Coriaceous Mimusops (Mimusops coriacea)

Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist

Coriaceous Mimusops Plant Care

Mimusops coriacea Miq.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its glossy, leathery leaves and creamy white flowers, this plant originates from the rainforests of Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Mimusops coriacea for its unique foliage and striking appearance, making it a standout addition to any tropical garden.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Coriaceous Mimusops?

Plant Coriaceous Mimusops in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10b–11b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Coriaceous Mimusops Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Coriaceous Mimusops?

Coriaceous Mimusops (Mimusops coriacea) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Mimusops genus. Coriaceous Mimusops is native to Madagascar and the Comoros.

Coriaceous Mimusops displays a tall evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Coriaceous Mimusops produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Coriaceous Mimusops?

Water a young or newly planted Coriaceous Mimusops 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Coriaceous Mimusops Need?

Coriaceous Mimusops thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Coriaceous Mimusops Prefer?

Mimusops coriacea tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Coriaceous Mimusops prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Coriaceous Mimusops?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Coriaceous Mimusops?

Feed Coriaceous Mimusops 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Coriaceous Mimusops?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Coriaceous Mimusops is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Coriaceous Mimusops?

Coriaceous Mimusops can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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.

How Do You Prune a Coriaceous Mimusops?

Prune Coriaceous Mimusops 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.

How Do You Care for a Coriaceous Mimusops in Winter?

Coriaceous Mimusops is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Coriaceous Mimusops?

Coriaceous Mimusops can be propagated through seeds, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to balata plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Coriaceous Mimusops Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Coriaceous Mimusops, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Coriaceous Mimusops?

Coriaceous Mimusops 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Coriaceous Mimusops Need?

Coriaceous Mimusops grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Coriaceous Mimusops is native to Madagascar and the Comoros. In cooler regions, grow Coriaceous Mimusops as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Coriaceous Mimusops is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Mimusops genus — compare its care with other Mimusops species on PlantoScan.

Mimusops is part of the Sapotaceae plant family — browse all Sapotaceae genera and species.

Coriaceous Mimusops thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Mimusops Species

Other Mimusops species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Mimusops coriacea Miq., family Sapotaceae (first published in Fl. Bras. 7: 44 (1863)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Coriaceous Mimusops, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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