Pouteria caimito (Abiu)
Botanical name: Pouteria caimito
Common names: Abiu, Abu, Caimito
Family: Sapotaceae
Pouteria caimito (Abiu) is an evergreen fruit tree from the Amazon Basin, producing bright yellow fruits about the size of a medium apple.
What makes Pouteria caimito distinct?
It develops a medium sized, dense canopy, matures in three to five years, and can stay productive for more than two decades. The tree performs well in most well drained soils, does not tolerate flooding, and responds well to pruning, which helps manage height and improve early yields.
The fruit has a jelly like, very juicy, sweet and acid free pulp enclosed in a thick skin that releases sticky latex when cut. Its mild flavor resembles Chrysophyllum cainito and usually contains a single elongated seed. It grows best in full sun to light shade and prefers evenly moist, well drained soil. Warm conditions are essential, as the species is sensitive to cold and must be protected from any frost. Suitable for USDA Zones 10-11. Container culture is possible in warm climates, with winter shelter required wherever temperatures may approach unsafe lows.
