Manilkara Zapota plant in Lautoka City’s Botanical Garden is commonly known as sapodilla (chikku in Hindi) is an evergreen tree native to southern Mexico. It belongs to the family Sapotaceae and kingdom to plantae. The fruit has an exceptionally sweet, malty flavor. The tree can survive only in warm, typically tropical environment.
The Sapodilla tree, known for its remarkable longevity, can thrive for up to one hundred years. Reaching heights of over 30 meters (98 feet) with a trunk diameter of 1.5 meters (5 feet), this majestic tree is a testament to nature’s grandeur. In cultivated settings, the average height ranges from 9 to 15 meters (30 to 49 feet), with a trunk diameter not exceeding 50 centimeters (20 inches).
Durable and Resilient: The Sapodilla tree exhibits remarkable wind resistance, and its bark is a source of a white, gummy latex known as chicle. The ornamental leaves, glossy and medium green, are elliptic to ovate, measuring 7–15 centimeters (3–6 inches) in length, with an entire margin.
Inconspicuous Beauty: The tree’s white, bell-like flowers with a six-lobed corolla are inconspicuous yet add to its understated beauty. An unripe fruit, with a firm outer skin, releases white chicle when picked. In contrast, a fully ripened fruit has saggy skin and retains the chicle.
Large, Delectable Fruit: The Sapodilla’s fruit is a sizable berry, ranging from 4 to 8 centimeters (2–3 inches) in diameter. Inside, its flesh exhibits hues from pale yellow to earthy brown, with a grainy texture reminiscent of a well-ripened pear. Each fruit houses one to six glossy, black seeds resembling beans.
Exquisite Flavor and Characteristics: Known for its exceptionally sweet, malty flavor, the unripe fruit is firm and contains saponin, exhibiting astringent properties akin to tannin. This characteristic can induce dryness in the mouth.
Survivor of Warm Tropical Climes: The Sapodilla tree thrives in warm, tropical environments, displaying low tolerance to drought and heat during its early years. However, it succumbs easily if temperatures drop below freezing. Typically taking five to eight years to bear fruit from germination, these trees yield twice a year, with continuous flowering throughout the year.
The Sapodilla tree is a true marvel, showcasing nature’s resilience and providing a bounty of delectable, sweet fruits.
