Black Sapote
Diospyros digynafam. Rubiaceae
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Pl. 8D9F — Diospyros digyna
Diospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digynaDiospyros digyna
IOverview
Overview
Black Sapote (Diospyros digyna) is a tree native to Central America and southern Mexico, thriving in habitats from Belize to Panamá. This member of the Rubiaceae family grows up to 15 meters tall and prefers partial sun to full sun with moist soil that can be light, medium, or heavy (clay). It thrives in a pH range of 4.7 to 7.5 and is hardy in zones 10-12. Known for its edible fruit, which resembles dark chocolate when ripe, the Black Sapote tree is both ornamental and useful as an edible plant. Its distinctive feature includes the unique, almost egg-shaped fruit that turns from green to black upon ripening, offering a sweet, custard-like texture inside.
Quick answers
What is Black Sapote?
Black Sapote (Diospyros digyna) is a tree native to Central America and southern Mexico, thriving in habitats from Belize to Panamá. This member of the Rubiaceae family grows up to 15 meters tall and prefers partial sun to full sun with moist soil that can be light, medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Black Sapote thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.7 and 7.5. It is hardy in zones 10-12 but can be grown as an ornamental tree elsewhere. The plant grows best in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Regular watering is essential to maintain moisture levels, especially during dry periods. Propagation can occur through seeds or grafting.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
15.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Black Sapote for the first time
7steps
Start with a young sapling for the best beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Black Sapote tree, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F) and there's no risk of frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 4.7 and 7.5, ensuring the container is at least 30 cm in diameter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young sapling from a nursery pot to your prepared container or garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place in partial shade to avoid scorching.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established, regular watering, and occasional fertilization with a balanced plant food.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly during the dormant season to maintain shape; fruit ripens in late summer to early fall.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Black Sapote is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh when ripe, with a creamy texture similar to chocolate. The fruit can also be dried or made into jams and preserves. Skip
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas7 regions
native (7)BelizeColombiaCosta RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaragua
Broader regions
native:North Carolina, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rubiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rubiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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