Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito)

Family: Sapotaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito) is a tropical, slow-growing evergreen tree that is usually about 25 m tall and 4-8 m wide. The stem is erect, the branches hang down, and the leaves are small, dark green in colour but red/yellow underneath, hairy, and shiny. Small flowers occur in clusters. The fruits are oval shaped, purple when ripe, and smooth skinned.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour. — Fruit - raw or made into preserves.; The pleasantly acidic flesh is high in carbohydrate and is eaten fresh.; The fruit is about 10cm in diameter.; The fruit is not good unless allowed to remain on the tree until fully ripe; if picked when immature it is astringent and contains a sticky, white latex.

Habitat & North American Range

Humid woodlands at low to medium elevations. (Zone 10)