Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) Diospyros nigra
Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) (Diospyros nigra) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Ebenaceae family, native to Mexico, Central America and Colombia. It grows 8–20 m (26–66 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) in your garden →
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Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Ebenaceae |
| Mature height | 8–20 m (26–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | Mexico, Central America and Colombia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇨🇴 Colombia |
Is Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: unripe fruit
Ripe fruit is eaten; unripe fruit is bitter and irritant and was used in Central America as a fish poison.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit)
- How far apart should I plant Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) flower?
- From about October for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Ripe fruit is eaten; unripe fruit is bitter and irritant and was used in Central America as a fish poison.
- What grows well with Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Fruits of Warm Climates (Morton, 1987), Purdue University NewCROP
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- A persimmon whose green fruit softens to glossy black-brown pulp that tastes of mild chocolate custard. Formerly called D. digyna.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Japanese persimmon Diospyros kaki
- American persimmon Diospyros virginiana
- Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie) Diospyros mespiliformis
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.