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Summary
Babaco, Vasconcellea x heilbornii, is a small evergreen tree that is short-lived and grows about 2 m high. It is a hybrid cultivar between Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis and Vasconcellea stipulata. Of all the species in the Vasconcellea genus, Babaco is the most tolerant to cold. It produces only female flowers and can produce 30-60 fruits in a year. The fruits are eaten raw or cooked. It is fragrant and flavorful, and seedless. Plant is propagated by rooting axillary shoots.
Physical Characteristics
Vasconcellea x heilbornii is an evergreen Tree growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 10. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Carica chrysopetala Heilborn Carica pentagona Heilborn Carica x heilbornii V.M.Badillo
Habitats
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:
Fruit - raw or cooked[301 ]. Fragrant and flavourful[196 ]. The flavour has been likened to the taste of strawberry, with a hint of pineapple[196 ]. The fruit is usually seedless and can weigh 2 kilos[196 ].
References
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References
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Other Uses
Other Uses None known
Special Uses
References
Cultivation details
A plant of the highland tropics, where it is usually found at elevations of 1,400 - 2,50 metres[196 ]. It can also be grown at lower elevations in subtropical and warm, essentially frost-free temperate areas. Yields of over 100 tonnes per hectare are possible[196 ]. There are several named varieties[301 ]. The plant coppices well[196 ]. Although this species is dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants), fruits are usually produced parthenocarpically, without the need of pollen for fertilisation[301 , 670 ]. A few viable seeds will often be produced, however, if the flower is pollinated[670 ].
References
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
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Propagation
Seed - unlikely to breed true since this is a hybrid species. Seeds are sometimes produced when the flowers are fertilized, these can be used to propagate the plant. Sow the seed in individual containers or in a nursery seedbed in light shade. Germination can be slow and difficult, taking about 30 days[670 ]. Seedlings can be planted out when 4 - 6 months old[670 ]. Cuttings work fairly well and maintain female lines that do not need pollination in order to produce fruit..
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(V.M.Badillo) V.M.Badillo
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
Readers comment
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Subject : Vasconcellea x heilbornii
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