Description: It features large, dark green, glossy leaves, and small, tubular, white flowers that mature into distinctive, knobby, oblong fruits with a pungent odor when ripe. The stem is characterized by a knotted appearance.
Substitutions: Morus spp. (Mulberry): Mulberry trees produce sweet, edible fruits and have some traditional medicinal uses. While not directly interchangeable with noni, they share similarities in being fruit-bearing trees with potential health benefits. Euterpe oleracea (Açaí Palm): Açaí palm is native to the Amazon rainforest and produces small, dark purple berries that are rich in antioxidants and are used in various health products. Elderberries: Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used to support the immune system. They can be used fresh or dried in syrups, jams, or teas.
Ecology: Morinda citrifolia, or noni, thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures, high humidity, and well-drained, fertile soil. It requires full sun and regular watering, with a preference for high humidity levels.
General Distribution: Distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Southeast Asia, Australasia, Polynesia, and the Pacific Islands.
Use: Noni has a long history of traditional medicinal use, with various parts of the plant utilized for treating a range of ailments including pain relief, immune system support, and digestive issues. Additionally, its fruit is sometimes used in culinary applications and as a dietary supplement for its purported health benefits.
Author of text and photos: Chanduni Bootawatta.
Photographed in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka on 11/04/2024.
Poslat emailem
