Jackal berry Plant Care

Jackal berry (Anonidium floribundum) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Anonidium genus. Jackal berry is native to Gabon in West Central Africa. Jackal berry is also known as African wild medlar.

Jackal berry displays a small tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Jackal berry produces fragrant yellow flowers with multiple petals.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Jackal berry every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Jackal berry thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Anonidium floribundum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Jackal berry prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Jackal berry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Jackal berry every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Jackal berry is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Jackal berry can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Jackal berry while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Jackal berry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Jackal berry can be propagated through seeds, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african potato tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Jackal berry is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Jackal berry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Jackal berry is native to Gabon in West Central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Jackal berry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.