Pouteria campechiana
Canistel (Pouteria campechiana; also canistel; yellow sapote; eggfruit) is a Sapotaceae fruit plant grown for its berry.
 | |
| 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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Well-drained soil; adaptable but dislikes prolonged waterlogging.
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Full sun. Native habitat and airflow matter as much as light intensity; avoid enclosing humid foliage without ventilation.
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Fresh seed germinates readily but does not preserve superior fruit traits. Grafting is preferred for named selections and earlier production.
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- 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.
