Edible : Fruit, Kernel, Nuts,
A medium sized tree. It grows 10-15 m high but can be 40 m high. The trunk is 30 cm across. The tree branches at about 1 m high. The leaves are simple and alternate. The flowers occur singly or in small groups. They are usually on leafless twigs. The fruit is medium to large and is oval with a smooth skin. It is yellow and sweet. It is usually 5-10 cm across. It has a sweet translucent pulp. Unripe fruit contain a gummy latex. There are several named cultivated varieties. There are 1-4 seeds. These are brown and shiny.
A tropical plant. It suits the hot, wet tropical lowlands. It needs a warm climate and year round moisture. It is a tropical plant, but will grow in subtropical places. It enjoys wet soil. It grows naturally in the Amazon and Andes. It grows to 1200 m in the Andes. It cannot tolerate frost. It suits hardiness zones 10-11.
Common names : Abiu, Caimito, Aakuna, Abiero, Aguaycillo, Asepokoballi, Aviyu, Caimitillo, Caimito, Caimo, Cauje, Caymito, Coloradillo de la bajura, Ingi-oedoe, Luma, Pasu, Pepeboiti, Putumayu aviyu, Sijica, Tarpu aviyu, Temare, Yaas, Yellow star apple,
Synonyms :
Achras caimito Ruiz & Pav.;
Achras guapeba Casar;
Guapeba laurifolia Gomes;
Guapeba caimito (R.& P.) Pierre;
Labatia caimito (R.&.P.) C.Martius;
Labatia reticulata Mart.;
Labatia lasiocarpa Mart.;
Lucuma caimito (Ruiz & Pav.) Roem. & Schult.;
Lucuma laurifolia (Gomes) DC.;
Lucuma laurifolia var. reticulata (Mart.) DC.;
Lucuma lasiocarpa (Mart.) DC;
Lucuma ternata Kunth.;
Pouteria laurifolia (Gomes) Radlk.;
Pouteria lasiocarpa (Mart.) Radlk.;
Pouteria leucophaea Baehni;
Pouteria caimito var. laurifolia (Gomes) Baehni;
Pouteria temare (Kunth.) Aubr.;
Richardella temare (Kunth.) Pierre;