Manilkara zapota

Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota; also known as sapodilla) is a Sapotaceae fruit plant grown for its fruit. The accepted scientific name is used as the canonical page title.

Manilkara zapota fruit, flower, or plant habit. Wikimedia Commons file page.
Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota)
Scientific name	Manilkara zapota
Genus	Manilkara
Family	Sapotaceae
Order	Ericales
Growth and size	Evergreen tree; 8–25 m
Climate and site	Deep, well-drained soil; tolerates dry periods after establishment
Propagation	Fresh seed 2–6 weeks; grafting for cultivars
Fruit and harvest	Often winter through spring in subtropics; brown sweet fruit

Identification and description

Sapodilla is a durable evergreen tree with rough brown fruit, granular caramel-sweet flesh, and latex in young tissues. It grows well in warm sites with drainage and sun.

The accepted genus, family, and order are Manilkara, Sapotaceae, and Ericales.

Growing

Sapodilla is a tropical American tree of forest and semi-dry lowland climates. It accepts a range of soils if drainage is good, grows best in full sun, and becomes drought-tolerant after establishment.

Deep, well-drained soil; tolerates dry periods after establishment. Provide airflow and avoid standing water unless the species is being grown in a deliberately wet habitat.

Soil

Deep, well-drained soil; tolerates dry periods after establishment; preserve native drainage and organic-matter conditions rather than treating all tropical fruit trees alike.

Sun and humidity

Most plants in this group prefer bright light; young trees may need shelter while roots establish. Humidity should be paired with airflow, not stagnant enclosure.

Seasonal changes

Flowering and harvest vary with local wet/dry or cool/warm cycles. Adjust irrigation to the species' native rhythm and protect warm-tropical plants during cool weather.

Propagation

Fresh seed 2–6 weeks; grafting for cultivars. Seedlings may vary in fruit quality and maturity; use grafting or other clonal methods when a named selection must be preserved.

Field view or fruit detail of Manilkara zapota. Wikimedia Commons file page.

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

Often winter through spring in subtropics; brown sweet fruit. Local climate, cultivar, rootstock, pollination, and rainfall can shift the calendar substantially.

Fruit and uses

The ripe fruit is eaten fresh and may be used in drinks, preserves, desserts, or regional savory preparations. Handle ripe fruit carefully because many tropical fruits soften rapidly after harvest.

Commentary

Growers are welcome to share observations on the talk page, including climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering, fruiting, and growing conditions.

Photos

The images above show documented fruit, flower, or plant-habit views. See the individual Commons file pages in the image credits for authorship and license details.

Sources

• Useful Tropical Plants: Manilkara zapota

Image credits

• Manilkara zapota - Nispero fruit (sapodilla) and leaves 03.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
• Sapodilla fruit.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.