Difference between revisions of "Sapodilla"

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{{Taxobox
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__NOTOC__{{Plantbox
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| color = lightgreen
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| name = ''Manilkara zapota''
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| name = Sapodilla
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| common_names = Sapodilla
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| growth_habit = tree
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| high = ?m (12-100 ft)
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| wide =    <!--- 65cm (25 inches) -->
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| origin = Yucatan, Belize, Guatemala
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| poisonous =    <!--- indicate parts of plants which are known/thought to be poisonous -->
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| lifespan = perennial
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| exposure = sun
 +
| water = drought tolerant
 +
| features = fruit, latex gum
 +
| hardiness =    <!--- frost sensitive, hardy, 5°C (40°F), etc -->
 +
| bloom =    <!--- seasons which the plant blooms, if it is grown for its flowers -->
 +
| usda_zones = ?  <!--- eg. 8-11 -->
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| sunset_zones = not available
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| color = IndianRed
 
| image = Sapodilla tree.jpg
 
| image = Sapodilla tree.jpg
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| image_width = 240px
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| image_width = 180px    <!--- leave as 240px if horizontal orientation photo, or change to 180px if vertical -->
 
| image_caption = Sapodilla tree
 
| image_caption = Sapodilla tree
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| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
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| regnum = Plantae
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| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
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| divisio = Magnoliophyta
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| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
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| classis = Magnoliopsida
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| ordo = [[Ericales]]
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| ordo = Ericales
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| familia = [[Sapotaceae]]
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| familia = Sapotaceae
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| genus = ''[[Manilkara]]''
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| genus = Manilkara
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| species = '''''M. zapota'''''
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| species = zapota
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| binomial = ''Manilkara zapota''
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| subspecies =  
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| binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) P. Royen
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| cultivar =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
'''Adaptation''': Sapodillas are not strictly tropical and mature trees can withstand temperatures of 26° to 28° F for several hours. Young trees are more tender and can be killed by 30° F. The sapodilla seems equally at home in humid and relatively dry environments. Although it will grow in the milder parts of southern California, whether it will fruit regularly remains to be seen. A tree in La Mesa, Calif. has borne fruit. Cool California nights seem to be a limiting factor. The slow-growing sapodilla makes a satisfactory container or greenhouse specimen.
  
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'''Sapodilla''' (''Manilkara zapota'') is a long-lived, [[evergreen]] [[tree]] native to the [[New World]] tropics.
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'''Growth Habit''': The sapodilla is an attractive upright, slow-growing, long-lived evergreen tree. Distinctly pyramidal when young, with age the tree may develops a crown that is dense and rounded or sometimes open and somewhat irregular in shape. It is strong and wind-resistant and rich in a white, gummy latex. In the tropics it can grow to 100 feet, but grafted cultivars are substantially shorter. A 40-year old tree in La Mesa, California is only about 12 feet tall.
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[[image:Sapodilla fruit.jpg|thumb|left|Unripe Sapodilla fruit]]
 
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Sapodilla grows to 30-40 m tall. It is wind-resistant and the bark is rich in a white, gummy [[latex]] called [[chicle]]. The ornamental [[leaf|leaves]] are medium green and glossy. They are alternate, elliptic to ovate, 7-15 cm long, with an entire margin. The white [[flower]]s are inconspicuous and bell-like, with a six-lobed corolla. The [[fruit]] is a large globose [[berry]], 4-8 cm in diameter, very much resembling a smooth-skinned [[potato]] and containing 2-10 [[seed]]s. Inside, its flesh ranges from a pale yellow to an earthy brown color with a grainy texture akin to that of a well-ripened [[pear]]. The flavour is exceptionally sweet and quite delicious.  The seeds are black and resemble beans, with a hook at one end that can catch in the throat if swallowed.  
 
  
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The chikoo trees yield [[fruit]] twice a year, though flowering may continue year round. The fruit has a high latex content and does not ripen until picked. Some are round and some are oval with pointed ends. It is a native of [[Mexico]] and was introduced to the [[Philippines]] during Spanish colonisation.
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'''Leaves''': The leaves are highly ornamental, 3 to 4-1/2 inches long and 1 to 1-1/2 inches wide. They are medium green, glossy, alternate and spirally clustered at the tip of forked twigs.
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[[image:Chikoo.JPG|thumb|left|Sapodillas]]
 
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[[image:GNTsapota1.jpg|thumb|left|Sold on a street at [[Guntur]], [[India]].]]
 
