Che Fruit / Melon Berry (Cudrania tricuspidata) CHUL RI

Che Fruit / Melon Berry (Cudrania tricuspidata) 'Chul Ri'

A promising Korean cultivar featuring exceptionally rapid growth and record-breaking early bearing.

The 'Chul Ri' variety is a newer addition to the exotic fruit world, originating from South Korea. It is highly praised by growers for its immense vitality and its ability to produce its first fruits almost immediately after planting. It is an ideal choice for those looking to quickly green their garden with a vigorous tree and enjoy unique melon-fig flavored fruits in a very short time.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Record Bearing: Often yields its first crop in the very first year after planting.
• High Vitality: A very fast-growing variety that establishes a full tree in a short period.
• Frost Hardiness: Proven resistance in harsh conditions (USDA Zone 5b).
• Organic Friendly: Total resistance to pests and diseases, no spraying required.
• Adaptable to various soil conditions and low maintenance.

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: South Korea. Promoted internationally by Cliff England, the renowned American expert on rare fruit trees.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor and Habit: Very vigorous and rapid growth. Reaches 3 to 5 meters in maturity, but can easily be maintained at a smaller size due to its excellent response to pruning.
• Shoot Traits: Young plants have small thorns as a natural defense, which gradually disappear on older wood.
• Pollination: A female selection. Note: As parthenocarpy is not yet fully confirmed for this new variety, planting with a male pollinator is recommended to ensure a successful harvest.

Fruit and Flavor

• Fruit Quality: Produces tasty, sweet fruits with a texture and aroma reminiscent of ripe mulberry, fig, and melon.
• Yield: Extremely precocious. Trees are capable of fruiting even at the nursery stage or during the first season after permanent planting.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Highly frost-hardy (down to -25 °C / -13 °F), making it suitable for most temperate regions.
• Diseases and Pests: An exceptionally "clean" tree—no diseases or insect pests have been observed.
• Soil: Adaptable, though it thrives best in deep, well-drained loamy soils.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Moisture: It is important to ensure consistent soil moisture, especially during summer heatwaves, to prevent premature fruit drop.
• Protection: We recommend protecting young trees from deer and wildlife until they are sufficiently established.
• Pruning: Due to its vigor, regular thinning cuts are advisable to keep the crown airy and the crop accessible.

Harvest

• Ripening: Late autumn. Like other Che fruits, 'Chul Ri' requires a long, sunny autumn to soften and reach peak sweetness.