The Chico plant, scientifically known as Manilkara zapota, is a tropical fruit tree valued for its sweet fruit and ornamental appeal. It is also widely recognized by several other names, including Sapodilla, Naseberry, and Chikoo. This evergreen tree, native to the warm regions of southern Mexico and Central America, has been cultivated for centuries and remains a popular addition to gardens and landscapes in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide.
What is the Chico Plant?
The Chico plant, Manilkara zapota, belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is native to southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This slow-growing evergreen tree typically reaches heights of 5 to 20 meters (16 to 65 feet) in cultivation. Its canopy ranges from pyramidal to rounded, featuring dark brown, furrowed bark and dense, glossy, dark green leaves clustered at branch tips.
The fruit of the Chico plant is a large berry, typically 4-8 cm (2-3 inches) in diameter, with a rusty brown, scruffy skin. Inside, the flesh varies from pale yellow to an earthy brown, possessing a juicy, subtly grainy texture. Each fruit contains one to six shiny black seeds. Unripe fruits and other parts of the tree contain a milky latex known as chicle, historically used in chewing gum.
Growing Chico Plants
Climate and Sunlight
Chico plants thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-11. These trees are sensitive to frost, damaging young plants, so protection is necessary in cooler areas. They require full sun for optimal growth and fruit production. While mature trees can tolerate brief cold snaps, prolonged freezing temperatures are detrimental.
Soil and Watering
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is ideal for Chico plants, with a pH from slightly acidic to neutral. Before planting, amending the soil with compost improves drainage and nutrient availability. Newly planted trees require consistent moisture, needing water every other day for the first week, then one to two times weekly for initial months. Established Chico trees exhibit good drought tolerance, but regular watering during dry periods, especially from flowering through harvest, promotes better fruit quality and yield.
Fertilization and Pruning
Young Chico trees benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release formula to support their initial growth. As the tree matures and begins fruiting, a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus and potassium content can encourage flower and fruit development. Pruning is primarily for shaping the tree, removing any dead or diseased branches, and maintaining a manageable size. Light pruning can also encourage more prolific fruit production by promoting new growth where flowers and fruits develop.
Propagating Chico Plants
Chico plants can be propagated from seed, though it often results in slower growth and variable fruit quality. Seeds should be cleaned thoroughly and can be germinated in a moist medium. Seed-grown plants typically take 5 to 8 years to begin bearing fruit.
For consistent fruit characteristics, vegetative propagation methods like grafting are commonly employed. Grafting involves joining a scion from a desirable variety onto a rootstock, allowing for faster fruiting and predictable fruit quality. Air layering is another effective method, where a branch is encouraged to root while still attached to the parent plant before being severed and planted independently.
Harvesting and Using Chico Fruit
It is important to know when to harvest Chico fruit, as unripe fruit contains milky latex and tannins, making it unpalatable. Ripeness indicators include a slight change in skin color (yellowish to lighter brown) and yielding to gentle thumb pressure. When scratched, ripe fruit should not release milky latex.
To harvest, carefully twist the fruit from the stem; if it separates easily without oozing latex, it is ready. Unripe fruit can be harvested and allowed to ripen at room temperature, taking 5-10 days. Ripe fruit stores at room temperature for a few days or longer if refrigerated. The sweet, aromatic flesh is commonly enjoyed fresh, or incorporated into desserts like pies, custards, and ice creams, blended into smoothies, or used in preserves.
Common Pests and Problems
Chico plants can encounter certain pests and physiological issues. Common insect pests include scale insects and mealybugs, which feed on sap, weakening growth. Fruit flies can also damage ripening fruit. Monitoring for these pests and applying appropriate horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can help manage infestations.
Fungal issues, such as sooty mold, can occur, often associated with sap-sucking insects and their honeydew. Addressing the underlying insect problem usually resolves the sooty mold. Physiological problems (e.g., lack of fruiting, leaf discoloration, stunted growth) often link to environmental factors. Improper watering, nutrient deficiencies, or temperature stress impact tree health and productivity. Ensuring proper cultural care, including adequate drainage and balanced fertilization, helps prevent many of these issues.