Lemba-Curculigo latifolia

Linton starts with ...
As I am growing this species I would like to know how best to use Lemba plant to experience the sweetening sensation.

While it contains the the protein curculin, it works differently to Miracle Fruit. I read that Miracle Berries only make sour things taste sweet, but the curculin in Lemba can make neutral foods and drink, like a glass of water taste sweet.

Some sites say to chew the leaves while others say you eat the fruit. So would like to know if anyone has tried it and what was the method.

Curculigo latifolia is a type of palm grass from Borneo which has highly ornamental leaves as can be seen in the webpic below.

Pictures - Click to enlarge
Picture: 1

Linton says...
Hi Lkwthnu
Thanks a lot for your request for the Lemba plants. It's rare for anyone here to show an interest in this species and it's special characteristics.

Could you please let me know where you are located and what your climate is like there.

I'm finding that my very tiny seedlings don't like the cold much and have stopped growing over winter. I have grown the more common variety of Palm Grass - Curculigo capitulata - without any problems and is very easy to care for. But Curculigo latifolia is the only variety with sweetening properties and does not seem to be so hardy.

So I suggest to wait until it's warmer before I can send you any, as they are still so small, only about 2cm, and may not survive the transit. In the mean time please let me know your location and if it's a bit warmer where you are, they should grow very well. Cheers!

denise1 says...
Hi Lkwthnu, you can get the Lemba seeds, and maybe also plants from Fruitlovers seeds in Hawaii. They have a website.

Linton says...
The seeds were all planted nearly two years ago and have now grown into plants. Don't have any more sorry.

RobJones says...
Hi JonHolguin,

I live somewhat close to you, (same State) in San Jose. Were you able to purchase seeds/plant [from Hawaii)? If so, have you been able to grow them? I'd appreciate if you could share your experience growing Lema in our area. Thanks.

Linton says...
Attention RobJones,JonHolguin...

If you are able to grow Miracle Fruit there you should have no trouble with Lembas.

I am growing Curculigo latifolia here in Melbourne where it gets down to about 5 deg.C in Winter. So I keep them in pots under my patio to stay dry. It's best to keep them on the dry side over Winter as the roots tend to rot if they remain wet when it's cold.

These plants were all grown from seeds which germinated fast and very easily. Cheers!

Pictures - Click to enlarge
Picture: 1	Picture: 2	Picture: 3

RobJones says...
Thanks, Linton. I really need to write up tips/instructions on successfully growing Miracle Fruit here in NorCal climate and post it on the web for greater good.

Awesome photos! If you get a chance and could share write up with following info, it would really help all:

- Sources for seeds, How to grow from seeds (e.g. requirements of soil type, pH, temp, sunlight, water, humidity, hormones, how deep to seed in soil)
- What fertilizer and frequency to feed, etc. plant at various stages
- How to manage colder climate (e.g. winter)

Thanks! btw, I started experimenting w/ Miracle Fruit following the plant care instructions (not specific to California climate) provided on Logee's website.

RobJones says...
Thanks, Linton. That helps (relief!). Miracle Fruit is completely opposite in that if you don't factor those elements in when planting/growing them, they literally burn! It does not even survive on local tap water in long run. So, I am always cautious in dealing w/ tropicals.

RobJones says...
JonHolguin, any progress with the seeds? Hope things are going well w// it.

Regarding seeding mix, I came across following thread that you might want to have a look:

http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=15953.0

Bartacomus says...
Hey guys.. Ive recently tried to find all the Sweetness Enhancers. I have Miracle Berry growing well. But i have yet to get Thaumatoccus danielli (Katemfe/African Sweet Prayer) or Curculigo Latifolia (Lemba/Miracleplant)

So Far there are only 2 easily found sources. Trade Winds Fruit (huge selection.. but seemingly questionable germination rates) and Fruitlover.coms (he has a great selection out of Hawaii too)

Just received Lemba and Yoco from Fruitlovers (however the yoco smelt like feces and im afeared they were rotten on arrival, but the tiny Lemba seed sank in the water i soaked it in)
i Received several seeds of Katemfe from Trade Winds Fruit. but have yet to see a sprout.

So.. i would appreciate any ideas for NATIVE sources for these amazing plants. Supposedly both Thaumatococcus and Curculigo are easily propagated by rhizome. In regard to finicky, protracted seed.. that would make some sense and maybe help these guys become a little more popular.

ideas? sources?

Julie says...
"e; I would like to know how best to use Lemba plant to experience the sweetening sensation."e;
I notice no-one has attempted to actually answer Linton'e original question.

denise1 says...
Yep I just noticed too that Lintons photos of 8 Dec 2017 appears to be that of a palm. The Lemba does nt have divided leaves. They grow ok with good light at the foot of a north-facing wall with side and top shelter of a nice bushy jade plant, and a mulch of coco fibre. They can be difficult to get past the germination stage. If they are perishing in the seed tray, just try planting some out early , with care.

denise1 says...
The Lemba seedlings can die easily at the small stage.If that starts to happen I would plant the survivors out in the ground with some protection and some compost or potting mix added. It works for many plants when the roots find real soil. I can get some nice orange tamarillo seeds that are of a highly regarded variety in NZ. Email is bentanemahuta at gmail dot com.