Ximenia americana Seeds | Ximenia
LATIN NAME: Ximenia americana
COMMON NAME: Ximenia
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Ximenia (Ximenia americana) stands out as an evergreen shrub in the ximenia family, native to dry, warm places of many continents, while it is treasured for its fine, edible fruits. In ximenia family it is spiny, yellow-fruited shrub of dry lands, a species that carries a useful oily kernel inside its small, round fruits. At maturity it stands about Six metres. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the ximenia family, Ximenia americana contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Ximenia holds a place in oil-seed papers of dry lands, where small, round, yellow or orange fruits are studied for their fine, oily kernel, and food scientists of region keep species in their programmes. Centuries of cultivation have left a detailed record of how it grows and behaves.
Uses & Benefits
Ximenia works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. In dry garden, ximenia is spiny, fragrant shrub of sunny slope. Its small, fragrant flowers feed insects, its yellow or orange fruits feed birds and wildlife, and spiny, evergreen growth gives cover and shelter to small creatures. Oily fruits have served as a fine fruit and a fine oil of dry regions, and shrub grows well in sandy, well-drained ground of warm, sunny spot. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Ximenia is an African plum whose tart fruits feed people and wildlife and whose seed oil is a traditional skin salve.
Growing from Seed
Starting Ximenia from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
It is a solid representative of the Ximenia group, true to type from seed. Young plants want steady water; older plants take conditions as they come.
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