Pouteria caimito
TAXONOMY
FamilySapotaceae
GenusPouteria
Zone10
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Pouteria caimito, commonly known as the abiu, is a tropical tree native to the Amazon rainforest and other parts of South America. It produces a sweet, yellow fruit that is highly prized in its native regions. The tree thrives in wet tropical climates and can grow up to 35 meters tall. It is a hardwood species and is known for its dense, durable wood.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Abiu
Achras Guapeda
Blueberry Pie Fruit
Guapeba Lasiocarpa
Guapebeira Brasiliensis
Labatia Lasiocarpa
Richardella Temare
Achras caimito
Caimito
Caleatia caimito
Guapeba caimito
Guapeba laurifolia
Guapebeira laurifolia
Labatia caimito
Labatia reticulata
Lucuma caimito
Lucuma lasiocarpa
Lucuma laurifolia
Lucuma laurifolia var. reticulata
Lucuma temare
Lucuma ternata
Pouteria cainito var. laurifolia
Pouteria cainito var. typica
Pouteria lasiocarpa
Pouteria laurifolia
Pouteria leucophaea
Pouteria temare
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity80%
GDD2,700
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
To care for Pouteria caimito, provide it with plenty of bright, direct sunlight and maintain a warm, humid environment. The tree prefers consistently wet soil, so water it regularly to keep the soil moist. It thrives in moderate to high temperatures and high humidity levels. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.Harvest
Pouteria caimito, commonly known as the abiu, is typically harvested when the fruit turns a bright yellow color, indicating ripeness. Harvesting is usually done by hand, using a pole with a cutter or a basket to gently detach the fruit from the tree to avoid damage. It is important to handle the fruit carefully as it has a delicate skin that can bruise easily. The best time to harvest is during the dry season to ensure the highest quality fruit. Post-harvest, the fruit should be stored in a cool, dry place and consumed relatively quickly as it has a short shelf life.Soil
Pouteria caimito prefers well-draining loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the tree every few months during the growing season to provide it with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.Repotting
Repot young trees every 2-3 years to provide them with fresh soil and more space to grow. When repotting, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Carefully remove the tree from its current pot, gently loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Pouteria caimito can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they germinate. For cuttings, take a healthy branch and plant it in a moist, well-draining soil mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment until it establishes roots.Pruning
Prune Pouteria caimito regularly to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and trim back any overgrown areas to promote better air circulation and light penetration.Toxicity
Pouteria caimito is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. The fruit is edible and highly prized for its sweet flavor.Additional
Pouteria caimito is a relatively low-maintenance tree once established, but it requires consistent care during its early growth stages. Ensure it receives adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients to thrive. The tree can also benefit from mulching to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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