South American Sapote, Chupa Chupa, Matisia
Quararibea cordata

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A fast-growing and natural pioneer species within its native range known as Quararibes cordata or South American Sapote is medium-sized tree growing about 30 m in height and 50 cm in bole diameter. The leaves are heart-shaped, green, and alternate. The flowers are creamy-yellow. Though the plant has no medicinal uses, it is valued for its edible, large, and round fruits with yellow-orange pulp and sweet flavor. The wood of this species is easy to cut but has poor mechanical properties. It is used for doors and panelling, and to make light boxes. Plants are grown from seeds.

Quararibea cordata is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 16 m (52ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects, humming birds. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 20

Where it is found

Rainforests on fertile soil from fairly high altitudes to lowland coastal regions. Found both in areas that are seasonally inundated, and also areas that are not.

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia; C. America - Panama, Costa Rica.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil*, Central America, Colombia*, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Hawaii, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Pacific, Panama, Peru*, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America, USA,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - raw. The fibrous yellow-orange pulp of the fruit is sweet and is eaten raw. The flavour is reminiscent of a very sweet pumpkin with overtones of mango and apricot. Opinions vary widely over the quality of this fruit, with some people describing it enthusiastically as like a blend of mangoes, peaches and strawberries, whilst others have found it to be bland. There are forms with very little fibre and these can be utilised for juice. The fruit is up to 10cm in diameter.

Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.

Medicine

Rating: 3

Other

Rating: 0

Sheltered seaside. Backyard tree. Public open space. Large conservatory. Agroforestry Uses: A fast-growing, natural pioneer species within its native range. With its edible fruit it could very well be useful in a mixed planting to restore native woodland or to establish a woodland garden. The large trees of this species are grown in association with avocados. This combination works well because both species have the same soil requirements, and zapote provides necessary shade for the avocados. Other Uses The wood is coarse-textured, irregular-grained, light in weight, with a low resistance to wood-eating organisms. It is easy to cut, but has poor mechanical properties. It is used as core material for doors and panelling, and to make light boxes.

Containers: Plants, such as gourds, that can be used as containers. Does not include baskets or containers made from wood.

Houseplant: A plant grown indoors for decorative purposes.

Pioneer: Plants, usually trees and shrubs, that can be used to reforest land.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

Likes to grow in hot, humid, lowland tropical to subtropical regions with lots of rainfall. Plants are very susceptible to frost injury. Prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive soil and a position in full sun. Young plants are fast-growing.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A high germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 20 - 30 days. Stem cuttings.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Apasi, Chupa chupa, Chupa-chupa, Cordate matisia, Matisia, Patintoqui, Sapote Sapotillo, Saput, Zapote de monte,

Synonyms

Matisia cordata Bonpl.