Overview

Bring the exotic taste of the tropics to your home with a Burmese Grape live plant. Scientifically known as Baccaurea ramiflora, and often referred to as Mafai, Latka, or Lantern Tree, this fascinating evergreen fruit tree is a prized addition for any tropical fruit enthusiast. Originating from Southeast Asia, the Burmese Grape is celebrated for its unique, egg-shaped fruits that ripen to shades of yellowish, pinkish, bright red, or purple. Each order includes one 2-4” tall seedling, carefully nurtured and ready to thrive in your care. This slow-growing tree promises a rewarding experience, transforming into a beautiful specimen that yields delicious, juicy fruits perfect for eating fresh, stewing, or making into wine. Discover the joy of growing your own exotic fruit with this exceptional tropical fruit plant.

The Burmese Grape live plant is a member of the Phyllanthaceae family, capable of reaching heights of up to 25 meters in its native habitat, developing a distinctive spreading crown. It adapts well to various soil types found in evergreen forests. Beyond its delightful fruit, the bark, roots, and wood have historical uses in traditional medicine, particularly for treating skin diseases. This hardy plant is a wonderful conversation starter and a source of fresh, flavorful fruit for years to come, making it a valuable addition to any warm-climate garden or greenhouse. It is a fantastic opportunity to grow a truly unique edible fruit tree.

Key Benefits

The Burmese Grape live plant offers a multitude of benefits, from ornamental appeal to culinary delight and potential medicinal uses. Cultivating this unique tree allows you to enjoy fresh, exotic fruits right from your backyard, enhancing your gardening experience with something truly special.

• Exotic Fruit Production: Enjoy sweet, juicy, and flavorful Burmese Grapes (Mafai) directly from your own tree. The fruits are versatile, suitable for fresh consumption, cooking, or making into beverages.
• Unique Ornamental Value: With its evergreen foliage and attractive fruit clusters, the Baccaurea Ramiflora tree serves as a beautiful focal point in tropical landscapes or large containers.
• Potential Medicinal Properties: Historically, various parts of the Burmese Grape tree have been utilized in traditional medicine for treating skin ailments, adding another layer of interest to this remarkable plant.
• Long-Lived Evergreen: As a slow-growing evergreen, this plant provides year-round greenery and structure to your garden, offering sustained beauty and fruit production over many years.
• Culinary Versatility: The fruits can be enjoyed fresh, stewed, or fermented into wine, providing diverse culinary opportunities for those who love to experiment with exotic flavors.
• Supports Biodiversity: Growing unique tropical fruit trees like the tropical fruit plant contributes to garden biodiversity and offers a distinct alternative to more common fruit varieties.
• Rewarding Growing Experience: Witnessing the growth and eventual fruiting of such an uncommon and delicious plant offers immense satisfaction to any gardener.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Burmese Grape live plant involves understanding its tropical origins and providing conditions that mimic its natural habitat. This evergreen tree thrives in warm environments, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation in USDA Zones 11(10b)-13. For those in cooler climates, it can be grown in large containers and brought indoors during colder months. The plant prefers full sun exposure, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage vigorous growth and optimal fruit production. Ensure the soil is well-draining but consistently moist, as this plant does not tolerate prolonged drought or waterlogging. While the input suggests it grows in a wide range of soils, a rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil with good organic content is generally ideal for healthy development.

When it comes to watering, keep the root ball moist, especially during dry periods and when the plant is young. Reduce watering slightly during cooler, less active periods. Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for tropical fruit trees. Protect young plants from strong winds and extreme temperature fluctuations. The Mafai tree care also requires patience, as it typically takes 4-7 years to begin fruiting. Monitor for common pests and diseases, though the Burmese Grape is generally robust. Gradual acclimatization to outdoor conditions is crucial for young plants after shipping, starting in full shade and slowly increasing sun exposure over several weeks to prevent leaf burn. Ensure temperatures remain above 60°F (15°C) to prevent damage. Proper care ensures a healthy and productive edible fruit tree.

Size & Details

You are purchasing one Burmese Grape live plant, which is a seedling tree starter plant. Each plant measures approximately 2-4 inches tall, with the pot height not included in this measurement. It is shipped in a 2.5-inch square pot, providing a suitable environment for its initial growth stage. The mature tree can reach a height of 10-30 feet, developing a spreading crown. This is an evergreen plant, providing foliage year-round. It requires full sun exposure and is hardy in USDA Zones 11(10b)-13. Please note that while the plant is a seedling, the time to fruit is typically 4-7 years, offering a long-term investment in your garden’s bounty. This Baccaurea Ramiflora tree is grown organically, ensuring a healthy start for your tropical fruit cultivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The Burmese Grape live plant is a seedling measuring 2-4 inches tall at purchase. When mature, this tropical fruit tree can reach heights of 10-30 feet with a spreading crown, making it a substantial addition to a tropical landscape.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: This plant is best suited for outdoor cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 11(10b)-13. In cooler climates, it can be grown in a large container and moved indoors during colder months to protect it from frost.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: The Baccaurea Ramiflora tree thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure robust growth and optimal fruit development. Young plants need initial protection from direct harsh sun.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: While it requires specific tropical conditions, the Burmese Grape is generally considered a slow-growing and relatively low-maintenance evergreen tree once established. Consistent watering and appropriate sun exposure are key for successful Mafai tree care.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: You will receive one 2-4 inch tall tropical fruit plant seedling, shipped in a 2.5-inch square pot. It will be carefully packaged to ensure its safe arrival.
• Q: How long until it blooms and fruits? A: The Burmese Grape tree typically takes 4-7 years from seedling stage to begin producing fruit. This long-term commitment rewards gardeners with delicious, exotic fruits.
• Q: What is the ideal temperature range for this plant? A: Being a tropical plant, it prefers warm temperatures and thrives in USDA Zones 11(10b)-13. It is crucial to protect it from temperatures falling below 60°F (15°C) to prevent damage, especially for young plants.
• Q: Can I use the fruits for cooking? A: Yes, the fruits of this edible fruit tree are quite versatile. They can be enjoyed fresh, stewed, or even fermented to make wine, offering a unique flavor profile to various culinary applications.
• Q: What kind of soil does it prefer? A: The Burmese Grape grows well in a wide range of soils, but it thrives best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Consistent moisture is preferred, but avoid waterlogging.
• Q: Is this plant grown organically? A: Yes, the input indicates that this plant is grown organically in Florida.