Indian mulberry - Morinda citrifolia

Common Name :	Indian mulberry, Noni.
Binomial Name :	Morinda citrifolia
Family :	Rubiaceae
Bangla Name :	Achi (আচি)
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as Indian mulberry, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia and Australasia. It is also found in the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii, Polynesia, and Fiji. The tree bears fruit known as Indian mulberry or Noni fruit, which is yellow-green and has a pungent odor. Noni has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties and is now gaining popularity worldwide for its potential health benefits.

Indian mulberry is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree of the Rubiaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 3 to 10 meters (10 to 33 feet). The tree has broad, glossy, and dark green leaves that are oval or oblong in shape. These leaves provide an attractive and vibrant foliage.

The flowers of Indian mulberry are small and white in color. They are arranged in compact, round clusters. The scent of the flowers is strong and pungent, which aids in attracting pollinating insects. The fragrance of noni flowers can be quite distinct and unique. Petals are small and white in color. They are arranged in a radial pattern, spreading out from the center of the flower. The petals may be slightly rounded or oval-shaped, and they come together to form a visually appealing and compact flower cluster.

This plant produces distinctive fruit that undergoes a color transformation as it ripens. Initially green, the fruit turns yellow when fully mature. The fruit has an ovoid or cylindrical shape with a rough, textured surface. Inside the fruit, there are numerous small seeds embedded in a gelatinous pulp. The fruit of noni is known for its strong and distinct odor, which some may find unpleasant.

Indian mulberry or Noni has a rich history of traditional medicinal usage across various cultures. The fruit, leaves, bark, and roots of noni have been utilized for their potential therapeutic benefits. Noni is believed to have properties that can address pain, inflammation, infections, digestive issues, and skin ailments.


Photos of these Indian mulberry (Morinda citrifolia) were taken from Dinajpur, Bangladesh. It was during May 2012.


Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com