Pouteria caimito (Ruiz & Pav.) Radlk.
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Authority
Popenoe, Wilson. 1924. Economic fruit-bearing plants of Ecuador. Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 24: i-ix, 101-134. pl. 34-49.
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Family
Sapotaceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Description - This plant, known in Brazil as abiu and in the Cauca Valley of Colombia (where it is rare) as caimo, reaches a height of about 6 meters. Its leaves are obovate to lanceolate, 10 to 20 cm. long, glabrous, and bright green. The fruit is elliptic to round, 5 to 10 cm. long, bright yellow, with a thick, tough skin. Surrounding the two or three large seeds is the translucent, whitish flesh, somewhat jellylike in consistency and of a sweet, pleasant flavor resembling that of the caimito or star-apple.
Uses - The fruit is held in considerable esteem by Ecuadorians, and often appears in the markets of Guayaquil during March and April.
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Common Names
cauje, Abiu, caimo