Mamey Sapote (Pouteria sapota)

Mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) is a tropical fruit tree native to Central America and the Caribbean. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, making it a popular choice for construction and furniture. The tree also has a beautiful, evergreen foliage that can add ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Pouteria sapota, the mamey sapote, is a species of tree native to Mexico and Central America. The tree is also cultivated in the Caribbean. Some of its names in Latin American countries, such as mamey colorado (Cuba), zapote colorado (Costa Rica) and zapote rojo (South America), refer to the reddish colour of its flesh to distinguish it from the unrelated but similar-looking Mammea americana, whose fruit is usually called “yellow mamey” (Spanish: mamey amarillo).

Mamey sapote is a large and highly ornamental evergreen tree that can reach a height of 15 to 45 m (49 to 148 ft) at maturity. It is mainly propagated by grafting, which ensures the new plant has the same characteristics as the parent, especially its fruit, as it does not grow true to seed. It is also considerably faster than growing trees by seed, producing fruit in 3–5 years; trees grown from seed require 7 years of growth before fruiting. In Florida, the fruit is harvested from May to July with some cultivars available all year.

The fruit, technically a berry, is about 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10 in) long and 8 to 12 cm (3 to 4.5 in) wide and has flesh ranging in color from pink to orange to red. The brown skin has a texture somewhat between sandpaper and the fuzz on a peach. The fruit’s texture is creamy and soft, and the flavor is a mix of sweet potato, pumpkin, honey, prune, peach, apricot, cantaloupe, cherry, and almond. A mamey sapote is ripe when the flesh is vibrant salmon in color when a fleck of the skin is removed. The flesh should give slightly, as with an overripe avocado. The leaves are pointed at both ends, 4 to 12 inches in length, and grow in clusters at the ends of branches.

The mamey sapote is related to other sapotes such as sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), abiu (P. caimito), and canistel (P. campechiana), but unrelated to the black sapote (Diospyros digyna) and white sapote (Casimiroa edulis).

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight and Temperature

Pouteria sapota requires full sun for at least 8+ hours per day. Insufficient light will compromise fruit yield. These trees are hardy to USDA zones 9-11, so they are not frost-tolerant. Young trees are vulnerable to damage if the temperature drops below 32℉. Mature trees can handle temperatures below 32℉ for several hours with very little damage. Below 22℉, the tree will die. The optimal average temperature is between 77℉ and 82℉. These trees are known to thrive in climates in Central America that also reach 90-95℉.

Watering

Originating from regions with variable moisture levels, mamey sapote has adapted to endure longer periods without water, showcasing a commendable drought tolerance. Its natural resilience translates into a moderate watering schedule of once every 2-3 weeks to maintain its vigor. As an evergreen plant, mamey sapote thrives when its soil moisture is carefully balanced to reflect its native habitat’s conditions. Ideally suited for indoor cultivation due to its consistent foliage presence year-round, mamey sapote benefits significantly from periodic misting to emulate the humidity it naturally prefers.

Soil

Pouteria sapota grows best in clay loam soil with good drainage. However, it is tolerant of moist soil types as long as there is adequate drainage. Ideal pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 but tolerates a wider range.

Fertilizing

Fertilize twice per year in the spring and early fall using an 8-3-9 fertilizer formula. Depending on the soil, zinc and manganese deficiencies may occur. If there are deficiencies, foliar sprays are recommended every 6 weeks between March and September. Iron deficiency is also common and can be remediated by applying a chelated iron once or twice a year through a soil drench.

Planting Instructions

Pouteria sapota is most commonly planted as a grafted tree. It is possible to plant from seed. However, the seed must be planted shortly after harvest or else viability is lost. Trees planted from seed also take 7-10 years before producing fruit versus 3-5 years with a grafted tree.

The best time to plant is in the spring when there is adequate rainfall to establish a young tree. Avoid planting in the winter since Pouteria sapota is sensitive to cold temperatures. If there is occasional frost, it’s recommended to plant in a large pot that can be moved or protected during a frost event.

Choose a sunny location with at least 20-30 feet of space between nearby trees and structures. For the tree to thrive, it needs at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day.

