Chrysophyllum cainito
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Chrysophyllum cainito is a tropical tree of the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the Isthmus of Panama, where it was domesticated.[1] It has spread to the Greater Antilles and the West Indies and is now grown throughout the tropics, including Southeast Asia.[2] It grows rapidly and reaches 20 meters in height.
Name
The common names cainito and caimito likely come from the Mayan words Script error: No such module "Lang". (juice), Script error: No such module "Lang". (breast), and Script error: No such module "Lang". (sap), via Spanish.[3] Star apple is a common name.[4] It is also known as the purple apple.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Description
Tree
The leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple oval, entire, 5–15 cm long; the underside shines with a golden color when seen from a distance. The tiny flowers are purplish white and have a sweet fragrant smell. The tree is also hermaphroditic (self-fertile). It produces a strong odor.
Fruit
The fruit is globose and typically measures from 2 to 3 inches in diameter.[5] When ripe, it usually has purple skin with a faint green area appearing around the calyx. A radiating star pattern is visible in the pulp. Greenish-white and yellow-fruited cultivars are sometimes available. The skin is rich in latex, and both it and the rind are not edible. The flattened seeds are light brown and hard. It is a seasonal fruit bearing tree.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
The fruits are used as a fresh dessert fruit; it is sweet and often served chilled. The fruit also exists in three colors, dark purple, greenish brown and yellow. The purple fruit has a denser skin and texture while the greenish brown fruit has a thin skin and a more liquid pulp; the yellow variety is less common.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
A number of related species, also called star apples, are grown in Africa including Gambeya albida and G. africana.[6]
Gallery
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Cainito fruit cut in half
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Freshly plucked cainitos
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Leaves
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Fruits, usually purple, may also be green or red
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References
External links
- Dept. of Horticulture Purdue University
- Quisqualis Site Entry for C. cainito
- Vietnamese name of Chrysophyllum cainito is vú sữa
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- ↑ ”Chrysophyllum cainito” at AgroForestryTree Database at http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/products/afdbases/af/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=524 Template:Webarchive.
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