Family: Sapotaceae
Author: (L.) P.Royen
Bibliography: Blumea 7: 410 (1953)
Year: 1953
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Manilkara
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Colombia
Description
Sapodilla, scientifically known as Manilkara zapota, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. Endemic to the regions extending from Mexico to Colombia, this plant thrives in warm, humid climates, making it a staple in both public and private gardens throughout these areas.
The sapodilla tree is notable for its durability and enduring lifespan. Typically reaching heights of 30 to 40 meters, it is characterized by its dense, round crown and leathery, dark green leaves that provide ample shade. The bark exudes a milky latex called chicle, historically significant for its use in chewing gum production.
One of the key highlights of the sapodilla tree is its fruit, also known as sapodilla. The fruits are generally oval to round in shape, boasting a rough, brown skin that conceals a sweet, grainy, and juicy flesh. When ripe, the fruit has a flavor profile often likened to brown sugar or pear, making it a delightful treat for those who encounter it. Each fruit typically contains 1 to 6 hard, black seeds that should be removed before consumption.
Cultivating sapodilla trees is a rewarding endeavor, albeit requiring patience. The trees flourish in well-drained, sandy soils and require minimal care once established. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand brief periods of flooding, showcasing their resilience. However, they prefer full sun exposure and benefit from occasional fertilization to encourage fruit production.
Beyond its delectable fruit, sapodilla has been valued for its traditional medicinal uses in various indigenous cultures. The fruit is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. Its consumption is believed to have various health benefits, including aiding in digestion, bolstering the immune system, and providing a good source of energy.
In summary, the sapodilla or Manilkara zapota is a remarkable plant that not only contributes to biodiversity and local agriculture but also enriches the culinary and cultural experiences of the regions it inhabits. Its resilience and multifaceted benefits underscore its importance in both horticulture and everyday life. For further detailed information, one may refer to the comprehensive description provided in Blumea 7: 410 (1953) by (L.) P. Royen.
Common Names
Deu: breiapfelbaum, kaugummibaum, sapodillbaum, sapote
Eng: sapodilla, chicle, naseberry, sapote, misple, mespel, sapodille, sapotilla
Spa: chico sapote, níspero, zapote, zapotillo, sapodilla
Por: sapoti
Fra: sapotier, sapotillier
Swe: sapotillplommon
En: Sapodilla, Chicle, Naseberry, Sapote, Misple, Mespel, Sapodille, Sapotilla
Fr: Sapotier, Sapotillier, Sapotille, Sapote
De: Breiapfelbaum, Kaugummibaum, Sapodillbaum, Sapote
Pt: Sapoti
Es: Chico sapote, Níspero, Zapote, Zapotillo, Sapodilla
Sv: Sapotillplommon
Synonyms
- Achras coriacea (Lundell)
- Achras dactylina (Lundell)
- Lucuma mammosa ((L.) C.F.Gaertn.)
- Mimusops grisebachii (Pierre)
- Lucuma zapota var. anguai (Rojas Acosta)
- Sapota achras var. sphaerica (A.DC.)
- Achras sapota (L.)
- Manilkara achras ((Mill.) Fosberg)
- Achras tchicomame (Perr.)
- Achras paludosa (Lundell)
- Manilkara tabogaensis (Gilly)
- Achras sapatilla (J.Paul & W.Arnold)
- Achras calderonii ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Achras zapota var. zapotilla (Jacq.)
- Achras zapota var. globosa (Stokes)
- Lucuma zapota ((L.) Urb.)
- Achras zapota var. lobata ((A.DC.) Pierre)
- Nispero achras ((Mill.) Aubrév.)
- Manilkariopsis meridionalis ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Achras tabogaensis ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Manilkara zapotilla ((Jacq.) Gilly)
- Achras zapota var. pedicellaris (Pierre)
- Achras occidentalis (Cels ex Ten.)
- Manilkara meridionalis var. caribbensis (Gilly)
- Achras latiloba (Lundell)
- Manilkariopsis striata ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Achras gaumeri ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Manilkariopsis rojasii ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Achras conzattii ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Achras rojasii ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Sapota zapotilla ((Jacq.) Coville ex Safford)
- Achras zapota var. ovalis (Stokes)
- Vitellaria mammosa ((L.) Radlk.)
- Sapota achras (Mill.)
- Sapota achras var. lobata (A.DC.)
- Manilkara breviloba (Gilly)
- Achras zapota var. candollei (Pierre)
- Achras breviloba ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Calospermum mammosum ((L.) Pierre)
- Manilkara striata (Gilly)
- Achras petenensis ((Lundell) Lundell)
- Achras verrucosa (Stokes)
- Achras zapota f. asperma (M.Gómez)
- Achras meridionalis ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Achras zapota var. major (Jacq.)
- Achras zapota var. typica (Stehlé)
- Achras lobulata ((Lundell) Lundell)
- Achradelpha mammosa ((L.) O.F.Cook)
- Achras zapota (L.)
- Calocarpum mammosum ((L.) Pierre)
- Achras zapota var. sphaerica ((A.DC.) Pierre)
- Achras zapotilla ((Jacq.) Nutt.)
- Manilkara grisebachii ((Pierre) Dubard)
- Manilkara rojasii (Gilly)
- Manilkara conzattii (Gilly)
- Manilkara calderonii (Gilly)
- Manilkariopsis petenensis (Lundell)
- Achras striata ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Manilkariopsis lobulata (Lundell)
- Manilkara meridionalis (Gilly)
- Achras tainteriana (Lundell)
- Manilkariopsis tabogaensis ((Gilly) Lundell)
- Pouteria mammosa ((L.) Cronquist)
- Gambeya mammosa ((L.) Pierre)
- Manilkara gaumeri (Gilly)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Bahamas (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Cayman Is. (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Southwest Caribbean (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by Priyanka Pundir (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 9, 2021 by Jarosław Przybyła (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 31, 2020 by Akma Izzati (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2019 by Segaran Pravind (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2021 by parag kulkarni (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 7, 2022 by Vikram An Animal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 6, 2021 by Rickman Mike (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 17, 2019 by pavin pankajan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2020 by ramada rico (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Sofian Yap (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 16, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 7, 2020 by ijaz shaheer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Tanu Sarathe (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Dec 14, 2021 by New Gi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 9, 2020 by Franck Prejger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2022 by luana zamprogno (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Shreyash S (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 15, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Anapayini Radha dd Anapayini Radha dd (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2022 by DTR (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Gomes Alex (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 4, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 28, 2009 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2009 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2009 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2885158)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:152641-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 4.0