Manilkara

plant genus

Also known as: Achras, red balata

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

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Manilkara is a genus of tropical evergreen trees in the Sapotaceae family, native to southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The most well-known species is the sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), which produces a sweet fruit appreciated in many tropical and subtropical regions.1

Historically, the milky latex from the sapodilla tree, known as chicle, was a primary source for the chewing gum industry and was used by the Aztecs. The wood of the sapodilla tree is hard and durable, with ancient Mayan ruins still featuring carved lintels made from it. The genus Manilkara also includes timber trees that yield valuable gums.12

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Rainforest Regeneration in Panama
…are tree species such as Manilkara, almendro, and the suicide tree, characterized by slower growth and lower light requirements, with the capacity for extended persistence under low light conditions. Such trees tend toward high wood densities, relatively delayed attainment of reproductive status, and larger, often animal-dispersed seeds. They also have…
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…are tree species such as Manilkara, almendro, and the suicide tree, characterized by slower growth and lower light requirements, with the capacity for extended persistence under low light conditions. Such trees tend toward high wood densities, relatively delayed attainment of reproductive status, and larger, often animal-dispersed seeds. They also have…
Read More