Licania platypus (Sunsapote)

Licania platypus (Sunsapote) displays small yellow flowers among dense green and bronze foliage.

Botanical names: Licania platypus, Moquilea platypus, Licania michauxii

Common names: Sunsapote, Monkey apple, Gopher Apple

Family: Chrysobalanaceae

Origin: Mexico to Panama

USDA Zone: 9-10

Plant type: Fruit or edible

Fruit type: Fruit or edible

Plant form: Large tree

Mature height: 20 ft or more

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor

Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.

Watering: Moderate

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens

Licania platypus (Sunsapote) produces a large, oblong-shaped fruit with a thin, purplish-brown skin and yellow pulp containing numerous, tiny edible seeds. The fruit has a sweet, reminiscent of honeydew melon, and is often eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and other desserts.

Due to its high vitamin C content, Sunsapote is said to help boost immunity and ward off colds and flu. Additionally, its high content of polyphenols, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients may help reduce inflammation and the risk of chronic disease. Sunsapote trees can produce up to 20 fruits per season.

The plant is generally hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. It prefers full sun and thrive in moist, moderately drained soils. In cold regions, the plant may be grown in a large pot, as long as it is protected from frost and extreme temperatures.