Botanical Characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Manilkara zapota
• Common Names: Sapota, Chikoo, Sapodilla, Chiku, Zapote, Naseberry
• Family: Sapotaceae
• Origin: Native to Central America, but now widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world.

2. Tree Features:

• Size: The Sapota tree is a medium to large evergreen tree that can grow up to 10–15 meters (30–50 feet) tall in the wild, but in commercial orchards, trees are usually pruned to a more manageable size (around 5–7 meters or 16–23 feet).
• Leaves: The leaves are dark green, leathery, and alternate. They are elongated and give the tree a dense, tropical appearance. The leaves also serve to shade the fruits and protect them from sunburn.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, yellowish-green, and grow in clusters. They bloom during the spring months and are typically pollinated by insects.
• Bark: The bark of the Sapota tree is dark brown or gray, and it exudes a latex-like resin, which can be harvested and used in chewing gum production in some regions.