Sapodilla (Manilkara Zapota)

Features and Characteristics

Manilkara zapota, commonly called chicle or sapodilla, is a slender, slow-growing, pyramidal evergreen tree that is native from southern Mexico to Costa Rica. It typically grows to 30-60′ tall in cultivation, but may reach 100′ tall in forested areas of its native habitat. Trees often develop more open-rounded crowns as they mature. This tree is noted for its edible fruits (reminiscent of candied pear), chicle (latex from which chewing gum is made) and durable wood (timbers, railroad ties, tool handles). Stiff glossy evergreen leaves (to 5″ long) appear in spiral clusters at the branch ends. Small, bell-like, pinkish-white flowers bloom in the leaf axils in spring, but sometimes will appear throughout the year. Flowers are followed by rough-skinned, conical to oval fruits (to 2-4″ wide). Ripe fruits are tan-brown in color with a sweet edible pulp. In south Florida, fruits typically appear from May to September.

Genus name comes from Malabar (South Indian) vernacular name cited by van Rheede in 168

Specific epithet is from a South American name.