Plant No. 077 Yellow Nance (Byrsonima crassifolia)
📍 Location
Quarter
Southwest
Sixteenth
House – Field
Location Details
Directly in front of the volonteers kitchen
📄General Description
This Nance tree stands approximately 5 meters tall and is located directly next to the volunteer kitchen. Some of its branches extend over the slanted roof, causing part of the fruit yield to roll into the gutter during harvest season. As a result, we need to climb up daily during fruiting phases to retrieve the fallen fruits. The tree blooms beautifully and produces a generous amount of small yellow fruits. It grows in partial sun, in close proximity to several Guachepilín trees (Diphysa americana), which slightly filter the light and contribute to a diverse microhabitat around the kitchen area.
See also species entry: 👉 Yellow Nance (Byrsonima crassifolia)
🧬 Variety
The exact variety of this Nance tree is unknown. However, based on fruit quality and yield, it appears to be a productive cultivated type commonly found in the region, with small yellow fruits and a strong aroma.
🩺 Health Status
General Condition
The tree appears healthy and well-established. It grows vigorously, produces abundant flowers and fruit, and shows no signs of nutrient deficiency or structural damage
Pests and Diseases
No notable pest infestations or diseases have been observed so far. The foliage is clean and intact, and fruit development appears unaffected. Regular monitoring will continue, especially during flowering and fruiting phases.
🌱✚ Care Plan
Immediate Actions
After the current fruiting phase, selective pruning of overhanging branches is planned to reduce fruit drop into the kitchen gutter and prevent roof damage
Regular Tasks
No specific regular care tasks are currently required. The tree appears healthy and productive without additional interventions, but general observation continues during harvest season.
🔁 Replanting Option
Given the tree’s abundant flowering, flavorful fruits, and its resilience in some of the finca’s more challenging soil conditions, we plan to propagate around ten seedlings from fresh seeds. The fruits will be fully cleaned to improve germination, which typically occurs within 3 to 12 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown strong enough — around 30–40 cm tall — we will select the two or three most vigorous ones and plant them in suitable sunny or semi-shaded locations on the finca. This method allows us to reinforce this valuable species while maintaining diversity and soil adaptability.
🧺👥 Harvest Group
R3 – Fruiting or sensitive.
Currently fruiting – requires daily monitoring during peak season due to fruit drop into the kitchen gutter and onto the floor. Collection is integrated into the daily routine, with fruits typically picked from the ground or carefully retrieved from the roof area.
Each fruit weighs approx. 8.8 g. Last year’s yield was approximately 6 kg; this year we have already harvested 7 kg and expect another 5 kg to follow.
We believe that improved care, natural maturation of the tree, and a more systematic harvest routine have contributed to the increased yield.
Fruits do not need to be picked from the tree – they naturally drop when optimally ripe. However, they must be collected within a few hours, as they are quickly attacked by insects (possibly grasshoppers), which leave small bite marks. Fruits should ideally be processed the same day, as they begin to turn brown and develop a strong, cheesy flavor when overripe.
🔍 Observations
The flavor of ripe Nance fruits changes noticeably as they soften – from fruity and tangy to a more fermented, cheese-like note. While we currently use the fruits for sweet applications, such as blending them with a ripe banana into a creamy paste, we are also considering future experiments using Nance as a vegan cheese alternative. A small-scale fermentation trial is planned as part of this exploration.
📷 Photos
soon to be added
🎬 Related Media
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