Sapotaceae

plant family

Also known as: sapodilla family

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Sapotaceae is a family of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs known for their milky latex and edible fruits. The family includes about 1,100 species across 53 genera, with prominent examples like Pouteria, Chrysophyllum, and Manilkara.12

A well-known member is the sapodilla tree (Manilkara zapota), native to southern Mexico and Central America. Its fruit is sweet and eaten fresh, while its latex was historically a primary source for chewing gum (chicle). The wood of the sapodilla tree is also hard and durable.3

Another fruit from this family is the sapote (Pouteria sapota), which has a mild, musky-sweet flavor and creamy consistency. While the term "sapote" can refer to other fruits from different families, those within Sapotaceae are valued for their edible fruits and useful latex.42

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Ericales
Sapotaceae
Sapotaceae is a largely tropical family of evergreen trees and shrubs. There are 53 genera and about 1,100 species in the family, but generic limits in the family are notoriously difficult and changeable. Pouteria (200–305 species, including the former genus Planchonella), Chrysophyllum (80 species),…
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Sapotaceae is a largely tropical family of evergreen trees and shrubs. There are 53 genera and about 1,100 species in the family, but generic limits in the family are notoriously difficult and changeable. Pouteria (200–305 species, including the former genus Planchonella), Chrysophyllum (80 species),…
Read More