Black Sapote
Diospyros digyna
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Description
Black Sapote, or Chocolate Pudding Fruit, is a tropical fruit tree native to Mexico and Central America. It plays a significant role in agroecology as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, providing shade and a microclimate for understory plants. Its dense foliage aids in soil moisture retention and offers habitat for wildlife. The tree is known for its resilience to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option in regenerative agriculture. Historically, it has been used by indigenous peoples for its nutritional benefits and as a natural sweetener. Black Sapote is particularly valued for its unique fruit, which resembles chocolate pudding when ripe, and is rich in vitamins A and C. It is an excellent choice for integrating into guilds with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea and ground covers such as sweet potato to enhance soil fertility and biodiversity.
Growing Details
Black Sapote thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulching with organic materials like straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as comfrey can be grown nearby to provide additional nutrients through their deep roots. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils, to prevent root rot. Harvest the fruit when it turns dark brown and soft to the
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Diospyros digyna</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 Mexico and Central America
applicable geo region: Tropical and subtropical regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 30 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 ripe fruit is consumed fresh and is often used in desserts, smoothies, and beverages. It can be mixed with milk or cream to enhance its chocolate-like flavor. The fruit is available seasonally, typically from late autumn to winter, and is a good source of vitamins A and C.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, the fruit has been used to aid digestion due to its fiber content. The leaves and bark have been used in folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific validation is limited. Caution is advised as unripe fruit can be astringent and may cause digestive discomfort.
health concerns: Unripe fruit can be astringent and may cause digestive discomfort if consumed.
other uses: The wood is sometimes used for making small tools and crafts due to its durability.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Diospyros digyna
common names: Black Sapote; Chocolate Pudding Fruit; Zapo
family: Ebenaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Diospyros
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(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: Black Sapote thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulching with organic materials like straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as comfrey can be grown nearby to provide additional nutrients through their deep roots. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils, to prevent root rot. Harvest the fruit when it turns dark brown and soft to the
Potential Disturbances: While generally pest-resistant, Black Sapote can occasionally be affected by scale insects and fruit flies. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control scale populations. Use neem oil or garlic spray as an organic treatment for fruit flies. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes.
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