Cuban scientists are researching — in the unique conditions of this island country — the characteristics and uses of the 'noni' tree, which has medicinal and nutritional properties. The study is under way in the eastern Cuban province of Granma, where this year some 15,000 hectares are to be dedicated to the noni, a plant native to Polynesia.

Alfredo Peña, chief of the natural products laboratory at the University of Granma, said the scientists involved in the project are investigating the possibility of obtaining a food supplement derived from the noni.

The noni tree (Morinda citrifolia L.) can grow six or seven meters tall, is abundant in the Antilles, Central America, Asia and Oceania (including Australia), and grows best in virgin soils and close to the sea.

In addition to its medicinal qualities, the fruit of this plant is rich in fiber, protein, iron, vitamin C, calcium and zinc, and is used as a supplement in the form of juice, tablets, capsules and tea.