Mamey Sapote

Overview

Mamey sapote bears large, oval fruit with rough brown skin and sweet, creamy, salmon-colored flesh. Fruit takes a long time to mature on the tree.

History

Native to Mexico and Central America, where it is a popular fruit.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Best in warm, sheltered sites with good drainage.
• Needs room to grow.

Planting and propagation

• Grafted trees bear much sooner than seedlings.
• Plant in rich, well-drained soil and mulch well.

Care and maintenance

• Prune to keep a manageable height.
• Water during dry spells.

Role in the guild

A long-term canopy tree, with pigeon pea and ground covers around it while young.

Harvest

Fruit can take a year or more to mature. Scratch the skin: if the flesh underneath is orange-red rather than green, it is ready to pick. Ripen at room temperature until soft.

Uses

• Food: fresh, in smoothies, and in desserts.

Problems to watch

• Fruit flies on ripe fruit.
• Slow to bear from seed.

General guidance for Kauaʻi; conditions vary by site. Check any new plant at plantpono.org before planting.