Monizia edulis
Lowe.
Carrot Tree
gbif· cc-by-nc-nd
Ans Gorter
gbif· cc-by
Paris, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, KA
Description
Monizia edulis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Root - raw or cooked. The root tastes like earth nuts when it is raw but is insipid when cooked.
Distribution
Madeira.
Where It Grows
AFRICA: Portugal (Madeira Islands)
Cultivation
Requires a position in full sun in any moderately fertile well-drained soil. Plants are not very hardy in Britain and are unlikely to succeed outdoors in any but the mildest areas of the country. A monocarpic species, living for a number of years without flowering and then dying after flowering.
Propagation
Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise sow it in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
