Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

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 - 03:08 PM | Last updated Jul 31, 2010 - 03:20 PM

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Illustrated are the large oblong leaves, white flowers and fruit in section. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.3072, 1831.

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