Chrysophyllum cainito
Family: Sapotaceae

With origins in the West Indies and Central America, this is a large tree which grows to a height of 9-15 m (30-50 ft) and a spread of 6-8 m (20-26 ft). It has large, elliptic leaves which are shiny green above and covered with gold hairs on the undersides. The flowers are white, but very small and almost inconspicuous. Fruit is set after about seven years and from the tenth year, bearing is usually prolific. Fruits are rounded and, depending on the variety, the skin colour may be green with pink or yellow flushes, or a dark purple-brown.

Its common name comes from the fact that when the fruit is cut in halt the inside appears star-shaped. Inside, the fruit is divided into segments of white, pulpy flesh, surrounded by a drier type of flesh. All of this is edible. However, don't bite into the fruit as the skin contains a latex which may cause severe mouth irritation. Fruit should be cut open and the sweet jelly-like flesh spooned out. Although it can be eaten alone, it is more often mixed together with chopped or segmented oranges, to be eaten raw or made into drinks.

Cultivation

Outside the tropics, grow as a young foliage plant in a warm greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of soil-based potting compost. Provide a humid atmosphere. Water well when in full growth. Propagate from seed, which germinates in about six weeks in a heated propagating case. If growing outdoors, plant in well-drained soil of high fertility. Fruit should not be allowed to ripen on the tree but should be picked when the skin is still smooth but deep purple in colour. Ripen in a warm room indoors. Very ripe fruit is dull, wrinkled and soft to the touch.

Climate

Suitable for the tropics only as trees need high temperature and high humidity all year.