Pouteria campechiana

Canistel (Pouteria campechiana; also canistel; yellow sapote; eggfruit) is a Sapotaceae fruit plant grown for its berry. This page treats the accepted species name as canonical and uses the common name as a navigational alias.

Pouteria campechiana fruit, flower, or plant habit. Wikimedia Commons file page.
Canistel (Pouteria campechiana )
Scientific name	Pouteria campechiana
Genus	Pouteria
Family	Sapotaceae
Order	Ericales
Fruit type	Berry
Growth form	Evergreen tree
Climate and hardiness	Tropical to warm subtropical
Mature height	8–20 m
Mature width	6–12 m
Soil	Well-drained soil; adaptable but dislikes prolonged waterlogging
Water	Regular moisture while establishing; moderate drought tolerance once rooted
Sun	Full sun
Germination	2–8 weeks from fresh seed; seed is short-lived
Years to fruit	3–5 years grafted; longer from seed
Pollination	Usually self-compatible; insects visit the flowers
Harvest	Late autumn through spring in some subtropical regions; variable in the tropics

Identification and description

Canistel is a Sapotaceae tree bearing yellow-orange fruit with dense, dry, sweet flesh. The texture resembles a firm custard or cooked egg yolk, giving rise to the name eggfruit.

The accepted genus, family, and order are Pouteria, Sapotaceae, and Ericales. Common names may cover related taxa; check the scientific name before transferring cultivation advice.

Growing

Canistel comes from the humid-to-seasonally dry tropical Americas and adapts to many warm sites. It prefers deep drainage and regular moisture while young, then tolerates moderate dry periods once established.

It is associated with warm tropical and subtropical forests and tolerates a wider range of conditions than mangosteen or durian. Give it sun, drainage, and enough water for steady growth. Pruning can keep the tree within reach and improve harvest access.

Soil

Well-drained soil; adaptable but dislikes prolonged waterlogging.

Sun and humidity

Full sun. Native habitat and airflow matter as much as light intensity; avoid enclosing humid foliage without ventilation.

Seasonal changes

Flowering and fruiting are spread by climate and cultivar. Subtropical trees often crop in the cooler season, while tropical trees may produce more than one flush. Avoid drought while fruit is filling, but keep the root zone aerated.

Propagation

Fresh seed germinates readily but does not preserve superior fruit traits. Grafting is preferred for named selections and earlier production.

Field view or fruit detail of Pouteria campechiana. Wikimedia Commons file page.

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

Late autumn through spring in some subtropical regions; variable in the tropics. Flowering and ripening are strongly affected by latitude, cultivar, rootstock, rainfall, and temperature; local records are more useful than a single universal calendar.

Fruit and uses

Eat ripe flesh fresh, often softened or chilled, or blend it into milkshakes, custards, ice cream, cakes, and preserves. The dry texture benefits from liquid or creamy accompaniments.

Commentary

Growers are invited to share observations about Canistel on the talk page, especially climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering season, and fruit quality.

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

• Purdue NewCROP: Canistel
• Useful Tropical Plants: Pouteria campechiana

Image credits

• Pouteria campechiana1.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
• Canistel.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.