My 2.5 years old Nance (
Byrsonima crassifolia) seedling flowered and fruited for the first time.
I had found some contradictions from what I read online about the species.
1. Slow growing shrub
Definitely not. My 2.5 years old seedling is already 15+ft high, even after two cropping! I have seen not many plants that grow at this pace.
2. Fruits are sweetly acidic
In my experience, they are sweet with no hint of acidity at any stage of ripeness. Yes, I read that there are variations in the species.
3. Fruits are peculiarly odorous
No. I felt the scent of ripe fruits comparable to that of honey (but, the aroma is strong).
4. Plants are semi-deciduous
No. Plants are ever-green
Note: The not-completely ripe fruits smell and taste (with some astringency) like Canistel. The completely ripe fruits have pleasant aroma, which can be compared to that of honey. But, the aroma is strong. The ripe fruits are moderately sweet with no hint of sourness. The flavor can be described like a mix of Ceylon olive, Canistel and Banana. I have tasted only a few ripe fruits. The plant is still in bloom.