Matt's 9b field note
“Cultivar unspecified. Long-term experiment.”
Background
Green sapote (Pouteria viridis, syn. Calocarpum viride) is a close relative of mamey sapote native to the highlands of Central America from Guatemala to Panama, where it grows in mountain forests at 1000-1800 m. It is known locally as red faisan. Named cultivars are rare in the US trade; it is essentially a species-level fruit still awaiting serious cultivar selection.
Distinguishing traits
Nearly round to ovoid fruit 9-12.5 cm with thin olive-green skin and light-russet, melting, juicy sweet flesh; many locals rate it superior in flavor to mamey sapote, with softer pulp. Medium to large erect evergreen tree (12-25 m).
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- None.
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to about 25°F (zone 9b); observed to be hardier than mamey sapote, but protect young trees from hard freezes.
- Heat tolerance
- Untested in extreme desert heat; needs regular irrigation and likely afternoon shade as a young tree in Phoenix summers.
- Water
- Regular irrigation required; fruit takes 9-10 months from flower to ripen. Do not overwater.
- Soil
- Acidic to neutral, well-drained soil (pH 5.6-7.5).
- Sun exposure
- Full sun.
Where to buy
- PlantSouk