Chrysophyllum cainito L.
Frost tender evergreen tree with branches clothed in silky down, oblong leaves, silky beneath, to 15cm long, and small whitish-purple flowers followed by light green or purple fruits, up to 10cm in diameter, with soft, white, translucent, sweet pulp with a somewhat insipid taste. To 18m. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘The Star-apple is a well known fruit of the West Indies, where, however, it appears to be more esteemed by the natives that it is by Europeans. […] In our stoves, where it has been known since 1737, when it was introduced by Phillip Miller, it recommends itself by the beauty of its foliage, particularly on the underside: for its flowers not only appear but seldom, but they are small in size, and by no means of a brilliant colour.’ [BM t.3072/1831].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.311/1850]. Probably introduced to assess its value as a fruit under Camden conditions.
Notes
Chrysophyllum cainito Griseb. ex Pierre = Micropholis cruegeriana Pierre.
Published Mar 06, 2009 - 04:08 AM | Last updated Jul 31, 2010 - 05:20 AM
Chrysophyllum cainito L. | BM t.3072/1831 | BHL
| Family | Sapotaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Tropical America, West Africa |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Star apple |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Chrysophyllum Cainito |
| Confidence level | high |