Sapotaceae

Sapotaceae is a family of flowering plants that belong to the order Ericales. It is a large family with approximately 800 species spread across 65 genera. The family is primarily tropical and is well represented in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The plants in this family are evergreen trees or shrubs, and many produce edible fruits.

Description

Members of the Sapotaceae family are typically evergreen trees or shrubs. They are characterized by their alternate, simple leaves and their milky sap. The flowers are usually small and are often fragrant. The fruit is a berry or a drupe, and many species produce edible fruits.

Distribution and habitat

The Sapotaceae family is primarily tropical and is well represented in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. They are found in a variety of habitats, from rainforests to deserts. Some species are also found in temperate regions.

Genera

The family includes approximately 65 genera. Some of the most well-known genera include Manilkara, which includes the sapodilla, and Pouteria, which includes the mamey sapote and the lucuma.

Uses

Many species in the Sapotaceae family produce edible fruits. For example, the sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) produces a sweet, sticky fruit that is used in desserts and drinks. The mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) and the lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) are also popular fruits in their native regions.

In addition to their edible fruits, some species in the Sapotaceae family are also used for their timber. For example, the bulletwood tree (Manilkara bidentata) is valued for its hard, durable wood.

See also

• List of Sapotaceae genera

References

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Sapotaceae

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  Pouteria sapota leaf cluster
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  Pouteria sapota La Havane