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Star Apple: Chrysophyllum cainito L.
Synonym: Achras Caimito. Common names: Golden leaf tree, cainito, caimito, abiaba, pomme de lait, estrella, sterappel, aguay. Family: Sapotaceae.
Star apple is a beautiful tropical tree, growing rapidly up to 75 feet or more in height. It has round, purple skinned fruit, which is often green around the calyx, with a star pattern in the pulp. Cainito is hermaphroditic (self fertile). The skin and rind are not edible. Sometimes there is a greenish - white variety of the fruit. The reverse side of the oval leaves shines like a golden color seen from a distance; that's why it is also called golden leaf tree. The tiny flowers are purplish white and have a sweet fragrant smell. In Surinam the tree bears fruit year around. The fruits are delicious as a fresh dessert fruit; the flattened seeds are light - brown and hard. Star apple tree starts bearing fruit in 7 (seven) years. More Info: Dept. of Horticulture Purdue University- http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/star_apple.html |