Manilkara zapota (Sapodilla)
Botanical Information
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Genus | Manilkara |
| Species | zapota |
| Category | Tropicals, Woody |
| Type | Tree (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 10-11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c-H3 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -1.1-10 |
| Temperature (°F) | 30-50 |
| Height | 20-30 m |
| Spread | 1.5 m |
| Growth | Slow |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Tall, pyramid shape but grows into an open-rounded crown as it matures. |
| Landscape | Ornamental, shade tree or planted for the fruit. |
| Propagation | Propagated by seed and will germinate after 30 days. |
| Cultivation | Tolerates a variety of conditions in wet tropical and dry, cool subtropical climates. Thrives in hot, moist climates in full sun. |
| Notable Specimens | Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America. |
| Habitat | Lowland and coastal forests. |
| Leaf Description | The leaves are elliptical, glossy and green to 7-15 cm long. They are arranged in spirally on the branch. |
| Flower Description | Bell-shaped flowers are pale pink-white. |
| Fruit Description | The spherical berries have a rough brown skin and grow 5-10 cm across. The fruit takes 4 months to mature and contain brownish-black seeds. |
Photographs
Manilkara zapota, form. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Manilkara zapota, leaf. Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.