Description

General aspect and origins - Casimiroa edulis is also known as the white sapote. It is native to Central Mexico, and is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical places in the world. It is an evergreen tree that can reach 60 ft (20 m) tall, but which is of more modest dimensions in cultivation. It bears yellow-green flowers and edible fruits, the white sapotes.
Leaves - The white sapote has an evergreen foliage. Leaves are alternate and have 3 to 7 leaflets of various sizes. Leaflets can be up to 8 in (20 cm) long.
Flowers - Flowers are yellow-green and not scented. They are grouped in panicles.
Fruits - The white sapote is a fruit of various shape, rounded or ovoïd, that can be more than 4 in (10 cm) long. Its skin is yellow-green and inedible. Its flesh is creamy-white and is very palatable when ripe. This fruit is generally eaten raw, but can also be transformed into sherbets or ice creams.

Culture

The white sapote is a subtropical tree that can withstand a few degrees of frost : it can survive in the low twenties (22°F-24°F, which is about -4°C to -5°C). However, foliage and young trees will be damaged at 28°F (-2°C)
Soil - The white sapote needs a well-drained ground. It is a tree that can bear occasional droughts.

Propagation

This tree can be propagated by seeds, but best varieties are grafted.