Ikako: cultivation and characterization

Ikako - this plum, which has many names. It is widely known as gold or coconut. It is worth considering in more detail the features of the plant, as well as the nuances of cultivation.

Golden plum is presented in the form of a small tree, which has a very dense crown. Most often, the plum is not called a tree, but a shrub, as its height reaches only one meter. Ikako Plum grows most often in tropical areas near coastal zones. This plant is well cultivated on the coast of Africa. The presented variety is heat-loving, therefore, even at the most insignificant frosts it can die. However, this tree has one important feature - it is resistant to salinity of the soil, which allows not only to grow plums on salty soil, but also to protect the soil on coastal lands.

The growth of the fruits of Ikako plum can be compared with the grape, as they reach full maturity only by the end of summer. The color of the fruit can be different: pale pink, bright red, and sometimes the fruits are almost black. The taste of the plum is sweet, slightly tart. Inside, like any other sort of plums, there is a big bone, but it is rather badly separated from the pulp. The flesh of such a plum has a white and yellow color.

Ikako plum is mainly consumed fresh, but, like any other fruit, it can be canned or made from it. Making jam, jam or jelly from pulp is a pleasure, and the result is extremely tasty and fragrant. It should be noted that in ancient times, natural dye with black color was made from the fruit of the Ikako tree. In addition, the popular seeds of this variety, which are used as the basis for the preparation of butter.

Ikako fruits have a number of positive qualities. For example, fresh fruits and products that are obtained after processing have a laxative effect. Therefore, the plum is recommended to use for people who have problems with the intestinal tract. Another important property that the fruits of this plum possess is the removal of harmful cholesterol from the body.

The composition of Ikako plum includes a large number of useful components that can have a positive effect on the human body, namely:

• the plant includes an increased concentration of fiber and has a laxative nature that helps to cope with constipation;
• thanks to pectin, which is located in Ikako, radionuclides, heavy metals and salts can be removed from the body, in addition, this fruit helps lower cholesterol levels;
• this variety helps to normalize water metabolism due to potassium, it will also be useful for people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases;
• has a beneficial effect on the blood vessels of coumarin, which is part of the plums, because it prevents the appearance of thrombosis and helps to expand the coronary vessels;
• regular use of plums helps to cope with gout and atherosclerosis;
• Ikako fruits are able to regulate the level of insulin in the blood, so they are recommended for people with a disease such as diabetes.

If we talk about contraindications to the use of Ikako fruit, they are almost absent. The exception is made by people who have an individual intolerance of the given fruit. It is not recommended to use these plums in large quantities by those who were not previously familiar with the fruits. And also, the presented variety should not be given to young children, since it has a laxative effect, which is undesirable at an early age without the appointment of a specialist.

There are contraindications regarding the use of secondary products made from Ikako plums. For example, dried plums should not be used by people suffering from obesity, and plum juice should be abandoned to those who have rheumatism or gout.

Like any other plums, Ikako can be consumed fresh, in addition, they can be prepared as a dessert. Very often the presented grade is used as the main ingredient in preparation of jam or jelly. Often, the plum can be a delicious addition to baking or ice cream. There are other uses for this variety. Even today, this tropic plum is used to create a natural black dye. The main ingredient in this case is the pulp. Do not disregard the bones of the fruit, which is processed to create butter. After that, they create fragrant soap, grease and candles.

No less valuable is the shrub itself, which also has a number of positive qualities. From the leaves of Ikako make tea. It has a beneficial effect on the kidneys and helps to solve problems related to the urogenital system. The bark and leaves of the shrub are widely used in medicine. They are prescribed for high blood sugar, dysentery and intestinal upset.

The natural environment for growing coconut plum is located on the coastal areas of America. And also it can be found on the coastal areas of the African continent. Despite such exotic conditions, it is possible to grow this plum in almost any territory. It can germinate in a swampy lowland, dry woodlands, a damp forest zone, and even savanna, which is prone to frequent fires. Due to the fact that the shrub of this variety has creeping roots of the earth, which can extract moisture even in the deepest layer of the earth, the drain can withstand a long dry period.

Ikako can be grown with the help of seeds, and it breeds them. Seeds tolerate large birds. And also it should be noted that the seeds can be transported even by water. The fruits of the presented varieties can be in the water for many months, and they will not lose their germination. But if we consider our country, then not all regions are suitable for growing.

In addition, certain greenhouse conditions and temperature conditions, which can only be created artificially, will be required. Despite the fact that the soil for the shrub fit almost any, even a weak coolness can finally destroy the plant. There are reviews of those who have already tried to grow this variety in our regions. With proper care and compliance with the rules of growing plum gives fruit.

An overview of all varieties of plums and their characteristics are presented in the following video.