Chickoo tree

Chickoo tree, also known as the sapodilla tree (scientific name: Manilkara zapota), is a tropical evergreen tree native to southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The tree is known for its sweet, brown, and granular fruit called chikoo or sapodilla, which is highly prized for its flavor and texture.

Key features of the Chickoo tree:

1. Height: The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall, though it’s typically smaller when cultivated.
2. Leaves: It has thick, dark green, leathery leaves.
3. Flowers: The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers, which later develop into the fruit.
4. Fruit: The chickoo fruit is round or oval, with a rough brown skin and a soft, sweet flesh that contains a few black seeds.
5. Wood: The wood of the chickoo tree is hard and durable, used in making furniture and other items.

Benefits of the Chickoo fruit:

• Nutritional Value: The fruit is high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Medicinal Uses: The sap from the tree can be used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including digestive problems.
• Sweetness: The fruit is often eaten fresh, but it can also be used in smoothies, jams, and desserts due to its natural sweetness.