Sapodilla, Nispero

Manilkara zapota

Physical Characteristics

Manilkara zapota is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

C. America - Panama to Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Sap Shoots Edible Uses: Gum The fruit can be eaten raw, or used in making sherbets, custard, ice cream, pies, jams, jellies etc[301 ]. Slightly larger than a plum, when fully ripe, the flesh is soft, very sweet, slightly acid and totally delicious, with the flavour of pears, cinnamon and brown sugar combined[200 , 301 ]. The fruit contains tannin, which is astringent[200 ]. In order to be at its best, the fruit needs to be eaten when it is absolutely ripe and has lost that astringency, and so it is difficult to grow commercially[200 ]. The globose fruit is about 10cm in diameter[307 ]. The stems are a source of a milky latex called balata or chicle[200 , 301 ]. This inelastic polymer can be coagulated when it becomes hard and brittle until chewed[200 ]. It has long been used as the base for chewing gum[200 , 301 ]. The very young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked[298 , 301 ]. Some caution is advised since older leaves contain poisonous alkaloids[298 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antipyretic Astringent Diuretic Febrifuge Odontalgic Tonic Urinary A leaf decoction is taken for fever, haemorrhage, wounds and ulcers[303 ]. For neuralgia, leaf with tallow is applied as a compress on the temples[303 ]. The flowers are used as one of the ingredients of a powder that is rubbed on the body of a woman after childbirth[303 ]. The bark is astringent, febrifuge and tonic[348 , 739 ]. Tannin from the bark is used to cure diarrhoea and fever[303 ]. The fruit is eaten as a remedy for indigestion and diarrhoea[348 ]. Seeds are antipyretic, and when ground with water they act as a diuretic[303 , 348 ]. They are used to expel urinary and gall bladder stones[739 ]. The pulverized roots are used to treat thrush in babies[739 ]. The plant is a source of sapotin, a glucoside used in medicine as a febrifuge[303 ].

Known Hazards

Older leaves contain a poisonous alkaloid[298]. Seeds contain hydrocyanic acid and should be removed before eating the fruit[303].