Thorn melon Plant Care

Thorn melon (Mauloutchia echinocarpa) belongs to the Myristicaceae family within the Mauloutchia genus. Thorn melon is native to Kalahari Desert, Africa. Thorn melon is also known as kiwano.

Thorn melon displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Thorn melon produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Thorn melon 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.

Thorn melon thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Thorn melon in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Mauloutchia echinocarpa tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Thorn melon prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Thorn melon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Thorn melon 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 to full shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Thorn melon is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Thorn melon can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 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 Thorn melon 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.

Thorn melon is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Thorn melon can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Thorn melon 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.

Thorn melon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Thorn melon is native to Kalahari Desert, Africa. In cooler regions, grow Thorn melon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.