White Sapote, Mexican Apple

Casimiroa edulis

Physical Characteristics

Casimiroa edulis is an evergreen Tree growing to 16 m (52ft) by 16 m (52ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), 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 very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Central America north to Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Edible portion: Fruit, Seeds, Nut. Fruit - raw or cooked[ 200 ]. A sweet flavour, though the butter-textured flesh can be resinous[ 200 ]. The flavour is peach-like[ 307 ]. The fruit has a remarkably high food value, almost as rich in protein, carbohydrate and vitamins as a banana[ 200 ]. The yellow-green fruit is up to 10cm long[ 200 , 307 ]. Eating the fruit has long been known to produce drowsiness. Some reports say that the seed is toxic if eaten raw, whilst others say that it can be roasted and eaten like nuts[ 301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Cancer Narcotic Sedative Vermifuge The leaves, bark, and especially the seeds contain a glucoside called casimirosine that has sedative activity[ 307 ]. They have been employed as sedatives, soporifics and tranquilizers[ 303 ]. In Costa Rica, the leaf decoction is taken as a treatment for diabetes[ 303 ]. Eating the fruit produces drowsiness and it is widely claimed in Mexico and Central America that consumption of the fruit relieves the pains of arthritis and rheumatism[ 303 ]. The fruit is also reportedly vermifugal[ 303 ]. The seeds contain a number of alkaloids which are narcotic with soporific activity[ 303 ]. Crushed and roasted seeds are effective in healing putrid sores[ 303 ]. Vasodepressive activity of the white sapote is attributed to Na-dimethy-1-histamine, formerly found in nature only in the sponge, Geodia gigas[ 303 ]. Several recent in vitro studies have shown that zapotin - found in the seeds - has potential anti-carcinogenic effects against isolated colon cancer cells.

Known Hazards

The seed is said to be fatally toxic if eaten raw by humans or animals[ 303 ]. (Seed is poisonous if ingested)