Cheeku plant (Manilkara zapota)

Description

The Cheeku plant (Manilkara zapota), commonly known as Sapodilla, is a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America but is now cultivated in tropical regions across the world, including India, the Philippines, and parts of Africa. The tree typically grows between 30 to 50 feet tall (9 to 15 meters), with a dense canopy of shiny, dark green leaves. The tree is known for its resilience to drought and can thrive in a variety of soils, though it prefers well-drained, loamy soils.

The fruit of the Cheeku tree, also called sapodilla, is round or oval-shaped, with a brown, rough skin when ripe. The interior contains soft, amber-colored flesh that is sweet, grainy, and sometimes fibrous. The flavor of Cheeku is often described as a combination of brown sugar, pear, and banana. It contains a few small, inedible seeds and is commonly eaten fresh or used to prepare juices, smoothies, and desserts like ice cream, jams, or fruit salads.

Cheeku trees bear fruit after around 5 to 7 years of planting, and the fruits ripen in the late summer or early autumn. The tree blooms small, yellowish flowers that eventually develop into the characteristic fruits. These trees require a warm, tropical climate with regular rainfall but can tolerate periods of drought once established.

In addition to its fruit, the Cheeku tree is valued for its wood, which is durable and used in furniture-making and construction in some regions. The tree also has medicinal uses in some cultures, where parts of the plant are believed to have astringent, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic properties.

Cheeku is not only popular for its unique and sweet fruit but also for its economic value in regions where it is cultivated. It is a highly versatile fruit, consumed in various ways, and is also an important crop for small-scale farmers. The Cheeku tree’s long lifespan and resistance to pests make it a hardy and valuable addition to tropical orchards.