{"product_id":"mirakelbaer-synsepalum-dulcificum-fro-10-stk","title":"Miracle berry (Synsepalum dulcificum) | seeds, 10 pcs.","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRARE\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLatin name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eSynsepalum dulcificum\u003c\/em\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDanish names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mirakelbær, mirakelfrugt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Miracle fruit, miracle berry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSynsepalum dulcificum\u003c\/em\u003e is a fascinating evergreen shrub from tropical West and West-Central Africa. The plant belongs to the sapodilla family (Sapotaceae) and is particularly famous for its small red berries, which possess one of the most unusual properties in the plant kingdom: after eating the pulp, sour foods can suddenly be perceived as sweet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis phenomenon is caused by the protein miraculin, which is found in the fruit pulp. Miraculin is not particularly sweet itself, but it binds to the tongue's sweet receptors. When the mouth is subsequently exposed to acid, the receptors' response is altered, causing, for example, lemons and other sour foods to temporarily taste surprisingly sweet. The effect fades over time and does not change the actual sugar content of the food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant develops glossy, dark green leaves and small flowers, which are followed by oblong, bright red berries. It grows relatively slowly and remains a manageable shrub, making it suitable as an exotic pot and collector's plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMiracle berries have been known and used locally in West Africa long before the plant became known in Europe. Today, it is grown worldwide as both a fruit plant and a botanical curiosity, and the opportunity to experience the berries' unusual effect for yourself makes it an especially exciting plant to have in your collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCultivation and requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSynsepalum dulcificum\u003c\/em\u003e is tropical and thrives best in warm, humid, and bright conditions. It prefers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eA bright location with filtered sunlight or light partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eAcidic, humus-rich, and well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eConsistent moisture without standing water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eHigh humidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eWarm and stable temperatures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe soil's acidity is particularly important. Miracle berries do not thrive well in calcareous (alkaline) soil and should be grown in an acidic soil mix, much like one would use for rhododendrons and other acid-loving plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Denmark, the plant is grown as a houseplant, in a heated greenhouse, or a conservatory. It cannot tolerate frost and should be kept warm all year round. In the summer, it can be placed outdoors in a warm and sheltered spot, but it should be moved back inside before the nights turn cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCultivation from seeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeeds of \u003cem\u003eSynsepalum dulcificum\u003c\/em\u003e should be sown as fresh as possible, as germination ability decreases with prolonged storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eSow the seeds in an acidic and well-drained soil mix (alternatively, use the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/blogs\/nyheder\/pose-spire-metoden\" title=\"Bag-sprouting method\"\u003ebag-sprouting method\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eCover them lightly with soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the temperature around 24–28 °C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the soil consistently moist, but not wet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eEnsure high humidity during germination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGermination can take several weeks and requires stable warm conditions. After sprouting, the young plants should continue to be kept warm and protected from both drying out and lime-rich water. It is therefore recommended to water with rainwater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant grows relatively slowly, and cultivation from seed therefore requires some patience. In return, you get the opportunity to follow the entire development from seed to the small tropical shrub, which can later produce its famous red miracle berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUtility and collector value\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew fruit plants can demonstrate their special properties as clearly as \u003cem\u003eSynsepalum dulcificum\u003c\/em\u003e. The combination of a decorative tropical shrub, edible red berries, and the unusual protein miraculin makes the species interesting for collectors, fruit enthusiasts, and anyone interested in unusual useful plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is, in particular, the experience of tasting a sour food after a ripe miracle berry that has made the plant famous worldwide. A lemon is still a lemon – but the taste experience can be something completely different for a short period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSynsepalum dulcificum\u003c\/em\u003e is therefore an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wants to grow something out of the ordinary: a beautiful West African fruit plant with one of the plant kingdom's most remarkable properties. See also our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/collections\/eksotisk-frugt-og-gront-fro\" title=\"Seeds of exotic fruits\"\u003ecollection of seeds from other exotic plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"a Piece of Nature","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62035669614860,"sku":null,"price":10.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/6728\/8588\/files\/Synsepalumdulcificum_1.jpg?v=1786871078","url":"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/en-it\/products\/mirakelbaer-synsepalum-dulcificum-fro-10-stk","provider":"a Piece of Nature","version":"1.0","type":"link"}