Description
Manilkara zapota, is an evergreen tree native to southern Mexico and Central America. Sapodilla trees can live up to one hundred years. It can grow to more than 30 m (98 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 m (5 ft); but the average height of cultivated specimens is usually between 9 and 15 m (30 and 49 ft) with a trunk diameter not exceeding 50 cm (20 in). It is wind-resistant and the bark is rich in a white, gummy latex called chicle. Its leaves are elliptic to ovate 6–15 cm (2–6 in) long with entire margins on 1–3 cm (0–1 in) long petioles; they are medium green and glossy with brown and slightly furry midribs. They are arranged alternately.
The trees can survive only in warm, typically tropical environments (although it has low tolerance to drought and heat in its early years), dying easily if the temperature drops below freezing. From germination, the sapodilla tree will usually take anywhere from five to eight years to bear fruit. The sapodilla trees yield fruit twice a year, though flowering may continue year round.
The white flowers are inconspicuous and bell-like, with a six-lobed corolla.
Germination Guide
General Instructions (English)
If you don’t have a seed spreader, greenhouse, or similar equipment, follow these steps:
Fill a container with good drainage using a mix of peat and perlite.
Moisten the substrate, ensuring it’s damp but not soaked.
Plant the seeds and cover them lightly with the substrate.
Place the container or pot inside a polyethylene bag (a ziplock bag works well and is available at supermarkets).
This method will provide the ideal temperature and humidity for the germination phase.
Keep the seeds in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight.
Open the bag every 2–3 days to check the moisture level and see if any seeds have germinated. This also allows for air exchange, preventing unwanted fungi.
After germination, carefully transfer the seedlings to individual pots, taking care not to damage the delicate roots.
Acclimatize the seedlings for 4–12 weeks before transplanting them to their final location.
Transplant only on cloudy days to reduce stress on the seedlings.
Prepare the planting pit 2–4 weeks in advance by adding the necessary fertilizers for optimal growth.
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