Seven-year apple
Casasia clusiifolia

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. When fully ripe the fruit is soft, wrinkled and prune like. The pulp is black and jelly like. It has a licorice flavour.

There are about 10 Casasia species. They are mostly in the Caribbean islands.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows on sand dunes near the coast. It can tolerate salt.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Central America, Cuba, North America, South America, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

Edible when overripe. It is eaten by making a hole in one end of the fruit and sucking the pulp out.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Plants can flower and fruit all year round.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Gardenia clusiifolia Jacq.;