Spondias purpurea aka Purple Mombin

Spondias purpurea is a tropical tree in the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. Common names include jocote, purple mombin, and Spanish plum. Its native range runs from Mexico to northern Colombia. It grows in regions with a marked dry season. People grow it across the tropics, mainly for its fruit. Wild trees grow in thickets, open woods, pastures, and fence rows.

The tree sheds its leaves and forms a broad crown. Most trees reach about 23–33 feet [7–10 metres] tall. Some reach 82 feet [25 metres], well above the usual range. The thick, twisted trunk can span 1–2.6 feet [0.3–0.8 metres] across. Young leaves and shoots may show red or purple tones. The wood is pale, soft, light, and brittle. Large cuttings offer a fairly easy way to raise new trees.

The yellow or purple-red fruit has a long, rounded shape. Each fruit measures about 0.08–0.10 feet [0.025–0.03 metres] long. Its juicy yellow flesh has a tart, plum-like taste. People eat ripe fruit fresh or cook it with sugar. They also use it in jam and ice cream. Unripe fruit goes into pickles and sharp green sauces. Young leaves and shoots have a sour taste, too. People eat them fresh or cooked, but the seed is toxic.

Grow this tree in full sun where frost does not occur. It grows best with daytime temperatures of 22–28°C. It accepts many soils, provided excess water drains away. It does not need rich ground, but very poor soil is unsuitable. Shallow soil also makes a poor site for this tree. A soil pH of 6–7 suits it best. Preferred annual rainfall is 800–1,100 millimetres. Good fruit set needs a clear dry season lasting up to six months.

Besides fruit crops, the tree can form a living hedge. Its wood provides fuel and has served as paper pulp. People use wood ash and other parts in soap-making. The tree also yields gum and has several traditional medicinal uses. These include leaf poultices for headaches and fruit for constipation. Large amounts of fruit can have a laxative effect. These reported uses do not establish medical safety or effectiveness.