Do you live in an area where frost does not occur and do you have an orchard or garden? If so, what better way to take advantage and plant a canister, a fruit tree that, in addition to producing edible fruits, is also very decorative.
It is grown outdoors all year round in the hot, tropical regions of the world.. As if that were not enough, it has different uses that have nothing to do with satisfying hunger .
Origin and characteristics
Our protagonist is an evergreen tree native to Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador whose scientific name is campechian pouteria. Popularly it receives the names of canistel, mante, yellow sapote or drunk; and is sometimes mistakenly called as Lucuma campechiana. It grows in areas with rainfall of 900 to 1800mm, from sea level to 1500 meters of altitude.
Reaches a maximum height of 15 meters, being more usual that it does not exceed 10m. Its trunk is straight, with the bark finely fissured and greyish in color. The leaves are simple, lilac, alternate and are grouped at the ends of the branches. The inflorescences are axillary, and are composed of three fragrant greenish-white flowers. The fruit is ovoid or ellipsoid, with a thin and smooth skin of yellow, orange, brown or dark green color. The pulp (or meat) is yellow and aromatic. The seeds are oval or ellipsoid, black or shiny brown, smooth and shiny.
It is used as an edible fruit for its fruit, which is rich in vitamins (such as A and B), and minerals. Jams, pancakes and flour are made with it. Of course, it can also be consumed fresh.
Another use is the one that is given to its wood, to make especially planks or beams. In addition, the latex it contains is used to adulterate gum.
What are their cares?
If you want to have a canistel, we recommend providing the following care:
- Location: it must be planted outside, in full sun.
- Earth: grows in all types of soils as long as they are fertile and have good drainage.
- Irrigation: it must be frequent. Water 4-5 times a week during the hottest season, and 2-3 times a week the rest.
- Subscriber: from the beginning of spring to the end of summer it must be paid with ecological fertilizers once a month.
- Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
- Rusticity: the minimum temperature it supports is 14ºC.
What did you think of the canistel?