African Mammea Plant Care

African Mammea (Mammea africana) belongs to the Calophyllaceae family within the Mammea genus. African Mammea is native to evergreen and semi deciduous forests in West and Central Tropical Africa. African Mammea is also known as African Mamey.

African Mammea displays a large canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. African Mammea produces large, fragrant white flowers with waxy petals.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Mammea every 7–14 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.

African Mammea thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Mammea africana tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. African Mammea prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for African Mammea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Mammea 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 well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Mammea 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.

African Mammea can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 African Mammea 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.

African Mammea 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.

African Mammea can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mammee apple plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

African Mammea 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.

African Mammea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. African Mammea is native to evergreen and semi deciduous forests in West and Central Tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Mammea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.