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Description
Pouteria Sapota, commonly known as the sapodilla tree, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to Central America and is widely grown in tropical regions worldwide. The sapodilla tree is prized for its delicious and sweet fruit, which is also known as sapodilla or chiku. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has glossy, dark green leaves. The sapodilla fruit is round or oval-shaped and has a brown, rough exterior. The pulp inside is soft and brown with black seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Pouteria |
Appearance
The sapodilla tree has a pyramid-shaped crown with glossy, dark green leaves that are elliptical and leathery. The flowers are small and yellowish-white, and the fruit is round or oval-shaped with a rough, brown exterior. The fruit can be anywhere from 4 to 8 centimeters in diameter and contains black seeds. The pulp inside is soft and brown, with a texture similar to that of a pear.
Care Guide
To care for a sapodilla tree, it is important to ensure it is planted in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. The tree should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilized every three months with a balanced fertilizer. Sapodilla trees require full sun exposure to produce fruit and are hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The sapodilla tree is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including fruit flies, mealybugs, and scale insects. Common diseases include leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. Regular monitoring and treatment with insecticides and fungicides can help prevent and control these issues.
Habitat
The sapodilla tree is native to Central America and is widely grown in tropical regions worldwide. It thrives in hot and humid climates, where the temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The tree prefers well-draining soil and requires regular watering to survive.
Question and Answer
Q: When is the best time to harvest sapodilla fruit?
A: Sapodilla fruit is typically harvested when it is fully ripe, which is indicated by a soft exterior and sweet aroma.
Q: How often should I fertilize my sapodilla tree?
A: It is recommended to fertilize the sapodilla tree every three months with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is the sapodilla tree hardy in all regions?
A: No, the sapodilla tree is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11, which are warm and humid regions.
Q: Can sapodilla fruit be eaten raw?
A: Yes, sapodilla fruit can be eaten raw and is commonly used in desserts and smoothies.
Related Plants
- Pouteria caimito
- Pouteria campechiana
- Pouteria lucuma
- Pouteria viridis
References
- “Sapodilla.” Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products. Accessed September 12, 2021. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/sapodilla.html.
- “Sapodilla.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed September 12, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg057.
- “Sapodilla.” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Accessed September 12, 2021. https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/fact-sheets/sapodilla/.
