Native & adapted
Peanut butter fruit
Bunchosia argenteaAlso known as Peanut butter tree · Bunchosia · Bunchosia armeniaca
A small South American tree with sprays of yellow flowers and small red fruit whose dense flesh tastes and feels a bit like peanut butter. A great conversation plant.
Before you plant
These conditions determine whether it will thrive.
Fast-draining soil rich in compost. Phoenix soil is alkaline, so work in soil sulfur and organic matter and use chelated iron if new leaves turn yellow between the veins.
Filtered shade under a nurse tree or on the east side of a building.
Right plant, right place
Will Peanut butter fruit grow at your Arizona property?
Fruits young and does well in a large container.
Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b.
Light
Sun exposure
Dappled light all day or morning sun only, much like a young mango.
Water
Irrigation
Moderate and steady.
Fruit set
Pollination
Self-fertile.
Harvest
How to use it
Eaten fresh when deep red and soft, or blended into smoothies.
Planting & stewardship
How to help Peanut butter fruit thrive
- 1
Amend with soil sulfur, chelated iron and manganese.
- 2
Shade from afternoon sun.
- 3
Cover on nights below 34°F.
- 4
Pick fruit when fully red and soft.