White Sapote
Casimiroa edulis
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Description
White Sapote (Casimiroa edulis) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to Central America, particularly Mexico and Costa Rica. It plays a significant role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, providing shade and habitat for beneficial insects. Its dense canopy and leaf litter contribute to soil fertility and moisture retention. Historically, it has been used by indigenous cultures for its fruit and medicinal properties. In a guild, it pairs well with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and ground covers such as sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) to enhance soil health and biodiversity.
Growing Details
White Sapote thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral pH. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with marigolds can help deter nematodes. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils, to prevent root rot. Prune regularly to maintain an open canopy for better air circulation and sunlight penetration, which enhances fruit quality. Harvest fruit when it is slightly soft to the touch, and store in a cool,
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Casimiroa edulis</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 Central America, including Mexico a
applicable geo region: Central America
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 90 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: The fruit of the White Sapote is highly prized for its sweet, creamy flesh, which can be eaten fresh or used in smoothies, desserts, and beverages. It is often compared to a blend of banana, peach, and vanilla flavors. The fruit is typically harvested in late summer to early fall when it is fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, parts of the White Sapote tree have been used in herbal medicine to treat anxiety and insomnia. The leaves and seeds contain compounds with sedative properties, although caution is advised due to potential toxicity. It is important to note that the seeds should not be consumed due to their toxic nature.
health concerns: The seeds and leaves contain toxic compounds and should not be consumed.
other uses: The wood of the White Sapote is sometimes used for small construction projects and as firewood.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Casimiroa edulis</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Casimiroa edulis
common names: White Sapote; Mexican Apple; Zapote Blanco
family: Rutaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Casimiroa
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(9/10)
first harvest: 5 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 15.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: White Sapote thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral pH. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with marigolds can help deter nematodes. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils, to prevent root rot. Prune regularly to maintain an open canopy for better air circulation and sunlight penetration, which enhances fruit quality. Harvest fruit when it is slightly soft to the touch, and store in a cool,
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include scale insects and aphids. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for scale management. Companion planting with garlic or chives can help repel aphids. Fungal diseases such as anthracnose can affect the fruit; ensure good air circulation and remove any infected plant material promptly.
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