Casimiroa edulis (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)
| Casimiroa edulis (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007) |
Casimiroa edulis Rutaceae Mexico, South America, Indigenous
Common names
- English: White sapote
- Amargna: Kazamora, Kazmir
- Tigrigna: Kazmier
Ecology
A fruit tree originally from the highlands of Mexico and Central America now widely grown in the tropics. Grows in Moist Bereha and Moist to Wet Kolla and Weyna Dega agroclimatic zones, 1,000—2,700 m. However, it could grow as an ornamental shade tree in higher altitudes as well. (Meaning naturally 1000-2700 but planted higher up?)
Use
Firewood, Food (fruit), bee forage, windbreak.
Description
A medium-sized evergreen tree up to 12 m, much branched with a short trunk and leafy hanging branches.
- BARK: Smooth, pale brown.
- LEAVES: Alternate and compound with 3–5 lobes, each long oval and shortly stalked to the centre, surface shiny green.
- FLOWERS: Small, green-white-yellow in loose heads beside leaves, 5 petals.
- FRUIT: Green and rounded at first ripening greenyellow, with soft skin and sweet white pulp around 2–5 large dark seeds, 8–10 cm across.
Propagation
Seedlings. Wildings.
Seed
Clean seed after extraction from the fruit and sow, preferably immediately, but not more than 2 months later since viability declines rapidly. Seedlings can be budded or grafted for good variety. This is recommended since the species is very variable.
- Treatment: Not necessary.
- Storage: Avoid storage and definitely do not store more than 2 months.
Management
The tree is a prolific fruiter and branches with heavy foliage. Therefore, during fruiting season, provision of support is essential. Regular (4 - 6 times per year) light pruning is required for the more vigorous types during the first two years to obtain adequate branching without delaying fruiting too much.
Remark
The fruit, which resembles an apple in shape, is soft, juicy, with creamy flesh, very sweet, fragrant and and taste, though it may have a bitter aftertaste. The seeds reported to be used medicinally to induce sleep in Mexico. The flowers are highly cherished by bees and bees are also required for good pollination. Casimiroas are highly nutritious, being rich in vitamins A and C as well as carbohydrate and protein. Sugar content is as high as 27%.
