Chiku Plant

The Chiku plant, scientifically known as Manilkara zapota, is a beautiful evergreen tree treasured for its incredibly sweet fruit. Commonly called Sapodilla, this long-lived tree is native to the tropical regions of southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It grows slowly into a medium to large-sized tree with a dense canopy of glossy, dark green leaves, providing excellent shade and making it a popular choice for large gardens and parks.

The plant’s most notable feature is its fruit. The Chiku fruit is typically round or oval with a thin, rough, brown skin that can be easily peeled when ripe. The inner flesh is a soft, sweet, and granular reddish-brown, with a unique flavor often compared to a blend of brown sugar, pear, and cinnamon. The pulp is dotted with a few hard, black, inedible seeds and provides a rich, satisfying texture.

Chiku plants are remarkably hardy and thrive in warm, tropical climates. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil but are very tolerant of drought once established. The fruit is primarily enjoyed fresh, eaten with a spoon or blended into milkshakes and desserts. Its combination of shade, hardiness, and delicious fruit makes the Chiku plant a highly valued addition to any tropical orchard.