(also referred to as...)
Nonu, Nono, Indian Mulberry, Noni Juice
Latin Name: Morinda citrifolia
Description
The Noni tree is native to Tahiti and Hawaii and is used as a general healing aid. The fruit is revered for its health benefits and has been used by Polynesians for over 2,000 years. Indigenous healers from Malaysia, the Philippines, Southeast Asia, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, and Hawaii all employ Noni in a variety of preparations to treat many ailments.
Often found along lava flows, this small evergreen tree also grows in open coastal regions and in forested regions up to 425 metres above sea level. The colourful fruit changes from green to yellow to white when it has ripened and falls from the tree. The mature fruit looks like a grenade and resembles a potato in size. The surface is covered by warty, irregular-shaped pitted cells, and has a fetid odour.
Noni fruit is often harvested before fully ripe. It is left in direct sunlight or gallon jar until ripened and then mashed into a purée. The juice is extracted through a cloth and prepared as a tonic. It is most commonly mixed with grape, blueberry, and other fruit juices to reduce the unpleasant taste.
Noni contains an abundance of enzymes, including proxeronine and proxeronase. These substances combine in the intestine to produce xeronine, an alkaloid substance that facilitates cell growth and reproduction.
