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Manilkara zapota, commonly known in The Bahamas as Dilly (and internationally as sapodilla), is a medium-sized evergreen fruit tree typically growing 30-60 feet (9-20 m) tall under favorable conditions.
Growth Form
Upright, straight trunk
Dense, rounded canopy
Slow to moderate growth rate
Milky latex sap present in all parts when cut
Bark Gray to brown
Rough and slightly fissured with age
Produces sticky white latex when damaged
Leaves
Alternate
Elliptic to oval
3-6 inches long
Thick, leathery texture
Glossy deep green above
Lighter green beneath
The leaves are durable and adapted to warm, dry conditions.
Flowers
Small and bell-shaped
Creamy white to pale yellow
Inconspicuous
Borne singly in leaf axils
Fruit
Round to oval berry
2-4 inches wide
Rough brown skin
Soft, sweet brown flesh when ripe
Contains several shiny black seeds
The flesh has a grainy texture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Habitat
Occur in Human-altered areas such ad yards, farms, and along roads.
Distribution
It originated in Central America but is now dispersed throughout Florida and the Caribbean as well as both old and new world tropic and subtropics.
Ecological Importance
Flowers attract pollinators
Fruit eaten by birds and people
Provides shade in cultivated landscapes
Primarily valued as a fruit tree
Cultural Notes
Known locally as Dilly Fruit eaten fresh
Historically, the latex (chicle) was used in chewing gum production
Introduced to the Caribbean during colonial agricultural exchange, it became a common yard fruit tree across many islands.
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