Miracle Berry Plant

Miracle fruit is a slow-growing evergreen shrub from tropical West Africa. Its red berries contain miraculin, which temporarily changes how sour foods taste; the plant needs warm, frost-free conditions and is commonly grown in a container in Florida. [UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/miracle-fruit/) ## Growing conditions Give the shrub full sun to part shade and slightly acidic soil; UF/IFAS notes that a pH near 5 is suitable. It tends to remain small in Florida, though it can reach greater heights in tropical conditions. Its small white flowers and glossy green leaves accompany the edible red fruit. The species is evergreen and slow-growing, with ultimate size varying by climate and growing conditions. ## Fruit and placement Use it as a container fruit shrub where winter cold is a concern. The berry itself is not strongly sweet, but miraculin can make sour foods taste sweet for roughly 15 minutes to an hour after eating it. Do not assume that this taste effect changes the acidity or nutrition of the foods eaten afterward. ## Maintenance Keep it frost-free and irrigate during dry periods. In Florida landscapes, UF/IFAS recommends container culture or a warm South Florida site with non-alkaline soil; follow local guidance outside those conditions.