Manilkara Zapota

Description

Manilkara Zapota, also known as sapodilla, is a fruit tree that is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is prized for its sweet, juicy fruit that has a texture similar to that of a pear. The fruit is brown on the outside and has a soft, brown flesh on the inside that is filled with small, black seeds. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 100 feet in height in its natural habitat, but is typically smaller when grown in a garden or orchard.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The sapodilla tree has glossy, dark green leaves that are oval in shape and can reach up to 6 inches in length. It produces small, white flowers that are followed by the fruit, which can take up to a year to ripen. The fruit is round or oval in shape and can reach up to 4 inches in diameter. It has a rough, brown skin that is easy to peel, revealing the soft, brown flesh inside. The flesh is sweet and juicy, with a flavor that is often described as a combination of pear, caramel, and brown sugar.

Care Guide

Manilkara Zapota is a hardy tree that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, but it will produce the best fruit if it is given proper care. Here are some tips for caring for your sapodilla tree:

• Water: Water your sapodilla tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months.
• Fertilization: Fertilize your tree with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall.
• Soil: Sapodilla trees prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
• Sunlight: Sapodilla trees prefer full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Manilkara Zapota is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Sapodilla trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by a few common problems:

• Fruit Flies: Fruit flies can be a problem in areas where sapodilla trees are grown. Use sticky traps or insecticides to control them.
• Mites: Mites can cause damage to the leaves of sapodilla trees. Use an insecticide spray to control them.
• Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots and fruit rot. Use a fungicide spray to control it.

Habitat

Manilkara Zapota is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it grows in a range of habitats, including tropical rainforests, savannas, and coastal regions. It is also grown in other parts of the world with similar climates, including Florida and Hawaii in the United States, and Thailand, India, and the Philippines in Asia.

Question and Answer

Q: How long does it take for a sapodilla tree to bear fruit?

A: Sapodilla trees can take anywhere from 5-10 years to bear fruit, depending on growing conditions and the age of the tree.

Q: Can sapodilla fruit be eaten raw?

A: Yes, sapodilla fruit can be eaten raw. The flesh is sweet and juicy, with a flavor that is often described as a combination of pear, caramel, and brown sugar.

Q: How should I prune my sapodilla tree?

A: Prune your sapodilla tree in the winter to remove any dead or diseased branches. You can also prune for shape or to control the size of the tree, but be careful not to remove too much of the canopy, as this can reduce fruit production.

Q: How often should I water my sapodilla tree?

A: Water your sapodilla tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months.

Related Plants

• Manilkara bidentata (Bulletwood)
• Manilkara hexandra (Achras)
• Manilkara kauki (Balata)
• Manilkara maxima (Wild Sapodilla)

References

• “Manilkara Zapota.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c671.
• “Sapodilla.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg216.
• “Sapodilla.” Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products, www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/sapodilla_ars.html.