Water
Water regularly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, especially in cooler months. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
Also known as Licania · Monkey-Apple · Sunsapote
Sansapote (Moquilea platypus) is a large tree native to tropical America, producing edible fruits and valued for its timber.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruiting.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging.
Loam, Sandy loam, Clay loam
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C. Protect from frost; it is not cold-hardy.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Reduce or stop in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, especially in cooler months. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
Prune to shape the tree and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done after fruiting to encourage bushier growth. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter before new growth begins.
Propagation is typically done by seed, which requires scarification or soaking to aid germination. It can also be propagated by cuttings, though this is more challenging.
Grafting is a common method for reliable fruiting varieties.
Repot young trees every 1-2 years in spring to provide fresh soil and more space for root growth. Mature trees can be repotted less frequently, every 3-5 years. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sansapote (Moquilea platypus)
Where Sansapote (Moquilea platypus) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Chrysobalanaceae |
| Genus | Moquilea |
| Species | Moquilea platypus |
Similar in genus Moquilea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
