Sapodilla
Manilkara zapota
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Description
Sapodilla is a long-lived, evergreen tree native to southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It serves as an upper canopy layer in food forests, providing essential shade and habitat for various wildlife species. The tree's dense canopy and deep root system are effective for erosion control and soil stabilization, making it a valuable component in regenerative agriculture systems. Historically, sapodilla has been used for its latex, known as chicle, which was a primary ingredient in chewing gum. In agroecology, it is often paired with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea and ground covers such as sweet potato to enhance soil fertility and biodiversity.
Growing Details
Sapodilla requires a warm, frost-free climate and thrives in well-drained, loamy soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Soil should be enriched with organic matter before planting. Mulching with organic materials helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as marigolds can help deter pests. Common mistakes include overwatering and poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Harvest fruit when mature but firm, and allow it to ripen off the tree. Store ripe fruit in a
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Sweetener
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Manilkara zapota</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to southern Mexico, Central America, a
applicable geo region: Tropical and subtropical regions
language used: en
Flowering:
?
Harvest:
middle
of Jun for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: The fruit of the sapodilla is highly valued for its sweet, malty flavor and is consumed fresh or used in desserts, smoothies, and beverages. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals such as potassium and iron. The fruit is typically harvested when it is fully mature but still firm, and it ripens off the tree. Care should be taken to avoid consuming the seeds, which are not edible.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Sapodilla has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The fruit is believed to aid digestion and boost the immune system, while the bark and leaves have been used to treat diarrhea and fever. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using sapodilla medicinally, especially for those with existing health conditions.
health concerns: The seeds of the sapodilla are not edible and should be avoided.
other uses: The sapodilla tree produces a latex called chicle, historically used as a base for chewing gum. The wood is dense and durable, making it suitable for construction and furniture.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Manilkara zapota
common names: Sapodilla; Chikoo; Naseberry
family: Sapotaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Manilkara
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 10.0 m
growing difficulty: High
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 5 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Slow
max height: 18.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Sapodilla requires a warm, frost-free climate and thrives in well-drained, loamy soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Soil should be enriched with organic matter before planting. Mulching with organic materials helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as marigolds can help deter pests. Common mistakes include overwatering and poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Harvest fruit when mature but firm, and allow it to ripen off the tree. Store ripe fruit in a
Potential Disturbances: Sapodilla is susceptible to sapodilla weevils, fruit flies, and scale insects. Natural pest management includes introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids and scale. Companion planting with marigolds can help repel nematodes. Neem oil and garlic sprays are effective organic solutions for managing pest populations.
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