Sapotaceae is a family of flowering plants, belonging to order Ericales. The family includes approximately 800 species of evergreen trees and shrubs in approximately 65 genera (35-75, depending on generic definition). Distribution is pantropical.
Many species produce edible fruits, and/or have other economic uses. Species noted for their edible fruits include Manilkara zapota (sapodilla, sapota), Manilkara chicle (chicle), Chrysophyllum cainito (star-apple), Pouteria (abiu, canistel, eggfruit), and Sideroxylon australe (Australian native plum). Trees of the genus Palaquium (gutta-percha) produce an important latex with a wide variety of uses.
The family name is based on Sapota, a name now treated as a synonym of Manilkara (also formerly known by the invalid name Achras).
Sapodilla was formerly often known by the invalid name Achras sapota.
It is known as Chikoo or Sapota in India and Bangladesh, Tsiko in the Philippines, Sawu in Indonesia, Chikoo in Malaysia, hồng xiêm (xa pô chê) in Vietnam, Sapodilla or Rata-mi in Sri Lanka, Lamoot in Thailand, Níspero in Venezuela, Sugardilly in the Bahamas, and Naseberry in the rest of the West Indies.
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