History
Noni, also called nono, has the scientific name Morinda citrifolia and belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Although it is commonly called nono in French, in Martinique, as in the rest of the Caribbean, the name noni is the one used. Noni is also the name given to its juice. The fruit originates from India, Pakistan, and Australia.
It is believed to have been introduced to the French islands of the Lesser Antilles in 1782, after which it spread to the other islands of the Caribbean. Today, it is found throughout the tropical regions of the world.
Varieties
There are three varieties of noni:
- Morinda citrifolia var. citrifolia, the typical and most widespread variety on the planet. Within this variety, there are two main types: the large-fruited noni with oval leaves found in Martinique, and the small-fruited noni with elongated leaves (common in Micronesia).
- Morinda citrifolia cv. “Potteri”, a variegated noni with green and white leaves found in Hawaii.
- Morinda citrifolia var. bracteata, found in Indonesia and other regions along the boundary between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This variety has visible bracts beneath the fruits.
Noni grows mainly in dry coastal forests and on sandy shorelines.
It reproduces by seed. Flowering occurs from August to October.
The tree is relatively small, reaching 3 to 6 meters in height.
The first fruits appear about one year after planting, although the tree only reaches full maturity after two years. From that point on, it produces around 8 kg of fruit per month.
The fruits, oval or globular in shape, are composed of multiple fused berries. They are initially green, then turn yellow, and finally become whitish or beige when ripe. Mature noni fruits are about the size of an apple. Noni has a distinctive smell and taste.
Medicinal properties
In the Caribbean, the noni tree is known as the “painkiller tree,” and the fruit is called the “miracle fruit.” It is used to relieve sprains and fractures and to reduce fever. Noni is also known for easing arthritis, soothing menstrual pain, strengthening the immune system, and regulating blood sugar levels.
In Asia, it is used to treat urinary problems, diabetes, flu, painful periods, and hemorrhages. In Southeast Asia, noni is used for sore throats and oral health issues. In the Philippines, it is used as an intestinal purifier.
In the Pacific, especially in Polynesia, where it is more common, it is recognized for reducing hypertension, regulating sleep and mood cycles, boosting energy, and acting as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that protects the digestive and cardiovascular systems. It is also considered an antihistamine, used to reduce pain and inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors.
Uses
Although still relatively unknown in Martinique, you may find noni on the stalls of fruit and vegetable vendors, as shown in the photo. It is mainly used for its medicinal properties, and most often made into juice. On the island, it can also be found as a liqueur, oil, or syrup.
Elsewhere in the world, it is also sold in capsule form.
However, the French Food Safety Agency recommends consuming noni in moderation, no more than 30 milliliters per day.
