Noni is a fruit bearing tree popular for its medicinal properties. It is also known as Indian Mulberry, beach mulberry and cheese fruit. Its scientific name is Morinda citrifolia. Noni belongs to the coffee family of plant. Noni tree grows well in Indian coastal areas and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Noni seeds are capable of floating in the water which is why it flourishes in coastal areas. It can be cultivated in open spaces and coconut plantations. As noni regularly gives fruit, it ensures permanent income for the farmer.
Noni blooms and bears fruit every month. Noni fruit contains hundreds of seeds but the seeds are not used for its propagation. The major drawback of noni seeds is that it takes upto 6-12 months to sprout.
Planting method
- Graft saplings of noni plant is used for propagation.
- Make holes that have 1.5 feet length, width and depth at a distance of two metre.
- Add lime and cow dung in the holes and plant the saplings.
- Graft saplings bloom after two years of planting.
- Water the plants once in a week during summer.
It has been proved that noni prevents cancer, diabetes, allergy, heart diseases, lung diseases and liver diseases. It also helps to boost immunity.
Leaves and fruits of noni contain ursolic acid which helps resist skin cancer. Also beta-sitosterol in noni can control cholesterol. The fruit is a rich source of antioxidants.
Noni is used to make cosmetic products, anti-ageing drinks, health drinks and even tea. Various part of noni plant is used as an organic pesticide and bio fertiliser.
