Manilkara zapota, commonly known as the sapodilla, is a long-lived, evergreen tree native to southern Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The Sapota when fully ripe is delicious and is eaten as dessert fruit. The pulp is sweet and melting. Besides food values the Sapota fruits are also used in some auverda preparations.

PLANTING AND CARE

Plant where they will receive a minimum of 5 to 6 hours of full sun per day. Plants grown in weak sun may not die at once, but they weaken gradually. Give them plenty of organic matter when planting and crowd them.Wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands from prickly thorns.

CARING FOR CHIKU

Plant care is not difficult but does require vigilance. The vines need to be trained early when they are young. You may use plant ties or just weave them through trellis sections. Fertilize the plant in spring just before new growth appears. Pinch off the tips of the vines in the second year to promote branching which will fill the trellis with bushy growth.