Noni

Scientific name: Morinda citrifolia

POWO Status: Shrub or Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 58.15″ N, 64° 49′ 46.15″ W

Medicinal Uses

Morinda citrifolia, or Noni, is traditionally used for broad medicinal purposes, including as an antibacterial, analgesic (pain reliever), anti-inflammatory, and immune stimulant, with roots, leaves, bark, flowers, and fruit all used for ailments like infections, arthritis, digestive issues, and skin problems, though strong scientific evidence for many claims is still developing, with some studies showing promise for antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-diabetic effects.

Traditional Uses

Infections: Colds, bacterial infections, fungal issues, tuberculosis.
Pain & Inflammation: Arthritis, headaches, menstrual pain, skin inflammation, wounds.
Digestive Issues: Gastritis, diarrhea, constipation.
Immune Support: General immune enhancement.
Other: Fever, respiratory infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, stress reduction, skin conditions (psoriasis, aging).

Scientific Findings & Potential Benefits

Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory: Contains potent antioxidants and shows promise in reducing inflammation.
Anticancer Activity: Studies suggest potential against various cancer cell lines, though more clinical trials are needed.
Antimicrobial: Evidence for antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Metabolic Health: Shows potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects.
Nervous System: Can be anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and supportive for memory.

Important Considerations

Evidence: While traditional use is extensive, robust clinical evidence for many uses is limited or mixed, requiring more research.
Safety: Generally considered safe as a supplement, but rare cases of liver damage have been reported, so caution is advised for those with liver conditions or who consume alcohol.

Observations:

**Phenological Markers – Noni (Morinda citrifolia)**

1. Leaf Behavior
Noni is evergreen, with large, opposite, glossy leaves that are broad, ovate, and sometimes wavy at the edges.

Leaf drop is infrequent, though older leaves may yellow and fall throughout the year.
New leaves are lighter green and emerge regularly with no strong seasonal pattern.

Observation Tips:

Monitor for young leaf emergence, especially after rainfall.
Watch for leaf yellowing near the base of branches—normal aging rather than stress.

2. Flowering
Flowers are small, white, tubular, and emerge from conical green flower heads.

Noni flowers continuously throughout the year, often with multiple stages (flowering, fruiting) present at once on the same plant.
Pollinated primarily by small insects and self-compatible.

Observation Tips:

Track emergence of new flower heads and flower density per head.
Observe insect interactions, particularly in early morning.

3. Fruiting
The fruit is an irregular, bumpy compound structure, starting green and ripening to pale yellow-white.

Ripe fruit has a strong, cheesy or fermented odor.
Fruits are present nearly year-round, with peak production following rainfall.
Seeds are dispersed by animals and water.

Observation Tips:

Record fruit formation, ripening, and drop.
Note the distinct smell of ripe fruit and animal interest (rats, birds, even crabs).
Monitor for fermentation or mold on fallen fruits.

4. Growth Habit
Noni grows as a small tree or large shrub, usually 10–20 feet tall, and is resilient in poor soils and saline conditions.

Commonly found in disturbed areas, roadsides, and coastal edges, making it ecologically flexible.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

Year-round: Leaf production, flowering, and fruiting occur continuously
May–Nov: Increased fruit set and ripening following rain
Dec–Apr: Reduced fruit load but still active growth and flowering