Manilkara zapota aka Chiku

Manilkara zapota, or sapodilla, is a fruit tree that stays green year-round. It belongs to the Sapotaceae family. Its native range runs from Mexico south to Colombia. It grows in lowland forests and near the coast. People grow it across the tropics for fruit and chicle. Garden trees reach about 30–60 feet [9–18.3 metres] tall. Some grown trees reach 66 feet [20 metres]. Forest trees can reach 125 feet [38 metres]. The crown spans about 35–45 feet [10.7–13.7 metres]. Young trees form a pyramid, then round out with age.

The dense crown has stiff leaves with a glossy sheen. Their edges are smooth. New leaves look pink, then turn dark green above. Their lower sides stay a lighter green. Leaves group near branch tips. They grow in alternate order, one after another along the branch. Older bark turns dark brown and forms deep grooves. The trunk widens at its base and forms large surface roots. Hurt bark and branches give off white, milky sap called latex. This sap yields chicle, once a base for chewing gum. People use the strong wood for beams and railway ties. They also use it for tool handles.

Small flowers with a scent grow near branch tips. They grow in leaf axils, where leaves meet stems. The blooms look like bells, in cream to pinkish white. Missouri Botanical Garden lists blooms in April and May. Sources from Florida report blooms all year. The round or oval berries have rough, brown skins. The soft flesh is yellow-brown and sweet when fully ripe. Fruit takes about ten months to form after blooms. In Florida, most crops ripen from May through September. Some fruit ripens at other times. Eat only fully ripe flesh. Unripe fruit tastes astringent, with a harsh, mouth-drying taste. Remove the seeds: they contain hydrocyanic acid. Older leaves also contain an alkaloid that is poisonous.

Sapodilla grows best in full sun but accepts some shade. It suits USDA zones 10–11 and needs shelter from frost. Near-freezing cold can badly harm young trees. It accepts sand, loam, or clay that drains well. It also grows in both acid and alkaline soils. Moist, rich soil helps it grow. Trees that have taken root can stand drought. Water young trees during dry spells. Long droughts may mean fruit needs water as it forms. Long floods can slow growth and cut yields.

Sapodilla gives large grounds shade, fruit, and a screen. It stands salt spray and wind near the coast. Large roots and fallen fruit can cause problems beside paths. It needs little pruning and has few serious disease problems. Scale insects and fruit flies may attack it at times. Trees grown from seed can spread beyond their planting sites. Authorities class it as invasive in central and southern Florida. Folk medicine uses several parts. This use does not prove they are safe.