Overview

Embark on a botanical adventure with the incredibly rare and sought-after fingersop live plant (Meiogyne cylindrocarpa). Often referred to as Paipai or Native Apricot in Australia, this exotic tropical fruit tree is a true collector’s item, seldom found in US gardens. Originating from regions like Borneo, Java, and the Philippines, the Meiogyne cylindrocarpa tree is an evergreen rainforest specimen boasting an open habit and lush, dark green foliage. While it starts with a slow growth rate, its eventual stature of 12-36 feet (4-12 m) makes it a significant and rewarding addition to any tropical-themed landscape or a large container garden. This particular offering is for a 2-5 inch tall seedling starter plant, ready to begin its journey in your care. The allure of this plant lies not only in its rarity but also in its unique and delicious fruit, making it a must-have for enthusiasts seeking an exotic Annona plant.

The fingersop live plant produces distinctive elongated, cylindrical fruits that mature to a vibrant orange or red. These fruits, measuring up to 1.3 inches long and 0.63 inches in diameter, are highly prized for their sweet, floral flavor profile that evokes notes of both sugar apple and pawpaw. They are perfect for eating fresh off the tree. Beyond its culinary appeal, the Meiogyne cylindrocarpa tree is also a very attractive ornamental, providing evergreen beauty throughout the year. Its unique characteristics and limited availability make it a prized possession for those looking to expand their collection of unusual and productive fruit trees.

Key Benefits

The fingersop live plant offers a multitude of benefits, from its ornamental value to its delightful fruit. Cultivating this rare tropical tree brings a touch of the exotic to your garden or patio.

• Produces Unique Edible Fruit: Enjoy the sweet, floral-flavored fruits, often compared to a blend of sugar apple and pawpaw. These elongated, cylindrical fruits ripen to an attractive red or orange, offering a truly unique taste experience directly from your own garden.
• Rare Ornamental Specimen: This Meiogyne cylindrocarpa tree is extremely rare in US cultivation, making it a distinctive and conversation-starting addition to any plant collection. Its evergreen foliage and open habit provide year-round visual interest.
• Tropical Garden Aesthetic: The lush, dark green foliage and tropical origins of the fingersop live plant contribute to a vibrant, exotic atmosphere in your landscape. It’s an ideal choice for creating a tropical oasis.
• Adaptable Sun Exposure: While preferring full sun, especially once established, this young paipai fruit tree can tolerate partial shade, offering flexibility in its placement within your garden or on your patio.
• Evergreen Foliage: Maintain a green and vibrant garden year-round with this evergreen tree, ensuring continuous visual appeal even during cooler months. Its persistent leaves provide a constant backdrop of natural beauty.
• Potential for Abundant Harvests: Once mature, the Meiogyne cylindrocarpa tree is known to produce fruits in abundance, providing a generous yield for fresh consumption.
• Conversation Starter: Due to its rarity and exotic nature, the fingersop live plant is sure to intrigue visitors and fellow plant enthusiasts, sparking discussions about its unique characteristics and delicious fruit.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your fingersop live plant requires attention to its tropical needs, especially when young. It is important to provide the right conditions to ensure healthy growth and eventual fruit production. This Meiogyne cylindrocarpa tree thrives in USDA Zone 9 and above, meaning it can tolerate temperatures down to 28-30°F, possibly lower once established. For young seedlings, protection from cold is crucial. During the initial adjustment period after shipping, place your plant in full shade for one to two weeks, away from direct sunlight, wind, or extreme temperatures (ideally 70-80°F). Gradually introduce it to more light and outdoor conditions before transplanting.

When it comes to sunlight, the paipai fruit tree prefers full sun to partial shade. Young plants, in particular, benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry seasons, as this plant originates from rainforest environments. The soil should be well-draining but retain some moisture. A rich, organic potting mix or garden soil amended with compost is ideal. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release tropical plant fertilizer to support its growth and fruit development. While generally robust, monitoring for common pests and diseases is always a good practice. Patience is key, as this tree can take 5-6 years to begin fruiting from seed, but the wait for this unique exotic Annona plant is well worth it.

Maintaining adequate humidity, particularly for indoor or young plants, can also be beneficial. Consider grouping plants or using a pebble tray to increase local humidity. Protect young plants from strong winds which can dry out foliage and cause stress. If growing in a container, ensure the pot has good drainage holes and consider repotting as the plant grows to accommodate its root system. Organic gardening practices, as indicated by the plant’s origin, are beneficial for its long-term health and fruit quality.

Size & Details

This offering is for one fingersop live plant, a seedling starter tree measuring approximately 2-5 inches tall (pot height not included). It comes potted in a 2.5-inch square pot, providing a healthy root system for transplanting. The Meiogyne cylindrocarpa tree is known for its moderate growth rate, especially in its initial stages, eventually reaching a mature height of 12-36 feet (4-12 meters) with a spread that reflects its open habit. This evergreen rainforest tree will develop dark green foliage and produce elongated, cylindrical fruits up to 1.3 inches long and 0.63 inches in diameter, ripening to a vibrant red or orange. While it can take 5-6 years to fruit from seed, the reward of growing your own paipai fruit tree is immense. The plant is hardy to USDA Zone 9, tolerating temperatures as low as 28-30°F, making it suitable for warmer climates or protected cultivation in cooler areas. Each plant is grown organically, ensuring a healthy start for your tropical collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this fingersop live plant get? A: This seedling is currently 2-5 inches tall. When mature, the Meiogyne cylindrocarpa tree can reach an impressive height of 12-36 feet (4-12 meters), though container growing can limit its size.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: The fingersop live plant is shipped in a 2.5-inch square pot, providing a secure and healthy environment for its roots during transit.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The paipai fruit tree is a tropical plant best suited for outdoor growth in USDA Zone 9 and warmer. In cooler climates, it can be grown in a container and brought indoors during cold weather.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Young seedlings should be protected from intense direct sun and gradually acclimated to brighter conditions.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: While not extremely difficult, the fingersop live plant requires consistent watering and protection from cold temperatures, especially when young. It’s a moderately easy plant for those familiar with tropical fruit trees.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: You will receive a healthy 2-5 inch tall seedling in a 2.5-inch square pot. It is important to follow the acclimation instructions upon arrival.
• Q: How long until this exotic Annona plant blooms and fruits? A: From a seedling, the Meiogyne cylindrocarpa tree typically takes 5-6 years to begin producing fruit. Patience is key for this rewarding tropical tree.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The fingersop live plant is hardy to USDA Zone 9, meaning it can tolerate temperatures down to 28-30°F. If your zone is colder, you will need to provide winter protection or grow it indoors.
• Q: What type of soil does the paipai fruit tree prefer? A: It thrives in well-draining, rich, organic soil. Amending with compost can improve soil structure and fertility.
• Q: Can the fruits of the fingersop live plant be eaten? A: Yes, the fruits are edible and highly prized for their sweet, floral flavor, often described as a blend of sugar apple and pawpaw. They are best eaten fresh.