South American Sapote, Chupa Chupa, Matisia

Quararibea cordata

Physical Characteristics

Quararibea cordata is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 16 m (52ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects, humming birds. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia; C. America - Panama, Costa Rica.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Drink Fruit - raw[301 ]. The fibrous yellow-orange pulp of the fruit is sweet and is eaten raw[301 ]. The flavour is reminiscent of a very sweet pumpkin with overtones of mango and apricot[301 ]. Opinions vary widely over the quality of this fruit, with some people describing it enthusiastically as like a blend of mangoes, peaches and strawberries, whilst others have found it to be bland[307 ]. There are forms with very little fibre and these can be utilised for juice[301 ]. The fruit is up to 10cm in diameter[416 ].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known