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Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) is a long-lived, evergreen tree native to the New World tropics.It is a native of Mexico and was introduced to the Philippines during Spanish colonisation.
Sapodilla grows to 30-40 m tall. It is wind-resistant and the bark is rich in a white, gummy latex called chicle. The ornamental leaves are medium green and glossy. They are alternate, elliptic to ovate, 7-15 cm long, with an entire margin. The white flowers are inconspicuous and bell-like, with a six-lobed corolla. The sapodilla trees yield fruit twice a year, though flowering may continue year round.
The fruit is a large globose berry, 4-8 cm in diameter, very much resembling a smooth-skinned potato and containing 2-10 seeds. Some are round and some are oval with pointed ends. The fruit has a high latex content and does not ripen until picked. Inside, its flesh ranges from a pale yellow to an earthy brown color with a grainy texture akin to that of a well-ripened pear. The flavour is exceptionally sweet and quite delicious. The fruit's flavor has been compared to cotton candy or caramel.
The seeds are black and resemble beans, with a hook at one end that can catch in the throat if swallowed.
Source: Wikipedia
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