Editing Chrysophyllum cainito

'''Star apple''' ('''''Chrysophyllum cainito'''''; also known as star apple) is a Sapotaceae fruit plant grown for its fruit. The accepted scientific name is used as the canonical page title.

{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; width: 400px; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Star Apple (Kaimito).jpg|thumb|center|250px|Chrysophyllum cainito fruit, flower, or plant habit. Wikimedia Commons file page.]]
|-
! colspan="2" style="background: #e8e8e8;" | Star apple (''Chrysophyllum cainito'')
|-
! Scientific name
|| ''Chrysophyllum cainito''
|-
! Genus
|| [[Chrysophyllum]]
|-
! Family
|| [[Sapotaceae]]
|-
! Order
|| [[Ericales]]
|-
! Growth and size
|| Evergreen tree; 8–20 m
|-
! Climate and site
|| Deep fertile soil with drainage; warm humid to seasonally dry tropics
|-
! Propagation
|| Fresh seed 2–6 weeks; grafting for selected trees
|-
! Fruit and harvest
|| Warm-season crop; purple or green fruit with star-patterned flesh
|}

== Identification and description ==
Star apple is a glossy evergreen tree whose cut fruit shows a star-shaped arrangement of carpels. Purple and green forms differ in skin and flavor, but both prefer warmth and a protected site.

The accepted genus, family, and order are [[Chrysophyllum]], [[Sapotaceae]], and [[Ericales]].

== Growing ==
Star apple is a lowland tropical American tree of humid forest margins and cultivated landscapes. It appreciates warmth, deep soil, regular moisture, and shelter from cold; the dense canopy benefits from pruning and airflow.

Deep fertile soil with drainage; warm humid to seasonally dry tropics. Provide airflow and avoid standing water unless the species is being grown in a deliberately wet habitat.

=== Soil ===
Deep fertile soil with drainage; warm humid to seasonally dry tropics; 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 selected trees. Seedlings may vary in fruit quality and maturity; use grafting or other clonal methods when a named selection must be preserved.

[[File:Starr-130312-2248-Chrysophyllum cainito-canopy fruit and leaves-Pali o Waipio Huelo-Maui (25180690886).jpg|thumb|right|280px|Field view or fruit detail of Chrysophyllum cainito. Wikimedia Commons file page.]]

== Flowering, fruiting, and harvest ==
Warm-season crop; purple or green fruit with star-patterned flesh. 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:Chrysophyllum cainito|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 ==
* [https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Chrysophyllum+cainito Useful Tropical Plants: Chrysophyllum cainito]



== Image credits ==

* [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Star_Apple_(Kaimito).jpg Star Apple (Kaimito).jpg] — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
* [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Starr-130312-2248-Chrysophyllum_cainito-canopy_fruit_and_leaves-Pali_o_Waipio_Huelo-Maui_(25180690886).jpg Starr-130312-2248-Chrysophyllum cainito-canopy fruit and leaves-Pali o Waipio Huelo-Maui (25180690886).jpg] — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.

[[Category:Fruits]]
[[Category:Sapotaceae]]
[[Category:Chrysophyllum]]