Star apple (caimito) Chrysophyllum cainito
Star apple (caimito) (Chrysophyllum cainito) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Sapotaceae family, native to Greater Antilles and the West Indies. It grows 8–20 m (26–66 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
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Star apple (caimito) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Mature height | 8–20 m (26–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 261–417 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit pulp |
| Native to | Greater Antilles and the West Indies |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Star apple (caimito) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: skin and rind latex
The rind and skin hold bitter latex; eat only the ripe pulp.
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 Star apple (caimito)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Star apple (caimito)
- How far apart should I plant Star apple (caimito)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Star apple (caimito) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Star apple (caimito) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Star apple (caimito)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Star apple (caimito) flower?
- About 261–417 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Star apple (caimito) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. The rind and skin hold bitter latex; eat only the ripe pulp.
- What grows well with Star apple (caimito)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Star apple (caimito). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Leaves are green above and golden-bronze silk below; cut across, the purple fruit shows a star pattern.
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
- Lúcuma Pouteria lucuma
- Argan tree Sideroxylon spinosum
- Shea tree Vitellaria paradoxa
- Sapodilla (chico, lamut) Manilkara zapota
- Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) Mimusops elengi
- Mamey sapote Pouteria sapota
- Abiu Pouteria caimito
- African star apple (agbalumo, udara) Gambeya albida