{"product_id":"miracle-fruit-synsepalum-dulcificum","title":"Synsepalum dulcificum, Miracle Berry Fruit Shrub - Live Plant","description":"\u003ch3\u003eBeautiful Red Berry That Transforms Taste\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Miracle Fruit, Miracle Berry\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sapotaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e West Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMiracle Fruit (\u003cem\u003eSynsepalum dulcificum\u003c\/em\u003e) is a small, evergreen shrub native to West Africa, known for its unique ability to alter taste perception. When eaten, the small red berries of the Miracle Fruit plant contain a glycoprotein called miraculin, which binds to the taste buds and causes sour or acidic foods to taste sweet. This extraordinary effect makes Miracle Fruit a popular choice for those looking to enjoy sugar-free sweetness or explore new culinary experiences. The plant itself is slow-growing and thrives in warm, tropical climates, making it a wonderful addition to edible gardens, especially for those interested in rare and exotic fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDistinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruits:\u003c\/strong\u003e The small, red, oval-shaped berries of the Miracle Fruit plant are about the size of a cranberry and have a mildly sweet flavor. When the flesh is eaten, it binds to the taste receptors, transforming sour flavors (such as lemon or vinegar) into sweet ones for up to an hour. Although the fruit is not sweet on its own, its miraculous effect has made it popular in culinary experiments and flavor-enhancing applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The plant has dark green, glossy, oval-shaped leaves, which provide a lush, tropical appearance. It also produces small white flowers, which are followed by the red berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Miracle Fruit is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 6-15 feet in its natural environment, but it can also be kept smaller in containers. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates but can be grown indoors in cooler areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCulinary and Medicinal Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMiracle Fruit is primarily known for its ability to transform taste. The berries are used in \"flavor-tripping\" parties, where guests eat the fruit and then consume a variety of sour foods to experience the sweet transformation. It is also used by individuals looking to reduce sugar intake, as it can make sour fruits and even certain bitter vegetables taste sweet. Miracle Fruit has been used medicinally to help patients undergoing chemotherapy enjoy food, as it helps mask metallic or off flavors caused by treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMiracle Fruit thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It requires humidity and warmth to grow well and does not tolerate frost. In cooler regions, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe plant prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.8. It does not tolerate alkaline soils. Mixing in peat moss or pine bark can help maintain the necessary acidity levels for healthy growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConsistent Moisture:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eWater regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Miracle Fruit prefers evenly moist conditions, so avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially in warmer weather.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull Sun to Partial Shade:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMiracle Fruit thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some shade. In hotter climates, providing afternoon shade can help protect the leaves from burning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eApply an acidic fertilizer formulated for azaleas or blueberries every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizers with high calcium content, which can raise soil pH. Organic compost can also be used to improve soil health and nutrient levels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow Maintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMiracle Fruit requires minimal pruning, but you can remove dead or damaged branches to maintain shape. Prune lightly to encourage bushier growth and improve airflow through the plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer Growing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMiracle Fruit grows well in containers, making it an excellent choice for patios or indoor spaces in cooler climates. Use an acidic potting mix and ensure the container has proper drainage. Bring the plant indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100.036%;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.3164%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 79.288%;\"\u003ePerennial Evergreen Fruiting Shrub\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.3164%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 79.288%;\"\u003eYear-round in tropical climates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.3164%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 79.288%;\"\u003e6-15 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.3164%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil \u0026amp; Moisture:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 79.288%;\"\u003eWell-draining, acidic soil; consistent watering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.3164%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 79.288%;\"\u003eFull Sun to Partial Shade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.3164%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 79.288%;\"\u003eSlow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.3164%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelf-fertile:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 79.288%;\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.3164%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZone Hardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 79.288%;\"\u003eOutdoors 9-11; Patio\/Greenhouse 4+; Grown in containers indoors in cooler zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 20.3164%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePropagation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 79.288%;\"\u003eThese Medium pot size plants are grown from seeds and fruit within 3-4 years. Our X-Large pot size plants are capable of fruiting now.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis plant ships in plantable coconut coir pots or recyclable nursery pots! Just pop them in the ground or reuse and recycle. Look in the photos for a pot size guide.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/3637\/3860\/files\/live_plant_listing_policy.jpg?v=1756018503\" alt=\"live plant listing policy\" width=\"556\" height=\"114\"\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sow Exotic","offers":[{"title":"Medium Coconut Coir Pot","offer_id":56850131157152,"sku":"MIR-M","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large Coconut Coir Pot","offer_id":56850131189920,"sku":"B2a-MIR-L","price":59.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"X-Large Nursery Pot","offer_id":56850131222688,"sku":"A5a-MIR-XL","price":129.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0091\/3637\/3860\/files\/Miracle_Fruit_Shrub.png?v=1774145779","url":"https:\/\/www.theplantattraction.com\/products\/miracle-fruit-synsepalum-dulcificum","provider":"The Plant Attraction ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}