Akee Apple Tree, Achee, Vegetable Brains

Blighiasapida

Family
Sapindaceae (sap-in-DAY-see-ee)
Genus
Blighia (BLY-gee-uh)
Species
sapida (sap-EE-duh)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)
Spacing
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Edible Fruits and Nuts
Trees
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
Direct sow as soon as the ground can be worked
From seed; direct sow after last frost
By grafting
Seed Collecting
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Hollywood, Florida

Merritt Island, Florida

Miami, Florida

Mulberry, Florida

Orlando, Florida

Pompano Beach, Florida

Saint Petersburg, Florida

Houston, Texas

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Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
2
neutrals
0
negative
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A
Saint Petersburg, FL | February 2008 | positive

Well i certainly would not eat the seed if i wanted to stay alive. However, the arili which is the cream colored meat is quite edible and...Read More

F
Honomu, HI (Zone 11) | May 2004 | neutral

Some people confuse it with the Surinam cherry....which could be very dangerous.

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | May 2004 | neutral

Fascinating tree with indedible fruit, but edible seed coating (the arils are edible... but ONLY at a certain point in ripening). Grown ...Read More

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