How to Grow Che Fruit
Maclura tricuspidata
Che fruit (Maclura tricuspidata) is a tough, disease-free small deciduous tree producing sweet raspberry-like fruits in midsummer. Hardy to -20C and tolerant of poor soil, drought, and urban conditions — a permaculture workhorse. You need both a male and female tree for fruit. Plant in full sun or light shade in any well-drained soil. Minimal care needed once established. Harvest the soft red fruits when they fall or come away easily in late summer.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertiliser as leaves emerge. Established trees need little additional feeding — they are remarkably self-sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote leafy growth over fruit.
Watch For
- Generally pest and disease free
- Scale insects on older wood
- Fruit drop in drought conditions
Companions
Comfrey, Yarrow, Mulberry, Goumi
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to light shade
Fruits best in full sun but tolerates light shade. Young trees establish well in partial shade and can be moved to sunnier positions as they mature.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established
Water young trees regularly in the first 2-3 years. Established trees are remarkably drought-tolerant and rarely need supplementary watering except in extreme dry spells during fruiting.
Fertilizing
Light balanced feed in spring
Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertiliser as leaves emerge. Established trees are self-sufficient and rarely need additional feeding. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds.
Pruning
Light winter pruning when dormant
Prune in late winter to shape and remove crossing branches. Light annual pruning is sufficient. The tree bleeds milky latex when cut. Avoid heavy summer pruning.
Growing Tips
You need both male and female trees
Che is dioecious — a single tree will not fruit. Plant at least one male within 15m of female trees. One male can pollinate several females. Some nurseries sell grafted self-fertile selections.
Harvest when fruits are deep red and soft
Ripe che fruits are deep red to burgundy and give easily when squeezed. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or made into jam. Unripe fruits are bland — wait for full colour.
Tolerates almost any soil
Che will grow in clay, sand, chalk, and even rubble. It is one of the most soil-tolerant fruiting trees available. Poor soil is not a problem — enrich only when establishing young trees.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 500 cm |
| Row spacing | 500 cm |
| Mature height | 500 cm |
| Mature spread | 500 cm |
Plant male and female trees within 15m of each other for pollination. Allow 4-6m spread. Can be kept smaller by pruning. Tolerates a wide range of soils and conditions. A useful permaculture tree for tough spots.
