Chrysophyllum cainito

Chrysophyllum cainito is a tropical tree of the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the Isthmus of Panama, where it was domesticated.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> It has spread to the Greater Antilles and the West Indies and is now grown throughout the tropics, including Southeast Asia.<ref>”Chrysophyllum cainito” at AgroForestryTree Database at http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/products/afdbases/af/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=524 Template:Webarchive.</ref> It grows rapidly and reaches 20 meters in height.

Name

The common names cainito and caimito likely come from the Mayan words {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (juice), {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (breast), and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (sap), via Spanish.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Star apple is a common name.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is also known as the purple apple.Template:Citation needed

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.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> 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.Template:Cn

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.Template:Cn

A number of related species, also called star apples, are grown in Africa including Gambeya albida and G. africana.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Gallery

• Chrysophyllum cainito0.jpg

  Cainito fruit cut in half

• Star Apple (Kaimito).jpg

  Freshly plucked cainitos

• Starr 070906-8589 Chrysophyllum cainito.jpg

  Leaves

• Chryso caini 071010-0476 jtg.jpg

  Fruits, usually purple, may also be green or red

External links

• Dept. of Horticulture Purdue University
• Quisqualis Site Entry for C. cainito
• Vietnamese name of Chrysophyllum cainito is vú sữa