Manilkara Zapota (Sapodilla/Sapota/Chikoo/Naseberry)

Manilkara zapota or commonly known as Sapodilla is a slow-growing evergreen tree. The leaves are green, glossy, elliptical to oval in shape, and alternately arranged. The flowers are white and bell-like. The globose fruit, which is a berry, is edible – usually eaten raw when fully ripe or processed into desserts. Each fruit contains one to six seeds. Young leaves and shoots are edible as well.

Manilkara zapota is a fruit and sometimes used as a specimen plant. Fruit varies in shape but is generally orb like with a smooth skin when ripe. Juicy, pear-like flavor is found in the interior with the yellowish brown to reddish brown flesh. Does well as a medium sized fruit tree, screen, hedge, formally shaped specimen, in large containers, patios and courtyards. Avoid pools and other high maintenance areas due to its continual leaf litter.