White Sapote (Multi-Grafted)
Casimiroa edulis & Casimiroa tetrameric
Multi grafted with the following varieties: ‘Chris’, ‘Kampong’, ‘Sue Belle', 'Vista' and an unknown variety.
From the citrus family, and unrelated to the Black Sapote.
This tree showcases the fascinating world of grafting. Currently the tree has 6 different varieties of White Sapote (see if you can spot all of the graft unions) which not only adds interest to a tree but also improves pollination (and thus fruit set) and can stretch the productive season as some varieties fruit sooner and others later in the season. Usually has a summer and winter crop.
The fruit contains large seeds when pollinated which is a good thing as they contain toxins which should not be eaten.
Only eat when perfectly ripe and very soft. Flesh a custard like texture. Flavour from mild to banana-like to peach to pear to vanilla. Generally eaten fresh, but also used in desserts, smoothies or milkshakes, or infused for a calming tea. Very high in sugars and low in acids.
Native to Mexico, and Central America south to Costa Rica.
Tree maintenance
Casimiroa edulis & Casimiroa tetrameric
Multi grafted with the following varieties: ‘Chris’, ‘Kampong’, ‘Sue Belle', 'Vista' and an unknown variety.
From the citrus family, and unrelated to the Black Sapote.
This tree showcases the fascinating world of grafting. Currently the tree has 6 different varieties of White Sapote (see if you can spot all of the graft unions) which not only adds interest to a tree but also improves pollination (and thus fruit set) and can stretch the productive season as some varieties fruit sooner and others later in the season. Usually has a summer and winter crop.
The fruit contains large seeds when pollinated which is a good thing as they contain toxins which should not be eaten.
Only eat when perfectly ripe and very soft. Flesh a custard like texture. Flavour from mild to banana-like to peach to pear to vanilla. Generally eaten fresh, but also used in desserts, smoothies or milkshakes, or infused for a calming tea. Very high in sugars and low in acids.
Native to Mexico, and Central America south to Costa Rica.
Tree maintenance
- Take care to locate the graft points before commencing any pruning.
- Pruning - when young, encourage branching by removing flowers and pinching out the terminal bud (the topmost bud). Remove branches that are poorly attached (either too narrow or horizontal). Prune for 2 years and then leave to grow. Once more mature take the top off if too tall - the top branches can shade out the lower branches and it is these branches that we want to bear fruit and are easier to reach and manage.
- Feed with an organic citrus fertiliser in spring and autumn.
- The tree is drought tolerant but will produce better fruit with regular and deep watering during very prolonged dry periods.
- Mulch - spread to 1.2–1.5 m diameter around the tree, leaving a space between the tree and the mulch.
- Bag the fruit.