Morinda citrifolia -- Noni

Morinda citrifolia -- Noni Noni is a small tree, rarely growing more than 20 feet high. Flowers are fused into a globose head which develops into a single, bumpy and warty fruit. When ripe or overripe, the skin of fruit becomes translucent and the flesh soft and foul smelling. Ripe fruit was used as a poultice for boils; flowers and fruits were eaten for kidney and bladder disorders. In recent years, noni has become a popular folk medicine, with claims that it can help with high blood pressure and cancers. Noni appears to have some beneficial effects, and it is being studied to further understand its potential for human health. Photos by Priscilla Millen.