"Akee Rice, Salt Fish Are Nice, and The Rum is Fine Any Time of Year.. . " from "Jamaica Farewell"

The akee, Blighia sapida, is an attractive medium-sized evergreen tree that originates in western tropical Africa. Akee has become very popular in other parts of the world, particularly the Caribbean area, where it is frequently encountered. It is especially popular in Jamaica, having been introduced there in the late 19th century. The akee is also grown in the warmer parts of Florida. Trees have dark green pinnately compound leaves with 3 to 5 pairs of long leaflets. The small yellowish-green fragrant flowers are produced throughout the spring and summer and fruit maturity is usually from late summer through late fall.

Fruits are quite interesting, being tri-valved and at maturity are a brilliant red. At full maturity the 2" x 3" fruit splits open along the three seams exposing three compartments, each of which contains a large shiny black seed attached to a white or off- white edible aril. This aril is the only edible portion of the fruit and is usually eaten fresh, or more often cooked and used as a vegetable.

One word of caution about akee fruit: it is very toxic if immature or over-mature and can cause death. Both the seeds as well as the outside red portion for the fruit are highly toxic and should never be eaten. Note too that only naturally opened fruits should be eaten. Fruit that has been forced open prematurely often can cause serious problems. The flavor of the akee is quite good and it has become very popular in the diet of the people of many countries, such as Jamaica.

Akee trees grow well over a wide variety of soil types and are usually seed propagated. Seedling trees usually begin bearing by the 4th or 5th year although people sometimes graft them to get earlier production. There are very few insect and disease problems associated with akee; it is cold sensitive however, and will be damaged by hard freezes or frost.

Akee should be fertilized in the home landscape about once every four months with a balanced general-purpose fertilizer to help increase growth and fruiting. Although drought-tolerant, the akee should be watered during our spring dry season about once a week especially when we have dry conditions. Trees also benefit from being mulched to help discourage weed competition.

Many people grow akee for the ornamental value of the tree and colorful fruit and never attempt to eat the fruit. If you have one planted in your landscape be sure that visitors are cautioned about picking up fruits on the-ground or from the tree and consuming them unless they have been trained on how to eat akee at the proper time. In Jamaica it is reported that a number of deaths occurs each year from people eating akee at the wrong time.