What is Noni?

Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as Great morinda, Indian mulberry, Beach mulberry, Tahitian Noni, or since recently: Noni (from Hawaiian), Nono (in Tahitian), Nonu (in Tongan), and Ach (in Hindi). Morinda citrifolia is native to Southeast Asia but has been extensively spread by man throughout India and into the Pacific islands as far as the islands of French Polynesia, of which Tahiti is the most prominent.

Noni commonly grows in shady forests as well as on open rocky or sandy shores. It reaches maturity in about 18 months and then yields between 4-8 kg of fruit every month throughout the year. It is tolerant of saline soils, drought conditions, and secondary soil. It is therefore found in a wide variety of habitats: volcanic terrains, lava-strewn coasts, and clearings or limestone outcrops. There is about 80 variety of Noni. It can grow up to 9 m tall, and has large, simple, dark green, shiny and deeply veined leaves, and resemble breadfruit. Fruits initially are green in color until maturity, then rapidly change to a light yellow, then light yellow and translucent white.