Canistel 'Ross & Gray' at LCG (photo credit: Graham Bond)
Canistel 'Ross & Gray'
Pouteria campechiana
Sapotacea family
Grafted
Here have two varieties planted in the same hole. To the south is the 'Gray' Canistel. To the north is the 'Ross Sapote' - very close relative to the Canistel, so close that they are often lumped together and can be grafted onto each other.
Both are very vigorous, productive trees that could reach over 10m in height if we let them, so they have been planted in the same hole in order to help restrict growth and contain size.
The Canistel is an easy growing tree, not too fussy about soil or water. Young trees should be protected from frost, but they are relatively cold-hardy once mature.
The fruit is dense and sweet with a mousse-like texture. Fruiting can occur two to three times per year. When ripe, the smooth glossy skin turns yellow. Harvest when yellow, but before the skin cracks.
Tree Provenance
The scion wood (small branch/twig from a mature tree) for both varieties was obtained from Boyd Kellner, and grafted onto rootstock by Grant Jenkins, our tropical fruit enthusiast.
Tree Maintenance
Pouteria campechiana
Sapotacea family
Grafted
Here have two varieties planted in the same hole. To the south is the 'Gray' Canistel. To the north is the 'Ross Sapote' - very close relative to the Canistel, so close that they are often lumped together and can be grafted onto each other.
Both are very vigorous, productive trees that could reach over 10m in height if we let them, so they have been planted in the same hole in order to help restrict growth and contain size.
The Canistel is an easy growing tree, not too fussy about soil or water. Young trees should be protected from frost, but they are relatively cold-hardy once mature.
The fruit is dense and sweet with a mousse-like texture. Fruiting can occur two to three times per year. When ripe, the smooth glossy skin turns yellow. Harvest when yellow, but before the skin cracks.
Tree Provenance
The scion wood (small branch/twig from a mature tree) for both varieties was obtained from Boyd Kellner, and grafted onto rootstock by Grant Jenkins, our tropical fruit enthusiast.
Tree Maintenance
- Prune selectively to size as needed to bring down to picking height. Fruit may need to be sacrificed during pruning as there is almost always some flowers or young fruit on the tree.
- Keep soil well composted and mulched, leaving a gap around the trunk to avoid collar rot.
Canistel 'Ross & Gray' at LCG January 2025 (photo credit: Jacqui Lachmann)
Canistel 'Ross & Gray' at LCG August 2022 (photo credit: Graham Bond)
