TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA
Manilkara bidentata, Mimusops balata, Achras balata
Ausubo, Balata, Mimusops, Autranella, Balata Rouge, AssapookooFamily: Sapotaceae
Origin: Tropical America
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)
Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/manilkara_bidentata.htm
Large, and very long lived tropical tree native to wet regions. It is very adaptable to both full sun and shaded conditions. Flowering and fruiting can occur year-round. Medium sized, round, yellow skinned fruit, about two inches across, bearing many similarities to the sapodilla. It is tasty, with pleasant odor and has medicinal properties.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE C-Cibus - Crop Nutrition Booster
SUNSHINE-Honey - sugar booster
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE C-Cibus - Crop Nutrition Booster
SUNSHINE-Honey - sugar booster
This item is not certified for shipping to California, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona. Do not order it for shipping to to these states. More info