Well Watered Sapodilla/Chiku Healthy Fruit Plant & Tree For ..More

Here's a detailed description of the Sapota (Chiku) fruit plant:

Sapota Fruit Plant Description
Common Names: Sapota, Chiku, Sapodilla, Naseberry
Botanical Name: Manilkara zapota
Family: Sapotaceae

General Description:
The sapota plant is a tropical evergreen fruit tree native to Central America and Mexico, now widely cultivated in India, Thailand, the Philippines, and other tropical regions. It is well known for its sweet, brown, pulpy fruit commonly called chiku in India.

Plant Characteristics:
Type:

Perennial, evergreen fruit tree

Long-living; some trees can live over 50 years

Height & Growth:

Typically grows to 10–15 meters in height under ideal conditions

Has a dense, rounded canopy with strong branches

Leaves:

Shiny, dark green, simple, and elliptical in shape

Arranged alternately and form clusters at the ends of branches

Leathery texture with a prominent midrib

Flowers:

Small, bell-shaped, creamy-white or pale yellow

Grow singly or in clusters

Not showy but fragrant and attract pollinators

Self-pollinating, but cross-pollination improves yield

Fruit:

Round or oval, 4–10 cm in diameter

Covered with rough, brownish skin

Flesh is soft, sweet, and grainy with a malty flavor

Contains 1–6 shiny, black seeds

High in natural sugars, dietary fiber, and vitamins (especially Vitamin C and A)

Root System:

Deep taproot system, drought-tolerant once established

Climatic and Soil Requirements:
Climate: Prefers warm, humid climates with minimal frost; thrives in tropical to subtropical regions

Soil: Well-drained sandy loam to clay loam; pH 6.0–8.0

Sunlight: Full sun is essential for optimal fruiting

Propagation:
Typically propagated by grafting or air layering for consistent fruit quality

Seed propagation is also possible but leads to variability

Uses:
Edible Fruit: Consumed fresh, used in milkshakes, ice creams, jams, and desserts

Timber: Wood is durable and used for furniture

Medicinal: Bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine for treating diarrhea, coughs, and skin issues

Let me know if you want a care guide or commercial cultivation tips for sapota!