Pouteria sapota aka Naseberry

Pouteria sapota, or mamey sapote, belongs to the Sapotaceae family. Its native range runs from Mexico through Central America. It grows in moist lowland woods and suits warm climates. People grow it for fruit and as an ornamental tree. It has a long history of cultivation in the Americas.

The tree has a thick trunk and an open crown. A few large limbs spread from the main stem. In Florida, trees reach about 40 feet [12.2 metres]. Tropical trees can exceed 60 feet [18.3 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants gives an upper height of 82 feet [25 metres]. Large, simple leaves crowd the tips of small branches. Their shape broadens toward the tip, then narrows at the base. Young leaves have fine hairs beneath; older leaves become smooth. Though classed as evergreen, trees may shed most leaves in spring. New leaves soon replace them.

Small, whitish flowers grow in clusters along the small branches. Each flower has both male and female parts. The oval fruit has thick, rough, brown skin. Its flesh ranges from pink and orange to deep reddish brown. The sweet flesh has an almond-like taste and little fibre. Most fruits hold one large, shiny brown seed. Some hold as many as four seeds. Fruit can take 13 to 24 months to ripen after flowering. Flowers and fruit at several stages may share one tree.

Give this tree full sun and deep, rich, moist soil. It accepts sandy, clay, and limestone soils with good drainage. Drought can harm it, but flooded soil also causes trouble. Waterlogged roots may die and suffer attack from root-rot fungi. The tree needs tropical warmth or a warm subtropical site. Young trees suffer injury below freezing. Older trees can endure brief light freezes, but prolonged cold can kill them. Sources differ on the exact cold limits, so frost remains a serious risk. Grafted trees may fruit after three to five years. Seed-grown trees need seven years or more.

People eat the ripe flesh fresh, dried, or in frozen desserts. They also use it in drinks and cook unripe fruit. Seeds have recorded food uses, but the source also flags hazards. They may contain hydrogen cyanide and can cause stupor. The leaves are reported poisonous. Milky sap can harm eyes and burn or blister skin. Seed oil has uses in soap, cosmetics, and traditional remedies. These uses do not make untreated seeds or sap safe.