Pouteria lucuma, commonly known as lúcuma, is an evergreen tree native to the Andean valleys and highland forests of Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru. It is part of the Sapotaceae family and is well-adapted to the cool, subtropical highlands at elevations between 8858-9843 feet. The tree can grow up to 66 feet tall and is characterized by its greyish-brown, fissured bark. Lúcuma produces bright yellow fruits that are notable for their sweet, mealy texture reminiscent of sweet potato and butterscotch. The fruit is typically harvested during the dry season.

Lúcuma trees are valued for their sweet fruits, which are rich in moisture, glucose, and sucrose. These fruits have a significant cultural and historical presence in Andean societies and are commonly used in Peruvian cuisine for juices, milkshakes, and ice cream. In cultivation, lúcuma trees prefer well-drained soils, moderate watering, and full sun to partial shade conditions. They are not widely grown outside their native range but can be found in some botanical gardens and private collections. While lúcuma trees are generally disease-resistant, they can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0