Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Ericales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
sapota
ID:
282745

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Jacq.) H.E.Moore & Stearn

Source:
wcs

Year:
1967

Citation Micro:
Taxon 16: 383 (1967)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000282077

Common Names

  • Sapota Sapote
  • Caimito
  • Pouteria Sapota

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Synonyms

  • Lucuma bonplandii Kunth [unknown]
  • Achras mammosa Bonpl. ex Miq. [unknown]
  • Sapota mammosa Mill. [unknown]
  • Sideroxylon sapota Jacq. [unknown]
  • Bassia jussaei Griseb. [unknown]
  • Calocarpum huastecanum Gilly [unknown]
  • Calocarpum mammosum bonplandii Pierre & Urb. [unknown]
  • Calocarpum mammosum candollei Pierre & Urb. [unknown]
  • Calocarpum mammosum ovoideum (Pierre) Pierre [unknown]
  • Calocarpum sapota (Jacq.) Merr. [unknown]
  • Calospermum mammosum bonplandii Pierre [unknown]
  • Calospermum mammosum candollei Pierre [unknown]
  • Calospermum mammosum ovoidea Pierre [unknown]
  • Calospermum parvum Pierre [unknown]
  • Achras major Jacq. [unknown]

Description

Pouteria sapota (also called Chirimoya, among many other common names) is a small tree or shrub native to South America. It has leathery, dark green leaves with a silvery underside. It is found in tropical and subtropical climates in the Andes Mountains and is found in moist, well-drained soils.

Uses & Benefits

Pouteria sapota is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a street tree. It is also used for its edible fruits which are rich in antioxidants and have a sweet, nutty flavor. The wood is used for making furniture and tools.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Pouteria sapota has small, yellow flowers, dark brown seeds, and seedlings with long, narrow, light green leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Pouteria sapota is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that can reach up to 15 m in height. It is native to the tropical rainforest of Central and South America. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate light shade. Propagation is usually done by seed, which should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The seed should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting. The seedlings should be kept moist and in a warm, sunny location.

Where to Find Pouteria sapota

Pouteria sapota is native to Central America, from Mexico to Panama, as well as in the Caribbean.

Pouteria sapota FAQ

What is the scientific name of Pouteria sapota?

Pouteria sapota

What is the common name of Pouteria sapota?

Sapodilla

What is the natural habitat of Pouteria sapota?

Tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests

Species in the Pouteria genus

Pouteria adolfi-friedericii, Pouteria alnifolia, Pouteria altissima, Pouteria amapaensis, Pouteria amazonica, Pouteria ambelaniifolia, Pouteria amygdalicarpa, Pouteria amygdalina, Pouteria andarahiensis, Pouteria anomala, Pouteria anteridata, Pouteria arcuata, Pouteria areolatifolia, Pouteria arguacoensium, Pouteria aristata, Pouteria atabapoensis, Pouteria aubrevillei, Pouteria austin-smithii, Pouteria baehniana, Pouteria bangii, Pouteria bapeba, Pouteria beaurepairei, Pouteria belizensis, Pouteria benai, Pouteria bilocularis, Pouteria bonneriana, Pouteria brachyandra, Pouteria bracteata, Pouteria brevensis, Pouteria brevipetiolata, Pouteria briocheoides, Pouteria buenaventurensis, Pouteria bullata, Pouteria butyrocarpa, Pouteria caimito, Pouteria calistophylla, Pouteria campanulata, Pouteria campechiana, Pouteria canaimaensis, Pouteria capacifolia, Pouteria carrieana, Pouteria cayennensis, Pouteria celebica, Pouteria chiricana, Pouteria chocoensis, Pouteria cicatricata, Pouteria cinnamomea, Pouteria cladantha, Pouteria coelomatica, Pouteria collina,

Species in the Sapotaceae family

Afrosersalisia rwandensis, Amorphospermum antilogum, Argania spinosa, Aubregrinia taiensis, Aulandra beccarii, Aulandra cauliflora, Aulandra longifolia, Autranella congolensis, Baillonella toxisperma, Beccariella balansana, Beccariella crebrifolia, Beccariella lasiantha, Beccariella novocaledonica, Beccariella xerocarpa, Beccariella brownlessiana, Boerlagella spectabilis, Breviea sericea, Burckella banikiensis, Burckella erythrophylla, Burckella fijiensis, Burckella hillii, Burckella macropoda, Burckella magusum, Burckella obovata, Burckella parvifolia, Burckella polymera, Burckella poolei, Burckella richii, Burckella sorei, Burckella thurstonii, Capurodendron androyense, Capurodendron ankaranense, Capurodendron antongiliense, Capurodendron apollonioides, Capurodendron bakeri, Capurodendron costatum, Capurodendron delphinense, Capurodendron gracilifolium, Capurodendron greveanum, Capurodendron ludiifolium, Capurodendron madagascariense, Capurodendron mandrarense, Capurodendron microphyllum, Capurodendron nodosum, Capurodendron perrieri, Capurodendron pervillei, Capurodendron pseudoterminalia, Capurodendron rubrocostatum, Capurodendron rufescens, Capurodendron sakalavum,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-164426: Based on the initial data import
Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin (1727-1817): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Jacq.' in the authors string.
William T. Stearn (1911-2001): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Stearn' in the authors string.
Harold E. Moore (1917-1980): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'H.E.Moore' in the authors string.