Chewing Gum Fruit (Thespesia garckeana): A Rare Delight for Gardens and Health

General Overview

Chewing Gum Fruit (Thespesia garckeana), also known as the Snot Apple or African Chewing Gum Tree, is an evergreen or semi-deciduous tree belonging to the Malvaceae family. Native to tropical Africa, this remarkable plant has long been valued for its food, medicinal, and cultural significance. Growing typically between 3 to 13 meters, though occasionally reaching 20 meters, the tree is highly adaptable and often protected near farms and homesteads for its multiple benefits—ranging from shade and food to traditional medicine.

Its most intriguing feature lies in its unique fruit, which contains a natural sweet mucilaginous pulp that can be chewed like gum, giving it the popular nickname “chewing gum fruit.”

Common and Local Names

The fruit is known by many names across different regions, reflecting its wide cultural presence:

• English: Chewing Gum Fruit, Snot Apple, Tree Hibiscus

• Africa: Goron Tula (Nigeria), Mutohwe (Shona – Zimbabwe), Morojwa (Setswana – Botswana), UXakuxaku (isiNdebele – South Africa)

• Sri Lanka: Nkole

• Other regions: Sometimes referred to as "Sweet Mucilage Fruit" or "Natural Chewing Gum"

This diversity of names highlights its recognition across continents as both a nutritious snack and traditional remedy.

Fruit Characteristics and Uses

The fruit is almost spherical, woody, and about 25–40 mm in diameter, with a yellowish to brownish-green outer skin covered in fine hairs. Inside, it is divided into five compartments, each containing a sticky pulp and a seed.

• Edibility:

  • When harvested green and juicy, the pulp can be eaten fresh.

  • The sweet mucilaginous flesh is chewed or sucked like gum, producing a glutinous slime.

  • The fruit can also be boiled into a porridge, used as a relish, or dried and stored for future use.

  • In rural communities, dried fruits are commonly enjoyed during the dry season as an energy-rich snack.

• Energy Content: With approximately 8.1 kJ/g, the fruit is considered an excellent high-energy food source.

Nutritional Value

Chewing Gum Fruit is not just unique in texture—it also offers notable health benefits through its nutritional profile:

• Rich in carbohydrates for instant energy.

• Natural sugars make it a wholesome snack.

• Contains dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion.

• Minerals like potassium and calcium, important for heart and bone health.

• Its sticky pulp is also believed to contain antioxidants, contributing to disease prevention and cellular health.

Health Benefits

1. Digestive Aid – The mucilaginous pulp soothes the digestive tract and prevents constipation.

2. Energy Booster – Due to its high carbohydrate and sugar content, it is consumed for quick strength and stamina.

3. Traditional Medicine – In African herbal practices, the fruit and other parts of the plant are used for respiratory conditions, fertility enhancement, and as an aphrodisiac.

4. Oral Health – Chewing the pulp not only mimics chewing gum but is also believed to help cleanse the mouth naturally.

5. Anti-inflammatory Uses – Folk medicine attributes the pulp with properties to reduce inflammation and soothe internal irritations.

Cultural and Traditional Significance

• In Nigeria, Goron Tula is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, often consumed during marriage ceremonies as a symbol of fertility and marital harmony.

• In Zimbabwe and Botswana, it is a common seasonal snack, cherished for its availability in the wild and valued as a survival food.

• In Sri Lanka, the tree is sometimes planted near homes for both shade and fruit use.

This blend of cultural and medicinal significance makes the Chewing Gum Fruit more than just a curiosity—it is a heritage fruit with timeless appeal.

Cultivation and Maintenance

Growing Chewing Gum Fruit is a rewarding experience, especially for plant lovers seeking rare and exotic additions to their gardens.

• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions.

• Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy-loam or fertile soils.

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruiting.

• Watering: Moderate; avoid waterlogging.

• Maintenance Level: Low to moderate, making it suitable for both farms and home gardens.

• Fruiting Time: Depending on conditions, trees may begin bearing fruit within a few years, and mature trees produce abundantly.

Why Add Chewing Gum Fruit to Your Garden?

• Unique Appeal: A fruit unlike any other—chewed like gum, enjoyed fresh, or boiled into traditional dishes.

• Health Benefits: Packed with energy, fiber, and medicinal properties.

• Cultural Value: Rich history across Africa and Asia, making it a conversation starter.

• Sustainability: Provides food, shade, and ornamental beauty.

Conclusion

Chewing Gum Fruit (Thespesia garckeana) is more than just an exotic fruit—it is a natural wonder that brings together taste, nutrition, and tradition. With its distinctive mucilaginous pulp, high-energy content, and cultural legacy, it stands out as an exceptional addition to any garden or farm.

At Veliyath Gardens, we make this rare and valuable live plant available for fruit enthusiasts who wish to cultivate something extraordinary. By growing Chewing Gum Fruit, you not only enrich your garden with an unusual delicacy but also connect with centuries of traditional wisdom and sustainable living.

Embrace this rare exotic treasure today—add Chewing Gum Fruit to your garden and experience the joy of nature’s very own chewing gum!