Ongo Fruit Plant (Myrianthus Arboreus)

Common NamesGiant Yellow Mulberry, Ongo, Monkey Fruit, Ujuju

Botanical Name: Myrianthus Arboreus

Origin: Native to Tropical Africa (Guinea to the Central African Republic and Uganda, south to Angola, DR Congo, and Tanzania)

General Information:

• Shrub or tree.
• Spreading, many-branched crown.
• Height: 10 - 20 meters tall.
• Heart-shaped fruit.
• Contains 5 - 15 seeds, each surrounded by sweet or acidulous pulp.
• Fruit diameter: 10 - 15 cm.
• Very hard and green when unripe, turns yellow and soft when mature.
• Young leaves are also cooked.

Health Benefits:

• Lowers Cholesterol.
• Controls Diabetes.
• Aids in Digestion.
• Prevents Cancer.
• Strengthens the Immune System.
• Supports Eye Health.
• Improves Skin Health.
• Maintains Alkalinity in the Body.
• Assists in Weight Loss.

Gardening Information:

• Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3 to 4 Years.
• Maintenance Required: Moderate.

Summary:

• Ongo, scientifically known as Myrianthus Arboreus, is a shrub or tree native to Tropical Africa. It features a spreading, many-branched crown and can reach a height of 10 to 20 meters. The heart-shaped fruit contains 5 to 15 seeds, surrounded by sweet or acidulous pulp, transitioning from a hard, green state when unripe to a soft, yellow state when mature. Young leaves are also cooked. Ongo, known by various names like Giant Yellow Mulberry, Monkey Fruit, and Ujuju, offers numerous health benefits, including cholesterol reduction, diabetes control, digestion aid, cancer prevention, immune system strengthening, eye and skin health support, body alkalinity maintenance, and assistance in weight loss. Typically starting to bloom and fruit in 3 to 4 years, this plant requires a moderate level of maintenance.