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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Sapodilla

Sapodilla is a tropical evergreen tree, scientifically known as *Manilkara zapota*, and the edible fruit it produces.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sapodilla is a tropical evergreen tree (Manilkara zapota) native to southern Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean, now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its sweet fruit and milky latex known as chicle. While not native to Canada, sapodilla fruit may be found in Canadian grocery stores and specialty markets.

Description

Sapodilla is a slow-growing, long-lived evergreen tree with a dense crown. It produces an edible fruit that is usually round to oval, with rough brown skin and sweet, grainy flesh.

Distribution and cultivation

The species is native to southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, but it has been introduced widely across tropical and subtropical lowlands. It is grown in home gardens, orchards, and plantations in many parts of the world.

Uses

Sapodilla fruit is commonly eaten fresh and is also used in desserts, preserves, sherbets, and drinks. The tree’s latex, chicle, was historically an important ingredient in natural chewing gum.

Botanical characteristics

The tree has white latex in its bark and branches, and it is adapted to warm climates. Sources describe it as medium to large in size, with heights commonly around 18–30 m depending on growing conditions.

Key facts

  • Sapodilla is both the tree and its fruit, scientifically named Manilkara zapota.
  • The tree is native to southern Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean.
  • The ripe fruit is brown-skinned with sweet, grainy flesh.
  • The tree's latex, chicle, was historically used to make chewing gum.
  • Sapodilla is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions.
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Canadian context

Sapodilla is not native to Canada, but it may be encountered in Canadian grocery stores, specialty produce markets, or as a tropical greenhouse plant in collections and botanical gardens.

Frequently asked questions

What is sapodilla?
Sapodilla is a tropical evergreen tree and its edible fruit, scientifically named *Manilkara zapota*.
Where is sapodilla native to?
It is native to southern Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean.
What does sapodilla fruit taste like?
The ripe fruit is described as sweet, with a grainy texture and a flavour often compared to pear, brown sugar, or caramel.
What is chicle?
Chicle is the milky latex from sapodilla bark and branches, historically used as the main base for chewing gum.
How is sapodilla usually eaten?
It is most commonly eaten fresh, but it is also used in milkshakes, desserts, jams, sherbets, and similar foods.
Is sapodilla grown outside the Americas?
Yes. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/sapodilla
    Supports: Scientific name, family, tropical evergreen tree description, native range
  2. Rainforest Alliance — https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/species/sapodilla/
    Supports: Tree size, fruit description, native range, chicle latex
  3. University of Florida IFAS — https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST405
    Supports: Scientific name, family, origin, fruit traits, chicle use, growth habit
  4. CABI Compendium — https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.34560
    Supports: Native range, cultivation worldwide, fruit uses, chicle history
  5. Growables — https://www.growables.org/information/TropicalFruit/SapodillaPopenoe.htm
    Supports: Native range and fruit use as dessert fruit