Sapodilla – Manilkara zapota

General Landscape Uses: Shade tree, windbreak

Ecological Restoration Notes: Native habitat restoration, wildlife support

Description: Sapodilla is a slow growing tree. The fruiting season is from December to October. The fruit itself is a delicious, big fruit. Usually eaten right out of the skin, it tastes very similar to a pear covered with brown sugar.

Dimensions: Height 25 ft.; Spread 30 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Native Range: Southern Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean

Native Habitats: Tropical moist and dry forests

Soils: Well-draining; tolerates sandy, loamy, or slightly alkaline soils

Nutritional Requirements: Moderate to high

Salt Water Tolerance: Moderate

Salt Wind Tolerance: Moderate to high

Drought Tolerance: Moderate

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Flower Color: Cream

Flower Characteristics: Small, bell-shaped

Flowering Season: All year

Fruit: Berry, Brown, rough skin (similar to a kiwi), with soft brown to reddish pulp inside

Wildlife and Ecology: Supports pollinators, animals eat fruit, canopy provides cover and nesting sites

Horticultural Notes: Propagated by seed, air layering, grafting, cuttings

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