Ciku

Common name: Naseberry, Sapodilla, Nispero

Malay name: Ciku

Scientific name: Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen

Conservation status: Cultivated, Naturalised, Introduced (Tropical Americas)

Description

A tree that grows 18-30 m tall. Leaves are glossy, elliptic and spirally arranged. It bears bell-shaped, pale green flowers. Fruits are somewhat round, brown and hairy.

Habit: Perennial tree

Cultivation: It is planted by seeds, grafting or air-layering

Ecological function: The flowers of this tree attract pollinators.

Pollinator: Insects, primarily bees

Soil: Sand, loam. It tolerates saline soils

Moisture: Well-drained, fertile soils

Shade: No shade

Use: Fruits are eaten raw or used in desserts.