Pouteria sapota

Pouteria Sapota

Pouteria sapota, also known as mamey sapote, is a species of tree native to Cuba and Central America. It is cultivated for its edible fruit in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including the Caribbean, South America, Asia, and Florida in the United States.

Description

The Pouteria sapota tree can grow up to 15-45 meters in height. The leaves are evergreen, alternate, and elliptic or oblong in shape. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with a cream or yellow color. The fruit is large, oval, and contains a single large seed. The flesh of the fruit is bright orange or red and has a sweet, almond-like flavor.

Cultivation

Pouteria sapota is a tropical tree that prefers a warm, humid climate. It is typically grown in regions with a mean annual temperature of 24-28 degrees Celsius. The tree is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained, fertile soils. It is propagated by seeds, which can take several years to germinate.

Uses

The fruit of the Pouteria sapota tree is consumed fresh or used in cooking. It is a popular ingredient in desserts, smoothies, and ice cream. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine in some cultures. The wood of the tree is used for making furniture and other items.

Health Benefits

Pouteria sapota fruit is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. It is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Some studies suggest that the fruit may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Conservation Status

Pouteria sapota is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, like many tropical tree species, it is potentially at risk from habitat loss due to deforestation.

See Also

• Tropical fruit
• Tropical agriculture
• Traditional medicine

References

• Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E. Moore. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• Pouteria sapota. The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Published on the Internet; http://www.theplantlist.org/ (accessed 1st January).
• Pouteria sapota. Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2019-08-07. <http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Pouteria+sapota>