Canistel, Eggfruit, Yellow Sapote
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Ericales, Family: Sapotaceae, Genus: Pouteria, Species: Pouteria campechiana · Sapotaceae (Sapodilla or Sapote family) · Simple, evergreen
Species
Pouteria campechiana (Confidence Level: 90%)
Leaf Type
Simple, evergreen
Family
Sapotaceae (Sapodilla or Sapote family)
Shape
Oblanceolate to elliptical with a pointed tip
Size
Approximately 4-10 inches in length and 2-3 inches wide. The specimen in the image appears to be a juvenile leaf around 5-6 inches long.
Margin
Entire (smooth and slightly wavy)
Arrangement
Spiral to alternate, often clustered at the tips of branches
Rarity
Common (in tropical climates and as an ornamental fruit tree)
Color & Pattern
Bright vibrant green on the upper surface with a slightly paler underside. The midrib is prominent and lighter in color. No variegation is present; the darker patches in the image are due to water wetting the surface.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with secondary veins that are closely spaced and parallel to each other
Texture & Surface
Glossy (adaxial) and leathery (coriaceous). The surface is smooth and slightly waxy, which helps shed water in tropical environments.
Description
An evergreen tree that can reach 30 feet in height. It produces a small, yellow-orange fruit with a texture similar to a hard-boiled egg yolk or cheesecake. The bark is brown and produces a milky latex when cut; the leaves are lush, glossy, and provide a dense canopy.
Key Features
Glossy oblanceolate leaves with closely spaced parallel secondary veins and a prominent midrib. New growth often shows a slightly brownish-hued stem. It exudes a white milky sap if the petiole is broken.
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions. Prefers well-drained soils, frost-free climates, and full sun to partial shade.
Geographic Range
Native to Southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Widely naturalized in the Caribbean, Florida, and Southeast Asia.
Condition Notes
The leaf appears healthy with excellent turgor. There are minor necrotic spots on the lower leaf, possibly from physical trauma or minor fungal spotting, but overall health is Good to Excellent.
Interesting Facts
The fruit is called 'Eggfruit' because its dry, mealy texture highly resembles the yolk of a hard-boiled egg. It is rich in niacin and carotene.
Medicinal & Uses
Edible fruit used in shakes and custards. The timber is hard and heavy. Traditionally, decoctions of the bark have been used to treat skin eruptions and fever.
Ecological Role
Provides food for various tropical birds and mammals. In its native range, it is a component of secondary forest growth.
Similar Species
Mamey Sapote (Pouteria sapota) which has much larger, rougher leaves, and Green Sapote (Pouteria viridis).
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive cluster of leaves at the branch ends in tropical landscapes. Identify by the milky sap and the presence of yellow, spindle-shaped fruits.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic fruit. However, like many Sapotaceae, the seeds and leaves contain traces of cyanogenic glycosides and should not be consumed. The milky sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.