated by air layer or cutting.

MORUS NIGRA - Black Mulberry
A large, long-lived, deciduous tree from Asia Minor and Persia. It has dark green leaves which are rough above and downy under-neath, somewhat heart-shaped 2-5 lobed. It likes a warm, well-drained soil, but if the roots become dry, the fruit is likely to drop before ripening. The purple-to-black berries are said to be the largest and juiciest of the genus. The fruit unwashed will keep several days in a refrigerator in a covered container. Propagated by cutting or air layer.

MORUS RUBRA - Red Mulberry
The native American mulberry, it is often used as a rootstock on which to graft the other mulberries. However, the fruit is eatable and some prefer it over the other varieties.

MORUS SPECIES See Mulberry

MOUNTAIN ASH See Sorbus Species

MULBERRY

Around the Mulberry Bush. By John M. Riley. 1971 #4, pp 9-12
Deciduous Fruit Varieties. By Jim Neitzel. 1980 YB, pp 20-40
Growing Rare Fruit in Northern Calif. By John M. Riley. 1973 YB, pp 67-90
On Mulberries and Hawthorns. By Arlo H. Smith. 1976 #4, p 6
Rare Fruit Sources. By Arlo Hale Smith. 1977 #1, pp 3-16

MUNTINGIA CALABURA - Capulin, Panama Berry, Strawberry Tree
A popular tropical tree, it is large, aggressive, open, rapid growing, and an early bearer. The small red or yellow fruit bears almost throughout the year. It is sweet, palatable, resembles a strawberry in taste and can be used in the same fashion, pies, cakes, or fresh. The leaves are sometimes used for tea. Propagated by seed or air layer. See Capulin

MURRAYA KOENIGII See Curry Leaf Tree

MUSA BASJOO - Japanese fiber banana

MUSA HYBRIDS - Plantain, Cooking Banana
Plantains are a hybrid of two species of banana (M. acuminata x M. balbisiana) and includes some excellent bananas. Plantains are nutritious but generally must be cooked. Some are edible raw when fully ripe. More important than the sweet banana to people living in the tropics, the fruit can be sliced and deep fried, roasted or boiled in their skins and eaten with sugar or salt or used as a substitute for flour. The plant can be grown in poorer soils and dryer conditions than the sweet banana. It is used as temporary shade for coffee plantations. Propagated by corms or suckers. See Banana

MUSA PARADISIACA See Plantains

MUSA SUMATRANA - Blood banana

MUSA SPECIES See Banana

MUSA TEXTILIS - Abaca

MUSA VELUTINA - Pink banana

MUSK LIME - Citrus microcarpa

MYCORRHIZAE

Mycorrhizae: the Other Half of the Root System. By T.V. St.John. 1985 YB, pp 61-68

MYRCIARIA CAULIFLORA - Jaboticaba
This shrub or small tree from Brazil has an unusual means of bearing its fruit. The grape-sized, dark bluish-purple-black fruit are borne directly on the trunk or larger branches. This slow-growing plant takes 8 to 10 years to produce fruit unless it is a grafted tree, which reduces the period. Fully grown, the tree bears several crops per year. The fruit is worth the wait, being juicy, grape-like in appearance and taste. It is used in jelly, or as a fine wine, or eaten out of hand. It can withstand temperatures of 26 degrees F. Propagated by seed or grafting. Air layers have rarely been successful. See Jaboticaba

MYRCIARIA FLORIBUNDA - Guava-Berry, Rum-Berry
A small plant, native to the West Indies, it is slow growing and makes an excellent landscape plant in the warmer areas. The leaves are hairy. The flowers and fruit are on the younger stems rather than the older stems. The fruit is small, yellow, with sweet aromatic pulp, containing one or two small seeds.

MYRCIARIA JABOTICABA - Grauda
A relative of the jaboticaba and native to Brazil. It is a slow-growing shrub that bears a small, yellow, sweet, fruit with two small seeds. In high pH soils it is subject to iron deficiency. Propagated by seed.

MYRCIARIA PARAENSIS - M. DUBIA, M. SPRUCEANA. Camu Camu, Camocamo
A shrub or small tree, native to South America. It bears a small, red fruit with acid pulp. Propagated by seed.

MYRCIARIA VEXATOR
A beautiful ornamental shrub, native to South America. It bears a small, purple fruit with thin, sweet flesh surrounding one or two large seeds. It grows in the warmer coastal areas of the country. Propagated by seed.

MYRICA PENNSYLVANICA See Bayberry

MYRICA RUBRA - Chinese Arbutus

MYRISTICA FRAGRANS - Nutmeg
A large tree, native to the Moluccas, but brought by the Dutch and Portuguese to the Caribbean Islands. It takes 6-7 years to fruit and requires high humidity with fertile soil. In such areas, the tree will bear all year. In other areas, fruit is harvested twice a year. The fruit Is about 2" round with yellow skin, which splits in half, showing a red pulp (mace) surrounding a hard-shelled seed, the kernel of which is nutmeg.

MYRTACEAE

Myrtaceae: the Family of the Guava. By John F. Donan. 1984 YB, pp 5-17
Year of the Guava: a CRFG Literature Search. By Pat Houghton. 1984 YB, pp 18-43

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