Mamey Sapote

(Do not confuse with the Mammey-Apple, Mammea americana)

Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E. Moore & Stearn

poo-TEAR-ee-ah saw-POE-tah

Sapotaceae

Explanation of name:   The generic name comes from a Galibi name meaning egg-fruit for the plant. (http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=126659) The species name reflects the common name sapote.   

Natural range:   Mesoamerica

Recognition:   Tree with oblanceolate leaves.  Juice milky.  Flowers small, white or yellow-creamy, in leaf axils. Edible fruit bullet-shaped 3”-9” long, brown on the outside and variably pinkish on the inside. Seeds 1-4, large and elongate.

The related Canistel is Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni.  Its fruits are similar but yellow.

Note, the name “sapote” is applied variously to many unrelated species.

Landscape uses:  Tree with edible fruits.  Seeds do not remain viable.  They germinate quickly, especially if the coat is removed.  Difficult to propagate by air layering or by cuttings.  Veneer grafting is preferred by some growers.

Internet sources:  http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/sapote_ars.html#Description