Maclura pomifera Osage orange (Moraceae) Deciduous tree

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Maclura pomifera
Osage orange
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Maclura pomifera plant species is found in Southern N. America - Arkansas to Texas. It is a member of the Moraceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Osage orange. Some home gardeners know the variety as M. aurantiaca. Toxylon pommifera.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Maclura pomifera
Common Name:  Osage orange
Family:  Moraceae
Author:  (Raf.)Schneider.

Known Hazards:  The milky sap can cause dermatitis in some people[200]. An extract and the juice of the fruit is toxic, though a 10% aqueous infusion and extract diluted 1:1 are not toxic[240].

Mature Height:  15   Mature Width:  12

Habitat:  Woods, fields and thickets in rich bottom lands[73, 83].

Edible Uses: One report suggests that the fruit is edible[74] but this is surely a mistake - although very large, the fruit is harsh, hard, dry and astringent. The fruit does, however, contain an anti-oxidant which can be used as a food preservative, especially for oils[61]. The heartwood and the root yield a non-toxic antibiotic that is useful as a food preservative[240].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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