Chrysophyllum cainito – Star Apple – Plant

Description

It has numerous common names including cainito, caimito, star apple, purple star apple, golden leaf tree, abiaba, pomme de lait, estrella, milk fruit and aguay. It is also known by the synonym Achras cainito. In Vietnam, it is called Vú Sữa (literally: milky breast/nipples). In Malayalam it is called “Swarnapathry” meaning ‘[the tree with] golden leaves’. In Cambodia, this fruit is called “plae teuk dos ko” which means milk fruit due to its milky juices inside.

The leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple oval, entire, 5–15 cm long; the underside shines with a golden color when seen from a distance. The tiny flowers are purplish white and have a sweet fragrant smell. The tree is also hermaphroditic (self-fertile). It produces a strong odor.