  
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==Other Names==
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'''Flowers''': Sapodilla flowers are small, inconspicuous and bell-like, approximately 3/8 inch in diameter. They are borne on slender stalks in the axil of the leaves. There are several flushes of flowers throughout the year.
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Sapodilla was formerly often known by the invalid name ''Achras sapota''. It is known as ''chikoo'' or ''sapota'' in [[India]], ''sofeda '' in [[Bangladesh]], ''chikoo'' (also spelled "chikku," "chiku," or "ciku") in [[South Asia]] and [[Pakistan]], ''tsiko'' in the [[Philippines]], ''sawo'' in [[Indonesia]], ''ciku'' in [[Malaysia]], ''hồng xiêm'' (''xa pô chê'') in [[Vietnam]], sapodilla or ''rata-mi'' in [[Sri Lanka]], ''lamoot'' (ละมุด) in [[Thailand]] and [[Cambodia]], ''níspero'' in [[Venezuela]], dilly in [[the Bahamas]], naseberry in the rest of the [[West Indies]], ''sapoti'' in [[Brazil]], and ''sapote'' in [[Nicaragua]].
 
  
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The fruit's flavor has been compared to [[cotton candy]] or [[caramel]].
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'''Fruit''': The fruit is round to egg-shape, 2 - 4 inches in diameter. The skin is brown and scruffy when ripe. The flesh varies from yellow to shades of brown and sometimes reddish-brown, and may be smooth or of a granular texture. The flavor is sweet and pleasant, ranging from a pear flavor to crunchy brown sugar. Fruits can be seedless, but usually have from 3 to 12 hard, black, shiny, flattened seeds about 3/4 inch long in the center of the fruit.  
  
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==Chiku==
+
'''Miscellaneous''': Chicle, the latex obtained from the bark of the tree has been used as a chewing gum base for many years.  
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It has many names in India including as shown above "chiku".  The [[slang]] term "Chikus" is also a term used for those who return to [[India]] (not an endearing term).
 
  
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==Cultivation==
 +
[[image:Chikoo.JPG|thumb|Sapodillas]]
 +
[[image:GNTsapota1.jpg|thumb|Sold on a street at [[Guntur]], [[India]].]]
 +
[[image:Sapodilla fruit.jpg|thumb|Unripe Sapodilla fruit]]
 +
'''Location''': The sapodilla prefers a sunny, warm, preferably frost free location. They are highly wind tolerant and can take salt spray.
  
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==See also==
+
'''Soil''': Sapodillas are well adapted to many types of soil. It thrives in very poor soils but flourishes also in deep, loose, organic soil, as well as light clay, sand or lateritic gravel. Good drainage is essential, the tree doing poorly in low, wet locations. It is highly drought resistant and approaches the date palm in its tolerance of soil salinity.
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*[[Black sapote]]
 
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*[[Mamey sapote]]
 
  
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==External links and references==
+
'''Irrigation''': The tree tolerates dry conditions remarkably well. Most mature sapodilla trees receive no watering, but irrigation in dry season will increase productivity.
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{{commons|Manilkara zapota}}
 
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* [http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/sapodilla.html CRFG Publications: Sapodilla]
 
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* [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/sapodilla.html Sapodilla]
 
  
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[[Category:Sapotaceae]]
+
'''Fertilization''': Newly planted trees need small and frequent feedings to become established. Fertilizers that contain 6-8% nitrogen, 2-4% available phosphoric acid and 6-8% potash give satisfactory results. First year applications should be made every two to three months beginning with 1/4 pound and gradually increasing to one pound. Thereafter, two to three applications per year are sufficient, in amounts proportionate to the increasing size of the tree.
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[[Category:Fruit]]
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[[Category:Trees of Mexico]]
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'''Pruning''': Sapodillas require very little pruning.
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[[Category:Trees of the Caribbean]]
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[[Category:Trees of Guyana]]
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'''Frost Protection''': Although mature sapodilla trees will take several degrees of frost, it is prudent to provide them with overhead protection if possible and plant them on the south side of a wall or building. Plants can also be covered with sheeting and such when significant frost is likely.
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[[Category:Vietnamese cuisine]]
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 +
'''Harvest''': It is often difficult to tell when a sapodilla is ready to pick. If the skin is brown and the fruit separates from the stem easily without leaking of the latex, it is fully mature but must be kept at room temperature for few days to soften. It is best to wash off the sandy scruff before putting the fruit aside to ripen. It should be eaten when firm-soft, not mushy. Firm-ripe sapodillas may be kept for several days in good condition in the home refrigerator. At 35° F they can be kept for 6 weeks. Fully ripe fruits frozen at 32° F keep perfectly for a month. The fruit is mainly consumed fresh.
 +
 
