Lemba-Curculigo latifolia (forum)

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.


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Time: 31st January 2016 8:11pm

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Original Post was last edited: 31st January 2016 8:15pm

About the Author Linton
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Lkwthnu says...
I am interested in this plant specimen Curculigo latifolia aka Lemba. Would you be interested in sending me some cuttings or seeds. I will pay. If interested please contact me at lkwthnu@gmail.com

Time: 1st July 2016 2:47pm

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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!

Time: 4th July 2016 1:32pm

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Lkwthnu says...
Hi Linton,

Thank you for the feedback. I live in Puna, Hawaii so I'm sure it is warm enough to grow here.

If you do not feel the seeds would make the transit I am happy to wait. Thank you so much.

Time: 6th July 2016 11:24am

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

Time: 15th October 2016 9:21am

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JonHolguin says...
Hi Linton, I've been looking for Lemba seeds for a while now, and I've only just stumbled across this thread. Do you still have some of these available, and would you be willing to send some of them to me? I live in California, and I have a greenhouse, so I think I should be able to keep them alive if they survive the shipping.

Time: 10th November 2017 9:40am

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

Time: 11th November 2017 8:17pm

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RobJones says...
Hi,

Does anyone have experience in growing Curculigo latifolia? I mean what kind of low temps can it tolerate, etc? Basically, I would appreciate if you tell me what kind of soil, sun, temps, water, and fertilizer does it require? Here in Northern California, the temps go in low 40s at night in fall/winter and I wonder if it will survive in the ground. Also, how does it do if potted in a pot?

I have been growing Miracle Fruit for past 4-5 years and now very experienced in how to grow it here the NorCal climate.

Thanks.








Time: 6th December 2017 3:04pm

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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.

Time: 6th December 2017 3:10pm

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JonHolguin says...
Yes, I was able to purchase it. But I haven’t had any seeds germinate yet. I’ll keep you posted.

Time: 7th December 2017 5:18pm

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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

Time: 8th December 2017 6:22pm

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Original Post was last edited: 8th December 2017 6:24pm

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RobJones says...
Great! Looking forward to your update/images. Thanks.

Time: 9th December 2017 3:42pm

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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.

Time: 13th December 2017 1:51pm

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Linton says...
To germinate Lemba seeds I never took any notice of those things you mention like pH, sunlight, humidity, etc. Just did the usual things like sow them in seed raising mix from the store and keep them moist and they just grew.

The plants don't seem to like strong sun so I keep them in full shade all year round as they are an understory plant. Never bothered to fertilise them but it might help. Don't let the soil be too wet as they are prone to rotting. Hope this helps.

Time: 18th December 2017 8:13pm

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Original Post was last edited: 18th December 2017 8:15pm

About the Author Linton
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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.

Time: 19th December 2017 11:24am

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JonHolguin says...
So I have yet to see anything germinate from my Curculigo latifolia seeds. They are being kept in the same conditions as some Synsepalum seedlings which are looking great.

I’m not sure if I should try to move them elsewhere and change the conditions, but they are being quite slow so far.

Any helpful hints here? The temperature stays right around 29 C in my growth chamber, but dips maybe a few degrees at night. The humidity is around 60-65% and they are in my own vermiculite-based seeding mix.

What’s in the seeding mix you used Linton?

Time: 20th December 2017 8:00am

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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

Time: 25th January 2018 5:14pm

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JonHolguin says...
Hey Rob,

Thanks for the link! I’ll definitely take a look.
I havent had any luck with them. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to reorder some seeds when they’re available and try new conditions.

Time: 10th March 2018 9:57am

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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?

Time: 28th April 2019 4:29pm

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denise1 says...
Young palm grass starts to zoom with a mulch of fine coconut fibre. Might work for lemba too.

Time: 30th April 2019 8:23am

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

Time: 2nd May 2019 7:36pm

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About the Author Julie
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Bartacomus says...
Is this Lembah?

i have to be honest, and say the first picture looks completely different than the following 3 pictures. the 3 pictures looks like my betel palm.

id like to know if i got some look alike, or if im actually growing lemba?

since i only have one sprout will i be able to propagate this?

bart
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 10th June 2019 12:14am

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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.

Time: 10th June 2019 9:24am

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Original Post was last edited: 10th June 2019 6:23pm
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Bartacomus says...
Where do you get your Lembah.. and Katemfe?

My lemba got twice the size of my picture.. then something ate it.. and i dont know if its going to come back. :(
ive included a picture of the Katemfe African miracle plant, and the curculigo latifolia.. and a shot of their environment (please let me know if you see any errors <3 )

Hey Denise, on a side note.. do you ever have tree tomato there in NZ? the orange variety? tango tamarillo? Ive been trying for a year to start tree-tomato.. and the company who sells the sweet orange variety told me i cant have any seeds (even though it would help grow interest here) i talk about solanums to everyone i meet.
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Time: 26th July 2019 3:28am

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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.

Time: 27th July 2019 6:22am

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AlexVx says...
Is there any chance to order Lemba seed here in Europe ?
Trade Winds Fruit doesn't have it at the moment, and rarepalmseed have a very bad reputation selling old seeds

Time: 14th January 2024 7:26am

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