Canistel, or Pouteria campechiana, is a tropical fruit tree native to southern Mexico and Central America. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree, reaching up to 10 meters in height. The tree produces bright yellow, egg-shaped fruits with a sweet, custard-like pulp, rich in beta-carotene and other nutrients. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Canistel serves as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, providing shade and habitat for wildlife, thus enhancing biodiversity. It is well-suited for agroforestry systems due to its adaptability to various soil types and its role in soil stabilization and erosion prevention. Historically, Canistel has been valued not only for its fruit but also for its durable wood used in construction and furniture making. It can be integrated into guilds with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea and ground covers such as sweet potato to enhance soil fertility and suppress weeds.
Growing Details
Canistel thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching with organic materials like straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with nitrogen-fixing species like pigeon pea can enhance soil fertility. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they are fully yellow and slightly soft to the touch. Store ripe fruits in a co
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Pouteria campechiana</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 and Central America
applicable geo region: Tropical regions
language used: en
Flowering:
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Harvest:
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Seed Start:
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Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: The fruit of Canistel is consumed fresh or used in desserts, smoothies, and baked goods. Its sweet, creamy texture makes it a popular ingredient in custards and ice creams. The fruit is typically harvested when fully ripe, as it continues to ripen off the tree. It is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Canistel has been used in folk medicine for its potential to support eye health due to its high beta-carotene content. However, scientific validation of its medicinal properties is limited. The fruit should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
health concerns: High sugar content; consume in moderation.
other uses: The wood of Canistel is durable and used for construction and making furniture. It is also valued for its role in agroforestry systems as a windbreak and erosion-preventing plant.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Pouteria campechiana
common names: Eggfruit; Yellow Sapote; Canistel
family: Sapotaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Pouteria
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 8.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(10/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 10.0 m
max width: 5.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Canistel thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Mulching with organic materials like straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with nitrogen-fixing species like pigeon pea can enhance soil fertility. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they are fully yellow and slightly soft to the touch. Store ripe fruits in a co
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include scale insects and fruit flies. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control scale populations. Use neem oil or garlic spray as organic solutions for pest management. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes.
Growth Timeline
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