When planting the mamey sapote, dig a hole that is three times the diameter and depth of the root ball. Place the soil around the root system and mound the soil surrounding the trunk about four inches higher than ground level.

In many areas of Florida, the water table is within seven feet. If you live in an area with a shallow water table, plant the tree on an elevated mound. Although mamey sapote trees require constant moisture, they do not tolerate persistently saturated conditions. These conditions will result in the tree developing root rot.

Pruning

Pruning should be done during the warmer months after fruit harvest. Young trees can be pruned to encourage 3-4 large branches. Mature trees should be pruned to maintain an appropriate size.

Before pruning, search for flowers and young fruit at the base of the branches to avoid accidental removal of developing fruit. If fruits are not picked, they will drop naturally after ripening.

Propagation

Mamey plants can be propagated by seed and grafting.

Trees propagated from seed take many years to produce fruit. The fruit characteristics are also unknown and there are some cases in which the seed propagated trees will not produce fruit. Seed should only be used to grow rootstocks that will later be grafted with a known variety.

Grafted trees are the most reliable source because the characteristics are known and they produce fruit years faster than trees propagated from seed.

Pests and Diseases

• Common Pests

The Diaprepes weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) is a root weevil found in Florida and the Caribbean. Adults feed on the leaves while the larvae feed on the roots. Adults range from 3/8 to 3/4 inch in length. They are black with red, orange, or yellow scales on the elytra. Larvae are white grubs that reach a length of about 1 inch. Heavy infestations may cause severe decline or death. Beneficial nematodes can be applied to the soil to control larvae. Horticultural oils can be sprayed to kill eggs and prevent females from laying eggs on the leaves.

Red spider mites (Tetranychus bimaculatus) may infest the leaves causing stippling damage. Mites are extremely small, so the damage may be noticeable before the pest is detected. Severe infestations may cause defoliation. Mites can be controlled biologically using predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis. Horticultural oils will also effectively control mite populations.

There are various types of scale insects that will infest mamey trees. Scales are most commonly found on branches and twigs. Damage from scales is usually very minimal. Most scales will be controlled by natural predators as long as ant populations are under control. Ants collect honeydew from scales, so they will physically protect scales from predators. Horticultural oils are also proven to be effective in controlling scale insects.

• Common Diseases

The most significant disease problems that can occur are root rots caused by Pythium and Rhizoctonia. Both diseases can be prevented or resolved with proper irrigation practices. These diseases occur when the tree is being overwatered. The first indicator that there is a root issue is a general decline in vigor and fruit production. Confirm the diagnosis by digging to check the moisture of the soil and the health of the roots. If the soil is saturated and the roots are brown and brittle, the tree is suffering from root rot.

Anthracnose can also be a problem during the rainy season. This disease causes damage to young tender tissues like flowers and new leaves. Damage usually does not require treatment and will go away on its own once conditions dry.

III. Uses and Benefits

The fruit is eaten raw or made into milkshakes, smoothies, ice cream, and fruit bars. It can be used to produce marmalade and jelly. It can also be fried like bacon. Some beauty products use oil pressed from the seed, otherwise known as sapayul oil.

IV. Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting

Eventually, the ripe fruit will fall off the tree naturally. However, the fall will most likely damage the fruit. To pick the fruit, simply twist the fruit off the branches. Harvesting season will vary depending on the variety, but most varieties will be ready for harvest between April and September.

The easiest way to determine the right time to pick a mamey sapote is by scratching the skin of the fruit and checking the color. If the flesh is green in color, the fruit is not ready. If the flesh is orange, red or pink, the fruit is ready to pick.

The fruit will still feel firm so it’s important to expose the fruit to room temperature for a couple of days for it to fully ripen. Ripeness is recognized the same way you would an avocado. Squeeze the fruit lightly. If there is a slight give, then the fruit is ripe and ready to eat.

Keep in mind the fruit takes 13 months to two years to develop. Patience is the key to harvesting good fruit.

• Storing

Fruit can be stored fresh in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, cut the fruit into chunks and freeze it. Frozen fruit can later be used in smoothie and ice cream recipes. The fruit can also be freeze-dried to make a crunchy snack with a long shelf life.