
Looking for a nance fruit tree that thrives in Florida heat? At Everglades Farm we grow nance trees (Byrsonima crassifolia) — also called nanche, nancite, changunga, craboo, or hogberry — for home growers across Florida, Texas, and the subtropical U.S. Drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and loaded with flavor. Browse our Florida-grown nance trees below.
Why Grow a Nance Fruit Tree?
The nance is a tropical evergreen plant native to the tropical regions of the Americas — grown across Mexico, Central America, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Caribbean for centuries. It produces clusters of small bright yellow berry-like fruit with a round shape and smooth texture. The pulp is creamy white with a sweet-tangy flavor — part banana, part lychee, part pear, with a faint cheesy twist that makes it genuinely unlike anything else. Its versatility in the kitchen is part of why it's been a staple from Mexico to Panama for centuries. For Florida and Texas growers it's also practical: highly drought-tolerant, adapts to sandy soils, resists most pests, and fruits reliably with minimal care. A standout among our exotic fruit trees and fast-growing trees.
How to Choose the Right Nance Tree
By Variety
- Yellow nance (what we sell): Classic golden-yellow, sweet-tangy pulp — the variety used in traditional recipes and drinks across Latin America.
- Red nance: A separate species (Malpighia mexicana) common in Mexico — a different fruit entirely, rarely available in the U.S.
By Climate & Cold Tolerance
- USDA Zones 9–11: Nance thrives here — heat- and drought-tough, right at home in Florida and South Texas.
- Cooler zones: Protect young trees below 40°F. Pair with picks from our cold-hardy fruit trees collection.
By Space
- Small yards & patios: Trees arrive at 2–3 feet, container-friendly and easy to move indoors. See our best trees for pots.
- In-ground: Mature trees reach 15–25 feet — a striking landscape specimen.
Nance Tree Growing & Care Guide
The nanche tree is one of the most forgiving tropicals you can plant. Young trees need consistent watering to establish — keep the soil evenly moist for the first year. Once established, mature trees are highly drought-tolerant and need very little intervention.
- Zones: Best in-ground in USDA Zones 9–11; container-grow elsewhere.
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade — full sun for best fruit.
- Soil: Adaptable to sandy or poor soils; keep it well-draining.
- Water: Regular watering for young trees; established trees handle dry spells well.
- Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer every 6–8 weeks — browse our fertilizer collection.
- Pruning: Light annual pruning to shape and remove dead branches.
- Time to fruit: 3–5 years — ripe nance turns golden and drops easily in summer.
Great companions: Spanish lime (mamoncillo), soursop, and sapodilla from our tropical trees collection.
How to Enjoy Nance Fruit
Rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants, calcium, iron, magnesium, and copper — good for immunity, digestion, and general wellness. The versatility of nance in the kitchen is one of its greatest appeals:
- Fresh: Eat straight off the tree with lime and chili — the classic Latin American way.
- Preserves: Turn your harvest into jams, jellies, and syrups — nance's tartness makes outstanding homemade preserves.
- Frozen treats: Blend into smoothies or freeze into popsicles.
- Drinks: Press into juices, steep into infusions, or ferment into the famous crema de nance and chicha de nance.
- Desserts & pastries: Bake into pastries or make pesada de nance, a traditional sweet custard-like dessert.
Pair it with the miracle fruit plant for a fun tasting experience. Note: nance pits aren't edible; those with acerola allergies should be cautious.
What Growers Are Saying
Our nance fruit tree averages 4.33 stars across 9 verified reviews.
"Thank you! I am happy with the plant. It arrived healthy, beautiful and strong!"
★★★★★ CH, Verified buyer — June 2026
"These trees were in excellent condition when I received them… The trees are doing well and I am very pleased with my order. I would consider ordering again from Everglades Farm."
★★★★★ Linda Parish, Verified buyer — July 2025
"A bit small but will grow in time. Was packed very securely. Shipping was fast and tree arrived healthy. Good purchase."
★★★★★ Sil, Verified buyer — November 2025
Read every review on the nance fruit tree product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a nance tree take to bear fruit?
Typically 3–5 years with full sun, well-draining soil, and regular feeding.
What does nance fruit taste like?
Sweet-tangy with creamy white pulp — often compared to banana, pear, and lychee. Eaten fresh or made into drinks, jams, and fermented beverages.
Can you grow a nance tree in a container?
Yes — our trees start at 2–3 feet and do well in large pots. Move indoors below 40°F. In-ground in Zones 9–11 they reach 15–25 feet.
Is a nance tree easy to grow?
Very. Drought-tolerant, adapts to poor sandy soils, resists most pests — just give it full sun and frost protection while young.
What's the difference between nance and nanche?
Same fruit — regional spellings of Byrsonima crassifolia, also known as nancite, changunga, craboo, or hogberry. Red nance (guajacote) is a different species entirely.

