This name is not universally accepted, with many authorities using the name Matisia cordata Bonpl. (treated here as a synonym)[].

Common Name: South American Sapote

General Information

South American sapote is a fast-growing, deciduous tree with a small, dense crown; it can reach a height of 10 - 30 metres[, , ]. The erect bole can be 30 - 50cm in diameter, with small tabular roots at the base[].
The edible fruit is greatly appreciated within the plants native range, where it is often gathered from the wild for local use and sold in local markets[, ]. The plant is also cultivated as a fruit crop in Peru and Ecuador[], and is suitable for use as a pioneer species to restore native woodland and to establish woodland gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia; C. America - Panama, Costa Rica.

Habitat

Rainforests on fertile soil from fairly high altitudes to lowland coastal regions[]. Found both in areas that are seasonally inundated, and also areas that are not[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects, humming birds
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Likes to grow in hot, humid, lowland tropical to subtropical regions with lots of rainfall[]. Plants are very susceptible to frost injury[].
Prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive soil and a position in full sun[].
Young plants are fast-growing[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The fibrous yellow-orange pulp of the fruit is sweet and is eaten raw[]. The flavour is reminiscent of a very sweet pumpkin with overtones of mango and apricot[]. Opinions vary widely over the quality of this fruit, with some people describing it enthusiastically as like a blend of mangoes, peaches and strawberries, whilst others have found it to be bland[]. There are forms with very little fibre and these can be utilised for juice[]. The fruit is up to 10cm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing, natural pioneer species within its native range. With its edible fruit it could very well be useful in a mixed planting to restore native woodland or to establish a woodland garden[].
The large trees of this species are grown in association with avocados. This combination works well because both species have the same soil requirements, and zapote provides necessary shade for the avocados[].

Other Uses

The wood is coarse-textured, irregular-grained, light in weight, with a low resistance to wood-eating organisms[]. It is easy to cut, but has poor mechanical properties. It is used as core material for doors and panelling, and to make light boxes[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A high germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 20 - 30 days[].
Stem cuttings.

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