Chrysophyllum cainito L.
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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 - The star-apple, as this species is called in English is an unusually handsome tree, attaining 12 to 15 meters in height. The leaves are oval or oblong, about 10 cm. in length, deep green and glossy above, and typically golden-brown, with a satin-like sheen beneath. The flowers are small and inconspiucous, purple-white in color. The fruit is round or oblate. 5 to 10 cm. in diameter, smooth, somewhat glossy, either dull purple or light green. The flesh is soft and melting, but not very juicy; it incloses three to five ovate-elliptic, hard, flattened dark brown seeds. The flavor of the fruit is suggestive of that of the other members of this family, such as the níspero and the cauje.
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Common Names
caimito, star-apple