Mamey sapote
mammea americana
Also known as: ["West Indian mahogany","mamey tree"]
Overview
A tropical evergreen tree native to the Caribbean and Central America, known for its large, edible fruit and mahogany-like wood.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Calophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Mammea |
| Botanical Name: | Mammea americana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–32°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after fruiting or every 2-3 years for mature trees.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to 20-30% of growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1-2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure outdoor placement in well-lit areas.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing to every 14–21 days in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical climates (25–35°C); tolerates brief dips to 10°C but prefers stable warmth year-round.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; monitor soil moisture closely.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize after pruning; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or air layering; seeds may take 6-12 months to germinate.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Seeds: Scarify, plant 1-2 cm deep, keep moist.
- Air layering: Wrap branch in moss, apply hormone, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and humidity is moderate.
Environment
Warm (25-30°C), humid (60-70%), partial shade for seeds; bright indirect light for air layers.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand for seeds; moist sphagnum moss for air layering.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional for seeds but recommended for air layering.
Timeline
Seeds: 6-12 months to germinate; air layering: 2-4 months to root.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, sphagnum moss, plastic wrap, rooting hormone, pots.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for better germination; maintain consistent moisture; protect from direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective branch removal; thin out crowded areas; avoid topping the tree.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage fruiting branches; prune after fruiting or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for large branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2-5 cm in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, use fresh well-draining soil, ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot young plants every 2-3 years; mature trees may not need frequent repotting unless root-bound.
Checklist
Choose right pot size; use fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season (spring-summer); reduce frequency to every 2-3 weeks in fall-winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix sand or perlite for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or drop; risk of frost damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., cover with cloth); move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; fruit development may be impaired; increased water demand.
Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide partial shade during peak heat; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring; apply liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly susceptible to the toxic effects of Mammea americana, especially if they ingest the seeds. The plant's compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic toxicity in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Mammea americana by dogs can lead to significant toxicity due to the presence of harmful compounds. The seeds are particularly dangerous and can cause severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicMammea americana contains toxic compounds, particularly in its seeds, which can cause severe physiological effects upon ingestion. The plant's bark and leaves also contain irritants that may lead to adverse reactions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the fruit of Mammea americana edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and highly prized for its sweet, custard-like flesh.
Q: How tall does the Mammea americana tree grow?
A: It can grow up to 60–80 feet tall in optimal conditions.
Q: Does Mammea americana require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun and requires warm, tropical conditions to grow well.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Calophyllaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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