Manilkara zapota

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

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  • Botanical Name : Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen
  • Synonyms : Achras zapota L.
  • Common Name : The Sapodilla Plum, Chikoo, Chico Sapote, Noseberry
  • Plant Family : Sapotaceae
  • Plant Form : Tree
  • Occurrence (Sectors) : 1, 4-6, 8, 12, 14, 15, 19-21, 23, 27, 29

About Manilkara zapota Plant :

  • Habit : A small, evergreen tree, hairy with milky juice.
  • Leaves : Elliptic, entire, leathery, hairy, brown.
  • Inflorescence : Solitary axillary.
  • Flowers :
    • White in colour.
    • Sepals 6, 3 large than the others, petals 6 forming subglobose corolla, imbricate.
    • Stamens 6, opposite the corolla-lobes, alternating with pertaloid staminodes.
    • Ovary superior, 10-12 celled, style bifid.
  • Fruit :
    • Berry fleshy,egg-shaped, rough, rusty-brown.
    • Seeds 4-5, shining, black.
  • Flowering and Fruiting Time : April-June
  • Significance : It is mainly cultivated for its edible fruits.