✅ Up for sale is 1 Ackee plant (Blighia sapida), shipped in a Medium Coconut Coir Pot, sized 6-12 inches tall and 1 year old. Mature trees can grow up to 75 feet tall (Purdue notes 40 feet). Zone Hardiness: Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+.
✅ Ackee, also known as Ankye, Achee, Akee, Ackee Apple, or Ayee, is a stunning evergreen fruit tree from the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family, like Lychee and Longan. Native to Tropical West Africa, it has become culturally significant in Jamaica, where it is the national fruit and a key ingredient in the national dish: ackee and saltfish.
✅ The fruit ripens to a vivid red, naturally splitting open in the sun to reveal its edible portion (arilli). Unripe Ackee fruit is not edible and must ripen and split on its own before consumption. The flavor and texture are unique, often compared to scrambled eggs with a subtle nutty sweetness, making it a versatile culinary delight. Though classified as a fruit, it’s often used as a vegetable in cooking.
✅ Ackee trees are highly adaptable, thriving in sandy soil, oolitic limestone, and hurricane-force winds. They are drought-tolerant and grow well in tropical to subtropical climates. Young trees benefit from regular pruning, which strengthens branches. Mature trees propagate successfully through air-layering. Ackee plants grown from seed can produce fruit in as little as 3-6 years.
✅ Shipping takes place 1 week from the order date, weather permitting. If shipping to northern states during winter, delays of up to 2 months may occur. Consider adding a heat pack for winter orders (available upon request). Your order will arrive in good condition. If any problems occur with the item while it is on the way to you, contact us the very same day, describing the issue and attaching pictures so we can address it promptly.