Maclura cochinchinensis, commonly known as the Cochinchin wood apple or the Siam apple, is a flowering plant species in the Moraceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, it is found in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
This tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and features a dense crown of glossy green leaves. Its fruit is round or oblong with a hard outer shell that turns yellow when ripe. Inside, the flesh is white and contains small seeds.
In traditional medicine, various parts of this plant are used for their medicinal properties, including the treatment of fever and inflammation. The durable wood of Maclura cochinchinensis is also used in furniture making.
The plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is considered low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning or fertilization once established.
Overall, Maclura cochinchinensis is valued for both its ornamental beauty and practical uses in traditional medicine and woodworking industries.
Cockspur thorn is fairly resistant to disease and typically does not suffer from illnesses. As for care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Cockspur thorn is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand much experience in plant care.
How to keep Maclura Cochinchinensis.
Light
Cockspur thorn is a tropical woody plant native to bright, sun-drenched habitats; it flourishes in full sun but can also withstand partial sun. It typically grows in open, well-lit locations with very little shade.
Temperature
Cockspur thorn is native to areas where the normal temperature ranges from 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 °C). It does best in these conditions and prefers to avoid extreme cold. In colder periods, a temperature-controlled environment can help cockspur thorn grow.
Fertilizer
Prefer organic fertilizers (e.g., fish emulsion, compost) rather than chemical ones for Cockspur thorn. Give young plants increased nitrogen and phosphorus in spring. Work compost or fertilizer into the soil either before planting or after planting. For mature plants, apply a balanced fertilizer or one aimed at specific nutrient shortages in spring. Nutrient deficiency results in small leaves, short branches, yellow or bronze foliage, sour-tasting fruits, early fruit drop, and fruit splitting.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine, Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Maclura
- Family
- Moraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 4.88 m to 7.92 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Japan, Philippines, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Laos, Australia, Thailand, China
Other names.