 +
===Propagation===
 +
The sapodilla is most commonly propagated by seed, which remain viable for many years if kept dry. Easily germinated, they take five to eight years to bear. Since seed may not come true, vegetative propagation is desirable. Veneer grafting with seedlings as rootstock is the best method . Air layering and rooting of cuttings have not been successful.
 +
 
 +
===Pests and diseases===
 +
In general the sapodilla tree remains quite healthy with little or no care. Insects and diseases usually don't cause sufficient damage to necessitate control measures, although the Wooly White Fly can sometimes be a problem. Oil sprays in winter are suggested.
 +
 
 +
==Cultivars==
 +
The extensive cultivation in India has resulted in numerous cultivars in that country. Quite a few cultivars are under test in Florida. A few of the better known ones are listed below.
 +
 
 +
*'''Brown Sugar''' - Originated in Homestead FL. Introduced in 1948. Fruit medium small, 2 to 2-1/2 inches long, nearly round. Skin light, scruffy brown. Flesh pale brown, fragrant, juicy, very sweet and rich, texture slightly granular. Quality very good. Tree tall, bushy.
 +
*'''Prolific''' - Originated in Homestead, FL. Introduced in 1951. Round-conical fruit, 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches long and broad. Skin scruffy, brown, becoming nearly smooth at maturity. Flesh light pinkish-tan, mildly fragrant, texture smooth, flavor sweet, quality good. Tree bears early, consistently and heavily.
 +
*'''Russel''' - Originated in Islamorade, FL. Introduced in 1935. Large, roundish fruit, 3 to 5 inches in diameter and length. Skin scruffy brown with gray patches. Flesh pinkish-tan, shading to greenish-tan under the skin, mildly fragrant, texture somewhat granular. Flavor rich and sweet. Tree slower to bear and less productive than Prolific.
 +
*'''Tikal''' - A new seedling selection with excellent flavor. Elliptic shape, light brown in color, smaller than Prolific. Ripens very early.
 +
 
 +
==Gallery==
 +
{{photo-sources}}<!-- remove this line if there are already 3 or more photos in the gallery  -->
 +
 
 +
<gallery>
 +
Image:Upload.png| photo 1
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Image:Upload.png| photo 2
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Image:Upload.png| photo 3
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
*[http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/sapodilla.html CRFG Sapodilla Fruit Facts]
 +
<!--- xxxxx  *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381  -->
 +
<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432  -->
 +
<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->
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==External links==
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*{{wplink}}
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Categorize]]
 +
 
 +
<!--  in order to add all the proper categories, go to http://www.plants.am/wiki/Plant_Categories and copy/paste the contents of the page here, and then follow the easy instructions!    -->

Revision as of 02:43, 1 May 2009


Sapodilla tree


Plant Characteristics
Lifespan: ⌛ perennial
Origin: ✈ Yucatan, Belize, Guatemala
Cultivation
Exposure: ☼ sun
Water: ◍ drought tolerant"drought tolerant" is not in the list (wet, moist, moderate, dry, less when dormant) of allowed values for the "Water" property.
Features: ✓ fruit, latex gum"Latex gum" is not in the list (evergreen, deciduous, flowers, fragrance, edible, fruit, naturalizes, invasive, foliage, birds, ...) of allowed values for the "Features" property.
Sunset Zones: not available
Scientific Names

Sapotaceae >

Manilkara >

zapota >


Adaptation: Sapodillas are not strictly tropical and mature trees can withstand temperatures of 26° to 28° F for several hours. Young trees are more tender and can be killed by 30° F. The sapodilla seems equally at home in humid and relatively dry environments. Although it will grow in the milder parts of southern California, whether it will fruit regularly remains to be seen. A tree in La Mesa, Calif. has borne fruit. Cool California nights seem to be a limiting factor. The slow-growing sapodilla makes a satisfactory container or greenhouse specimen.

Growth Habit: The sapodilla is an attractive upright, slow-growing, long-lived evergreen tree. Distinctly pyramidal when young, with age the tree may develops a crown that is dense and rounded or sometimes open and somewhat irregular in shape. It is strong and wind-resistant and rich in a white, gummy latex. In the tropics it can grow to 100 feet, but grafted cultivars are substantially shorter. A 40-year old tree in La Mesa, California is only about 12 feet tall.

Leaves: The leaves are highly ornamental, 3 to 4-1/2 inches long and 1 to 1-1/2 inches wide. They are medium green, glossy, alternate and spirally clustered at the tip of forked twigs.

