White Sapote

(Casimiroa edulis)

White Sapote (Casimiroa edulis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Casimiroa edulis, commonly known as White Sapote, is an evergreen tree native to the highland forests and lowland plains of Central America and Mexico. It can grow to a height of 25-50 feet and a width of 25-30 feet. The tree has a rounded canopy with glossy, palmate leaves that provide dense shade. White Sapote produces creamy-white flowers, followed by round, greenish-yellow fruits with a thin, inedible skin. The flesh is sweet and custard-like, with flavors ranging from bland to reminiscent of banana, peach, pear, or vanilla flan, depending on the cultivar. The fruit typically contains one to five inedible seeds, which have been studied for their narcotic properties and potential pharmacological uses.

White Sapote is valued for its sweet, edible fruit and as an attractive ornamental tree. It is often used in tropical and subtropical landscapes, private gardens, and as a street tree in urban environments. The tree is relatively easy to maintain, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in well-drained soils. It prefers full sun to part shade and is tolerant of different soil types, though it performs best in fertile, loamy soils. While White Sapote is not known for significant disease issues, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained conditions. The tree is also frost-sensitive and should be protected from cold temperatures in cooler climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 25-50 feet
  • Width: 25-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Fall, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Highland forests and lowland plains of Central America and Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Casimiroa , Mexican-Apple , Weiße Sapote , Cochilsapote , Zapote Blanco , Matasano , Pomme Mexicaine , Sapote Blanche , Sapoti , Vit Sapote

Scientific Names: Casimiroa edulis , Casimiroa sapota f. costarricensis , Casimiroa sapota f. glabrata , Casimiroa sapota var. villosa , Casimiroa sapota f. jaliscana , Casimiroa sapota f. macrocarpa , Casimiroa edulis f. microcarpa , Zanthoxylum araliaceum , Casimiroa sapota f. comitana

GBIF Accepted Name: Casimiroa edulis La Llave & Lex.