 chrysophyllum cainito is a tropical tree of the family sapotaceae. it is native to the greater antilles and the west indies. it has spread to the lowlands of central america and is now is grown throughout the tropics, including southeast asia.âchrysophyllum cainitoâ at agroforestrytree database at http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/products/afdbases/af/asp/speciesinfo.asp?spid=524. it grows rapidly and reaches 20 m in height. ==overview== it has numerous common names including cainito, caimito, star apple, golden leaf tree, abiaba, pomme du lait, estrella, milk fruit and aguay. it is also known by the synonym achras cainito. in vietnam, it is called vÃº sá»¯a (literally: breast-milk). in malayalam it is called "swarnapathry" means '[the tree with] golden leaves'. the leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple oval, entire, 5â15&nbsp;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. ==fruits== thumb|left|180px|fruits are also available in green or red the fruit is globose and typically measures from 2 to 3 inches in diameter. when ripe, it usually purple-skinned with a faint green area appearing around the calyx. a radiating star pattern is visible in the pulp. greenish-white and yellow-fruited cultivars are sometimes available. the skin is rich in latex, and both it and the rind are not edible. the flattened seeds are light brown and hard. it is a seasonal fruit bearing tree. the fruits are delicious as a fresh dessert fruit; it is sweet and best served chilled. infusions of the leaves have been used against diabetes and articular rheumatism. the fruit has anti-oxidant properties.,luo x.d., basile m.j., kennelly e.j.,"polyphenolic antioxidants from the fruits of chrysophyllum cainito l. (star apple)." journal of agricultural and food chemistry 2002 50:6 (1379-1382)einbond l.s., reynertson k.a., luo x.-d., basile m.j., kennelly e.j.,"anthocyanin antioxidants from edible fruits" food chemistry 2004 84:1 (23-28) the bark is considered a tonic and stimula
Chrysophyllum Plants_described_in_1753 Trees_of_Central_America Trees_of_the_Caribbean