Visnea mocanera, known locally as moham, is a herb native to the Canary Islands and now found in Madeira. It faces conservation concerns due to habitat loss across its limited range. In the Canary archipelago it carries its local names mokano and mocanero, while on Madeira its name variations reflect regional usage. This plant’s endangered status highlights the need for habitat protection across these islands.
Mocam Characteristics
Moham is a compact tree that typically reaches about five meters in height, though some individuals can grow taller, up to around fifteen meters. It has a sturdy structure and a modest, rounded crown that suits both natural landscapes and cultivated settings.
The plant makes a striking addition to homes and gardens, offering a natural fragrance that can permeate indoor spaces with ease.
The plant blooms from December through March, producing flowers that display a delicate aroma when fully open.
There is a note that Andromeda is described as a plant with a pleasant scent and attractive blossoms, with a visual nod to its presence in nature, though the primary focus here remains on moham and its characteristics.
Moham also bears fruit that has historically been used in natural medicine and traditional remedies.
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Insights about the tree reveal interesting curiosities and emphasize the importance of protecting moham today.
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Moham’s Trunk
The moham tree features a long, robust trunk with a grayish hue. It can exceed ten meters in height and naturally occurs only on the Canary Islands and Madeira, thriving at elevations ranging from 300 to 1,000 meters above sea level.
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Moham’s Flowers
Moham flowers in winter, from December to March. The tiny white blossoms cluster along branches, hanging from the leaves, and resemble delicate bells. The most striking feature is the sweet, inviting fragrance they release.
Aloe vera is mentioned here as another widely valued home plant for reference and ease of care.
Fruits of Moham
The tree also bears fruits traditionally used as natural medicine. In the Canary Islands these fruits are known by local names and appear as small, round berries. They start green, progress to red as they mature, then deepen to purple and ultimately darken to nearly black when fully ripe.
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Island natives have historically used the fruits of Moham to craft a type of honey with anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
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Where Does Moham Grow?
Specimens are found in the Canary Islands (with Lanzarote being less common), and Madeira, where they are most prevalent on the colorful and recognizable islands. They also occur on La Palma, La Gomera, and Tenerife, with slightly reduced presence in Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
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For healthy development, Moham benefits from direct sun and shows strong resilience to high temperatures.