Hortiforum

General Info – Mamey Sapote, Red Sapote

Pumpkin Pie in a fruit, the Mamey Sapote, is a unique and delicious Pouteria native to the tropics of Central America.
Esteemed throughout its native range and considered one of the best Sapotes, the sweet orange flesh of the Mamey Sapote is commonly enjoyed fresh for its luscious, smooth taste and soft, creamy texture. The vibrant and eye-catching salmon-coloured flesh of the fruits stands in stark contrast to the large, shiny black seed within. These fruits are rich in Vitamin A, C, and Potassium, boasting a complex and wide flavour spectrum that can be likened to Pumpkin, Almond, Sweet Potato, Peach, Apricot, and Cherry. Mamey Sapote trees large, ovular brown fruits, with some varieties producing specimens weighing over 2 kilograms. The external characteristics of the fruits remain constant as they mature, instead, ripe fruits can be identified by their slightly yielding flesh, reminiscent of a ripe Avocado. Additionally, a ripe fruit can be discerned by lightly scratching the skin, revealing a salmon colour instead of the unripe green hue. The Mamey Sapote are widely beloved throughout the Carribean and Central America for their use in milkshakes, smoothies, and ice cream, imparting a rich flavour and vibrant colour.
Mamey Sapote trees are highly ornamental, naturally developing into a handsome, spreading shape with clusters of shiny, dark green leaves with prominent veins. In their native tropical climates, these plants can reach heights of up to 25m. However, in cultivation and marginal climates, they typically reach around 10m. They can be easily kept smaller by pruning from a young age. Clusters of self-pollinating, small white flowers encircle the mature branches, imparting a distinct appearance to the trees.
Mamey Sapote trees are prolific producers when mature, bearing fruit year-round in subtropical-tropical climates with consistent rainfall or watering. The Mamey Sapote proves to be a viable choice in marginal, frost-free warm-temperate climates. While young Mamey Sapote plants succumb to even a mild frost, once mature, they exhibit resilience and can withstand brief, light frosts. Well-drained soils are essential for Mamey Sapote, but otherwise plants exhibit tolerance to various soil types, ranging from clay-loam to sandy-loam. While they can withstand slightly alkaline soils, they prefer a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral. Mamey Sapote is highly susceptible to drought, and it is crucial to maintain consistent watering. Under stress, these plants may shed developing fruits which can take up to 2 years for the fruits to reach maturity. As a naturally slow-growing plant, Mamey Sapote has a juvenile period of over 5 years when grown from seed, while grafted plants may fruit within 2-3 years. In cooler climates, seedlings are recommended for their hardiness and vigour, given that plants are likely to grow very slowly.
A highly regarded sapote and an ornamental addition to any garden, with time and attention, the Mamey Sapote will become a prolific cropper of large, delicious fruit, making it a perfect addition to any subtropical-tropical garden.

Plant Profile/Properties