784 



Sapodilla 



cxscrted, tapering to a stigmatic point. The fruit is a globose to ovoid fleshy berry, 

 3 to 8 cm. in diameter, its surface rough and rusty brown; flesh brownish, sweet, 

 with a milky juice. There are 4 or 5 large seeds, which in cross-section of fruit 

 give the appearance of a star; these are flattened, ovate, about 1.5 cm. long, dark 

 brown or black and shining, with a long, whitish scar on the inner edge; endo- 

 sperm copious and white. 



Fig. 715. Sapodilla. 



The genus contains only this species; the name is derived from the West Indian 

 name of the fruit. 



The wood of the Sapodilla is very hard and strong, close-grained, light red 

 with darker stripes; its specific gravity is about 1.02. The fruit is highly esteemed 

 in the tropics. This tree is the source of Gum chicle, which is made by evapo- 

 rating the sap of the tree or the juice of the fruit. 



