Description

Flavor reference for quick context:

The fruit quality of this species is clearly superior to longan, and comparable in overall eating quality to lychee, though with its own distinct profile. Locally, the flavor is described as intensely tropical, very sweet and aromatic, often compared to vanilla and caramel.

You are looking at something genuinely rare: a single fresh seed from a South American coquito tree with a flavor local people truly value. These seeds come from ripe fruits collected by a trusted forager in Misiones, Argentina — from a large, mature tree long appreciated by locals for its outstanding fruits.

Full product description

Family: Sapindaceae
Label: Melicoccus aff. lepidopetalus (Coquito de San Juan) — not Melicoccus bijugatus

This is not the common Caribbean Spanish lime (Melicoccus bijugatus). The fruits are different in skin color, pulp texture and — importantly — in flavor. M. bijugatus is a familiar market species; this material represents a distinct South American form that does not currently circulate on international seed markets.

Why this is special

• Ultra-rare availability. There are no active seed sellers outside Argentina for this taxon right now; international listings are effectively absent.

• Provenance. Seeds are traceable to a specific, photographed adult tree in Misiones. We include provenance photos with each sale.

• Unique palate. Locals describe the fruit as intensely tropical — cotton candy. This isn’t just “different”; it’s delicious.

• Collector value. Ideal for collectors, botanical gardens, and growers who want something genuinely uncommon.

Fruit & seed notes (what to expect)

• • Fruit size: 3 to 4 cm diameter.

  • Skin: pale yellow/cream when ripe (can appear different in indoor photos).

  • Pulp: translucent/creamy, gelatinous, very strongly attached to the seed (you’ll need to suck/chomp — it does not separate cleanly).

  • Seed: single seed per fruit, sold individually.

  • Flavor: intensely tropical, sweet, often described as a blend of mango and pineapple.

Seed details & growing basics

• Item: Single fresh seed (sold individually).

• Viability: Fresh seeds — best sown promptly.

• Germination: Sow fresh, keep warm (24–30 °C), maintain steady moisture. Expect germination often within 2–4 weeks under good conditions.

• Time to fruit: Long from seed — typically several years (often 8–12+ years). Vegetative propagation yields fruit sooner.

• Zones: Best for warm/subtropical climates (USDA ~9–11) or greenhouse growers.

How we sell (pre-sale)

• This is a PRE-SALE. Seeds are limited and will be allocated in strict order of purchase.

• Expected shipping: February 10

• Single-seed sales only. We are testing customer interest and reaction; this is a limited opportunity.

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Price & stock (suggested)

Stock: Extremely limited — orders accepted while stock lasts.

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• Pre-sale dispatch: seeds will be shipped in Feb. to the address supplied at checkout.

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Guarantee & returns

• Seeds are biological products; germination depends on many factors (growing conditions, care, climate). For single-seed sales we offer replacement credit only if the seed is visibly damaged in transit (photo evidence required within 48 hours).

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Short FAQ (for product page)

Q: Is this the common Spanish lime (quenepa)?
A: No. This is not Melicoccus bijugatus. This is the South American form — Melicoccus aff. lepidopetalus — and it behaves and tastes differently.

Q: How many seeds will you have?
A: Very limited. We may be able to offer up to ~100 seeds in February if the harvest and processing go well, and more later by March/April. Quantities are not guaranteed.

Q: Can you ship internationally?
A: Yes, but some international buyers will need a phytosanitary certificate and may face import restrictions. We can manage paperwork for an additional fee.

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Seller note

I know this uncertainty is part of the thrill — and the frustration. I’ve worked hard to trace these fruits to a mature tree in Misiones and to document them for buyers. If you’re a collector, grower or garden that values rare, well-documented material, this is the chance to try something truly uncommon and delicious.

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Taxonomic note: Melicoccus aff. lepidopetalus

Reproductive biology & purchase configuration

This species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Because of this, planting a single seedling does not guarantee future fruit production. To realistically increase the chance of obtaining both sexes and achieving pollination, multiple seedlings are required.

➡️ Purchase configuration:

• Minimum quantity: 3 seeds

• Sold in groups of: 1 seed

• Maximum per order: 9 seeds

This configuration is intentional and designed to give growers a genuine chance of success, considering the rarity of this species and the long juvenile period typical of Melicoccus.

Extended Flavor Profile / Tasting Notes

Melicoccus lepidopetalus is a very little-known fruit, even within its own genus. Its flavor is distinctively sweet, with clear notes of vanilla and light caramel, often reminiscent of cotton candy, accompanied by a unique, personal fruity perfume that is difficult to compare to common fruits.

The pulp is extremely sweet, dense, and somewhat sticky, adhering both to the seed and to the teeth. When peeled, the skin separates easily, in a way similar to its Asian relatives longan and lychee. However, the flavor is not grape-like, nor does it closely resemble widely known fruits. A faint grape-like nuance may be perceived, but it does not define the overall profile.

Rather than evoking familiar fruits, its aromatic character closely approaches that of Chamba (Campomanesia lineatifolia), sharing a deep sweetness and a strong sense of individuality that makes this fruit truly distinctive.

Because the pulp clings tightly to the seed, the most natural way to enjoy it is by gently sucking the pulp rather than chewing, although its rich sweetness often invites chewing.

Overall, Melicoccus lepidopetalus offers a highly unusual and rewarding sensory experience, especially appealing to collectors and growers seeking flavors outside the mainstream.