Hortiforum

General Info – Casimiroa, White Sapote, Mexican Apple

A relative of Citrus and well-suited to most regions in Australia, the Casimiroa, or White Sapote, stands as an excellent, robust choice for gardeners in temperate and subtropical climates.
Casimiroa fruits are rather unassuming, swelling to the size of an Orange once mature and developing a greenish-golden skin, with both size, shape, and colour dependent on the variety. When fully ripe, Casimiroa possess a creamy, smooth flesh likened to Custard, that melts in the mouth, with a subtly sweet flavour often compared to Vanilla, Peach, Pear, Coconut, and Banana. The vitamin-rich, white flesh of the Casimiroa is best enjoyed fresh, either on its own or incorporated into a fruit salad, milkshake, or paired with ice cream. Bearing an abundance of fruit once mature, a glut of Casimiroa is suitable for preservation through freezing, either sliced or as pulp. Numerous varieties are available for cultivation in Australia, spanning from the thin-skinned, light brown fruit of the Kampong borne on a compact tree, to the aptly named Golden Globe with its superbly flavoured, small fruits, and the sweet, oval fruits of the Ortega.
Alongside Loquats, Tamarillos, and Feijoas, the White Sapote is a highly productive and delicious tree, perfectly adapted to the diverse temperate and subtropical climates where most Australians reside. Originally hailing from the subtropical highlands of Central America, the Casimiroa notably thrives in cool subtropical conditions and easily withstands light frosts. White Sapote trees prefer medium to high rainfall, a well-draining, neutral soil and a position in full sun. Casimiroa are tolerant to drought, although harvests will be reduced. Once mature, Casimiroa can become prolific fruit-bearers once mature, boasting longevity and consistent yields of substantial crops. Casimiroa can be grown productively and effortlessly as far south as Melbourne and extending north into Queensland, though they are not ideally suited for tropical climates. Grafted varieties are readily available, offering assured fruit quality from a young age while ensuring trees remain at a more manageable size. While seedling trees may grow to imposing sizes, grafted trees offer both guaranteed fruit quality and easier maintenance, facilitating fruit picking and pruning.
Casimiroa seedlings have the potential to reach heights of up to 18 metres, whereas grafted varieties will maintain a smaller stature, easily kept well below 3 metres. These trees boast a broad crown and dense canopy, adorned with drooping branches bearing palmately compound, glossy, deep green leaves. The inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers are borne on small panicles.
With their creamy, sweet fruit and adaptability across various climates, the White Sapote warrants cultivation throughout Australia.

Plant Profile/Properties