Indian mulberry (Morinda citrifolia)

Overview

Morinda citrifolia, known broadly as Indian mulberry, is a distinctive tropical evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its unique textural appeal and historical use. This plant, often called noni in Hawaii, features large, waxy, deeply-veined dark green leaves that provide year-round interest in tropical or subtropical settings. It is a plant deeply interwoven with Polynesian culture, historically considered essential for survival during long sea voyages.

As an easy-to-acclimate tropical, Morinda citrifolia thrives where consistent warmth is guaranteed. While its most famous feature is its lumpy, potato-shaped fruit—now processed into worldwide health supplements—the tree itself offers excellent structure in the landscape. Gardeners should note that while the fruits are edible, they possess a very strong, unpleasant aroma when fully ripe.

The versatility of Indian mulberry allows it to function effectively in various landscape roles, from an accent specimen due to its unusual fruit morphology to a robust hedge. Successful cultivation relies on providing the proper warmth and ensuring minimal exposure to cold dips, making zone assessment crucial before planting.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rubiaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Native Range: Southern and eastern Asia, Australia, Pacific and Indian Ocean islands
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 11-12
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 10-18 ft
  • Spread: 8-15 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The ideal cultivation environment for Morinda citrifolia is within USDA Zones 11-12, where it can be safely grown outdoors year-round. Plant in spring or early summer to allow establishment before any potential cold stress. Rich, moist, well-drained soils are preferred, though this tough plant tolerates sandy or rocky conditions well.

Once established, watering should be maintained at a medium level, reflecting its tropical origin. While it tolerates some drought once mature, consistently moist soil supports better flowering and fruiting. Fertilization is generally light, focusing on balanced nutrition to sustain the large leaf growth common to this species.

Crucially, this tropical requires consistent warmth; foliage damage begins when temperatures dip below 55-60 degrees F, and freezing temperatures below 35-40 degrees F are fatal. If grown outside its zone, Indian mulberry adapts to large indoor containers, requiring bright light and consistent moisture—it is notably less drought-tolerant indoors. Pruning is minimal, generally focused on shaping hedges or removing damaged wood.

Landscape Uses

When selecting a location for Indian mulberry, consider its potential size, reaching up to 18 feet tall and 15 feet wide, as well as its unusual aesthetic features. It excels when used as a specimen or accent plant where its strange, fused fruits and large, glossy leaves can be appreciated up close. It also serves excellently as a living fence or a screening hedge due to its dense, evergreen habit.

Because it is remarkably adaptive, Morinda citrifolia is a good choice for challenging sites, including areas with relatively poor soils where other ornamentals might struggle. Pair it with other tropical or subtropical plants that share similar needs for consistent warmth and medium water, such as various palms or broadleaf tropicals. Its year-round structure makes it invaluable for maintaining green mass throughout the landscape.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy
• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Morinda citrifolia, commonly called Indian mulberry, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree that typically grows to 10-18’ tall. In Hawaii it is commonly called noni, and its lumpy, potato-shaped fruits are commercially processed into juice sold worldwide for purported health benefits. This small evergreen features straight trunks, large, deeply-veined waxy leaves, small white flowers, and fruits that mature from green to off-white, appearing year-round. Polynesian explorers valued noni as a vital “canoe plant” for sustaining life on long voyages.

Tolerances

• Drought

Potential Problems

Indian mulberry generally avoids severe pest or disease issues, adding to its low-maintenance appeal in ideal climates. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for common tropical soft-bodied pests, including aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies, which can sometimes congregate on new growth. Root-knot nematodes and roundworms can be a concern in susceptible soils, sometimes necessitating soil treatment or management practices. Fungal issues such as leaf spots and blights may appear, particularly in areas with high humidity and poor air circulation, which should be managed by ensuring adequate spacing and avoiding overhead watering late in the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Indian mulberry suitable for?

Morinda citrifolia is hardy and thrives outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 11 through 12.

How large does Indian mulberry grow?

This tropical evergreen typically reaches a mature height between 10 and 18 feet, with a spread of 8 to 15 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Morinda citrifolia need?

For optimal flowering and robust growth, Indian mulberry prefers full sun, but it tolerates partial shade well, though flowering and fruiting will decrease in shadier spots.

When does Indian mulberry bloom?

Morinda citrifolia is a seasonal bloomer, producing small white flowers, with both flowers and fruits often appearing throughout the year in tropical conditions.

Conclusion

The Indian mulberry (Morinda citrifolia) offers gardeners in warm climates a sturdy, unique broadleaf evergreen that functions well as an accent or hedge. Its history as a traditional survival food and its year-round foliage make it a compelling addition to the subtropical landscape. Before planting, confirm that your area consistently avoids temperatures below 40 degrees F to ensure the long-term survival of your specimen.

Companion Planting

Choosing the right companions helps maintain the tropical aesthetic around your Morinda citrifolia. Since Indian mulberry requires medium water and prefers rich soil, pair it with water-loving, tropical understory plants. Consider pairing it with species like ornamental gingers (for dense color) or various Philodendrons and Alocasias, which appreciate similar filtered light conditions found under the canopy of a slightly larger Indian mulberry tree.

Wildlife Benefits

While the ripe fruit of Morinda citrifolia is not generally sought by common backyard birds due to its pungent odor, that very aroma plays a role in ecology; it is reportedly attractive to bats, which assist in seed dispersal. Furthermore, its dense, evergreen structure provides critical year-round refuge and nesting cover for small birds living within its branches in tropical and subtropical gardens.