| Star Apple | |
| Chrysophyllum cainito | |
| a.k.a. Caimito |
Round, baseball sized fruit that when cut has a core that takes on a star shape. Pulp is soft and sweet. The star apple usually comes in two forms, either the dark purple skinned variety with red-purple pulp, or the green skinned variety with clear-white pulp. The star apple is a very popular fruit in many tropical parts of the world.
Description: A medium to large sized tree from 25-80ft high. Leaves are very pretty,
with a glossy green surface, and a shimmering gold velvety underside.
Hardiness: Star apples are tropical, and will not survive more than a couple
of degrees of frost.
Growing Environment: Young trees are highly susceptible to any kind
of frost or cold wind. Trees need balanced watering throughout the
year.
Propagation: Either by seeds, which take 5-10 years to bear,
or by grafting and budding, with trees coming to bear in 2-4 years.
Uses: Star apples are eaten fresh. The pulp is usually spooned out as to avoid the bitter tasting rind. The fresh fruit is also often added to salads, drinks, and other dishes.
Native Range: Native to tropical America, from the Carribean through Central America. Is now grown commercially in Central and South America as well as tropical Asia and Africa. Occasionally grown commercially in parts of south Florida.