Chico, Sapodilla

Description:

Manilkara zapota commonly known as the Sapodilla, Naseberry, Chico (in Tagalog), of order Ericales, family Sapotaceaeis, a long-lived, evergreen tree native to southern Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It was introduced to the Philippines during Spanish colonization. It is grown in huge quantities in Thailand, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Mexico and in southern coastal areas of Pakistan. Chico is a much-branched tree growing to a height of 8 meters. Leaves are oblong to narrowly oblong-obovate, 8-13cm in length, pointed at both ends. Flowers are hairy outside, 6-8mm long and 6-parted. Fruit is brown, fleshy, ovoid to round, 3-8cm long, containing 5 or more shiny blackish-brown seeds. Flesh is brown, soft, slightly gritty, sweet, and very agreeable in flavor.

Habitat:

Backyard, spotted at my cousin's place in Calamba Laguna.