The Unusual Kwai Muk Fruit Tree - A Characteristics and Care Guide
If you are looking for an unusual ornamental fruit tree for your garden, you might want to consider the kwai muk tree. Read on for a brief guide to the characteristics and care of kwai muk trees.
Description
The kwai muk or Artocarpus hypargyraeus is a species of fruit tree that is native to Southern China. This unusual tree is a relative of the jackfruit and breadfruit trees. These attractive trees grow best in sub-tropical climates, although they are also frost tolerant if planted in a sheltered spot.
The trees grow slowly to around 10 metres in height, sporting a rounded, dense canopy of dark green, glossy leaves of similar dimensions. The leathery leaves produce very little drop, meaning that the tree remains attractive all year round and can be safely sited in the middle of a lawn or overhanging other planting, without you having to clear away dead leaves in the autumn.
The tree bears pretty, yellow flowers in the spring and produces round, edible fruits at the end of the summer. Although the fruit can be picked and ripened indoors in a warm room, it is best eaten raw and ripe directly from the tree. Kwai muk fruit can also be used to make jam or dried and eaten with sugar.
Planting your tree
The kwai muk tree grows well in a mildly acidic, sandy or limestone soil in a sheltered, sunny position. The tree prefers a well-draining soil and will only require watering during very long, dry spells of weather or drought.
Your tree will be supplied to you from the plant wholesalers as a small, potted sapling. Plant the tree in a hole that is wide and deep enough to completely encompass the root ball and infill the hole with soil and citrus tree compost. You should water the tree daily for the first week or so, until the roots become established.
The best time to plant your kwai muk tree is in late spring when all danger of frost has passed and the weather is nice and warm.
Care of the Kwai Muk tree
For the following reasons, the kwai muk tree could be perfect for you if you want a low-maintenance specimen for your garden:
- very good disease and pest resistance qualities
- doesn't require feeding or regular watering once established
- regular pruning is not required
- non-drop leaves mean no laborious clearing work in the autumn
In conclusion
The kwai muk is a perfect low-maintenance ornamental fruit tree that would suit a sunny garden with well-drained soil. For more info and advice on growing kwai muk trees, have a chat with your local plant wholesaler.
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