Mamey Sapote
Pouteria sapota
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Description
Mamey Sapote is a tropical fruit tree native to Central America, particularly Mexico. It plays a crucial role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a canopy layer in food forests, providing essential shade and microclimate regulation. Its dense, evergreen foliage contributes to soil health by dropping leaves that enhance organic matter and support soil microorganisms. Mamey Sapote is often integrated with nitrogen-fixing plants like Inga species and dynamic accumulators such as comfrey to improve soil fertility. Historically, it was a staple food source for indigenous communities, valued for its large, sweet, and creamy fruits rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber. The tree is also known for its long lifespan and significant biomass, making it valuable for carbon sequestration projects.
Growing Details
Mamey Sapote thrives in well-drained, sandy loams with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to enhance fertility. Mulching with organic materials like straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as lemongrass and marigold can help repel pests. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when the skin turns matte brown and yields slightly to pressure. Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for up to
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Building Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Pouteria sapota</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, particularly Mexic
applicable geo region: Tropical regions
language used: sr
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 90 days
Harvest:
beginning
of August for 180 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: The fruit of Mamey Sapote is eaten fresh and is a popular ingredient in smoothies, desserts, and beverages. Its sweet, creamy flavor resembles pumpkin and sweet potato. The fruit is typically harvested when the skin turns matte brown and yields slightly to pressure. It is best consumed a few days after ripening but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, the seeds and bark of Mamey Sapote have been used in folk medicine for treating skin ailments and digestive issues. The seeds are sometimes ground into a paste for external application, but caution is advised as they contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
health concerns: The seeds contain toxic compounds and should not be consumed.
other uses: The durable wood of Mamey Sapote is used in construction and furniture making. It is also valued for its potential in carbon sequestration projects due to its long lifespan and significant biomass.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Pouteria sapota</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Pouteria sapota
common names: Mamey; Sapote; Zapote
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): 28ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 7 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 18.0 m
max width: 15.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Mamey Sapote thrives in well-drained, sandy loams with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to enhance fertility. Mulching with organic materials like straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as lemongrass and marigold can help repel pests. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when the skin turns matte brown and yields slightly to pressure. Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for up to
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include fruit flies and aphids. Introduce beneficial insects like parasitic wasps to control fruit fly populations. Neem oil and garlic sprays can be used to manage aphids. Planting marigolds nearby can help deter nematodes.
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