Flowers: Sapodilla flowers are small, inconspicuous and bell-like, approximately 3/8 inch in diameter. They are borne on slender stalks in the axil of the leaves. There are several flushes of flowers throughout the year.

Fruit: The fruit is round to egg-shape, 2 - 4 inches in diameter. The skin is brown and scruffy when ripe. The flesh varies from yellow to shades of brown and sometimes reddish-brown, and may be smooth or of a granular texture. The flavor is sweet and pleasant, ranging from a pear flavor to crunchy brown sugar. Fruits can be seedless, but usually have from 3 to 12 hard, black, shiny, flattened seeds about 3/4 inch long in the center of the fruit.

Miscellaneous: Chicle, the latex obtained from the bark of the tree has been used as a chewing gum base for many years.

Cultivation

Sapodillas
Sold on a street at Guntur, India.
Unripe Sapodilla fruit

Location: The sapodilla prefers a sunny, warm, preferably frost free location. They are highly wind tolerant and can take salt spray.

Soil: Sapodillas are well adapted to many types of soil. It thrives in very poor soils but flourishes also in deep, loose, organic soil, as well as light clay, sand or lateritic gravel. Good drainage is essential, the tree doing poorly in low, wet locations. It is highly drought resistant and approaches the date palm in its tolerance of soil salinity.

Irrigation: The tree tolerates dry conditions remarkably well. Most mature sapodilla trees receive no watering, but irrigation in dry season will increase productivity.

Fertilization: Newly planted trees need small and frequent feedings to become established. Fertilizers that contain 6-8% nitrogen, 2-4% available phosphoric acid and 6-8% potash give satisfactory results. First year applications should be made every two to three months beginning with 1/4 pound and gradually increasing to one pound. Thereafter, two to three applications per year are sufficient, in amounts proportionate to the increasing size of the tree.

Pruning: Sapodillas require very little pruning.

Frost Protection: Although mature sapodilla trees will take several degrees of frost, it is prudent to provide them with overhead protection if possible and plant them on the south side of a wall or building. Plants can also be covered with sheeting and such when significant frost is likely.

Harvest: It is often difficult to tell when a sapodilla is ready to pick. If the skin is brown and the fruit separates from the stem easily without leaking of the latex, it is fully mature but must be kept at room temperature for few days to soften. It is best to wash off the sandy scruff before putting the fruit aside to ripen. It should be eaten when firm-soft, not mushy. Firm-ripe sapodillas may be kept for several days in good condition in the home refrigerator. At 35° F they can be kept for 6 weeks. Fully ripe fruits frozen at 32° F keep perfectly for a month. The fruit is mainly consumed fresh.

Propagation

The sapodilla is most commonly propagated by seed, which remain viable for many years if kept dry. Easily germinated, they take five to eight years to bear. Since seed may not come true, vegetative propagation is desirable. Veneer grafting with seedlings as rootstock is the best method . Air layering and rooting of cuttings have not been successful.

Pests and diseases

In general the sapodilla tree remains quite healthy with little or no care. Insects and diseases usually don't cause sufficient damage to necessitate control measures, although the Wooly White Fly can sometimes be a problem. Oil sprays in winter are suggested.

Cultivars

The extensive cultivation in India has resulted in numerous cultivars in that country. Quite a few cultivars are under test in Florida. A few of the better known ones are listed below.

  • Brown Sugar - Originated in Homestead FL. Introduced in 1948. Fruit medium small, 2 to 2-1/2 inches long, nearly round. Skin light, scruffy brown. Flesh pale brown, fragrant, juicy, very sweet and rich, texture slightly granular. Quality very good. Tree tall, bushy.
  • Prolific - Originated in Homestead, FL. Introduced in 1951. Round-conical fruit, 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches long and broad. Skin scruffy, brown, becoming nearly smooth at maturity. Flesh light pinkish-tan, mildly fragrant, texture smooth, flavor sweet, quality good. Tree bears early, consistently and heavily.
  • Russel - Originated in Islamorade, FL. Introduced in 1935. Large, roundish fruit, 3 to 5 inches in diameter and length. Skin scruffy brown with gray patches. Flesh pinkish-tan, shading to greenish-tan under the skin, mildly fragrant, texture somewhat granular. Flavor rich and sweet. Tree slower to bear and less productive than Prolific.
  • Tikal - A new seedling selection with excellent flavor. Elliptic shape, light brown in color, smaller than Prolific. Ripens very early.

Gallery

If you have a photo of this plant, please upload it! Plus, there may be other photos available for you to add.

  • photo 1

  • photo 2

  • photo 3

References

External links


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