Sapotaceae belongs to the order Ericales. It is also known as Sapodilla family.
The Sapotaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes mostly evergreen trees and shrubs. These plants are found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Many have thick, leathery leaves and produce a sticky white sap called latex. The flowers are usually small and fragrant, while the fruits are often fleshy and edible. Sapotaceae species grow in rainforests, dry woodlands, and savannas, and several are valued for their fruit, timber, or medicinal uses.
A well-known crop in this family is the sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), a tropical tree native to Central America. It is grown for its sweet, brown fruit with soft, grainy flesh and a flavor often compared to brown sugar or pear. Sapodilla is eaten fresh or used in smoothies, desserts, and preserves. The tree also produces chicle, a natural latex once used in chewing gum.
Total genera found for Sapotaceae: 6
- 1) Chrysophyllum
- 2) Manilkara
- 3) Pouteria
- 4) Sideroxylon
- 5) Synsepalum
- 6) Vitellaria
Total plants found for Sapotaceae: 9
- 1) Abiu
- 2) Argan
- 3) Canistel
- 4) Mamey sapote
- 5) Miracle fruit
- 6) Sapodilla
- 7) Shea tree
- 8) Star apple
- 9) White star apple