Manilkara bidentata, Mimusops balata, Achras balata

Large, and very long lived tropical tree native to wet regions. The leaves are alternate, elliptical, entire, and 10-20 cm long. The flowers are white, and are produced at the beginning of the rainy season. The fruit is a yellow berry, 3-5 cm in diameter. Fruits are edible and eaten fresh, the more common use of the tree is as a commercial timber.

The wood is very poisonous. This species yields a gutta-percha. The sap (balata) becomes solid and somewhat crumbling at ordinary temperature, it softens at 120.2F, and can be molded like gutta-percha.

Similar plants:

• Manilkara kauki, Mimusops kauki (Kayu Sawo)
• Manilkara zapota, Manilkara achras, Achras sapota (Sapodilla, Ciku, Naseberry, Nispero, Sapote, Brown Sugar Fruit)
• Mimusops coriacea (Pomme Jacquot, Monkey's Apple)
• Mimusops elengi (Spanish Cherry, Bakul Tree)
• Chrysophyllum cainito, Achras caimito (Caimito, Star Apple, Satin Leaf)