SafePlants

Chrysophyllum: A Tropical Genus

Chrysophyllum, described as a genus by Linnaeus in 1753, is a group of trees belonging to the Sapotaceae family. These trees are native to tropical regions around the world.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Chrysophyllum cainito fruit, also known as star apple, has a core that takes on a star shape when cut. It is important to be aware of this when considering the plant's interaction with pets.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Chrysophyllum cainito fruit, also known as star apple, has a core that takes on a star shape when cut. It is important to be aware of this when considering the plant's interaction with children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Chrysophyllum
• Family: Sapotaceae
• Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
• Synonyms and Alternative Scientific Names:
  • Achras caimito Ruiz & Pavon (synonym for Chrysophyllum cainito)
  • Achras sericea Schumach.
  • Austrogambeya (formerly placed)
  • Donella (formerly placed)
  • Gambeya (formerly placed)
  • Gambeya albida (G.Don) Aubrv. &amp Pellegr.
  • Gambeya mammosa (Gaertn.) Pierre
  • Planchonella albida (G.Don) Baehni

Common Names

• African Star Apple: Used for Chrysophyllum albidum and Chrysophyllum africanum
• Star Apple: Used for Chrysophyllum cainito
• Golden-leaf Tree: Used for Chrysophyllum cainito
• Caimito: Used for Chrysophyllum cainito
• Milkwoods: General common name for the genus
• Fluted-milkwood: Used for Chrysophyllum viridifolium and Chrysophyllum fulvum

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus is native to tropical regions throughout the world.
• Chrysophyllum albidum is found throughout tropical Africa.
• Chrysophyllum cainito is native to the Greater Antilles and the West Indies and has spread to the lowlands of Central America.
• Chrysophyllum albidum can be found in rainforest and derived savanna ecosystems, such as in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Morphological Characteristics

• Chrysophyllum albidum is a small to medium buttressed tree species, reaching 25-37 meters in height with a mature girth varying from 1.5 to 2 meters. The bole is usually fluted.
• Chrysophyllum cainito produces a round, baseball-sized fruit. When cut, the core takes on a star shape. The pulp is soft and sweet. The leaves have a brown undersurface.

Traditional Uses and Local Knowledge

• Chrysophyllum albidum is a multipurpose tree species.
• In folklore, Chrysophyllum albidum is used in the treatment of yellow fever.
• The fruit of Chrysophyllum albidum is called "alasa" by the Ga people of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and "Udara" locally.

Quirky Facts

• Chrysophyllum cainito is also known as star apple because when the fruit is cut in half, the core forms a star shape.

Species within the Genus (Examples)

• Chrysophyllum acreanum A.C.Sm.
• Chrysophyllum africanum A. DC.
• Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don
• Chrysophyllum beguei Aubrv. &amp Pellegr.
• Chrysophyllum cainito L.
• Chrysophyllum delevoyi
• Chrysophyllum fulvum S. Moore
• Chrysophyllum imperiale
• Chrysophyllum kayei S.Moore
• Chrysophyllum lanceolatum (Bl.) DC (Synonym for Chrysophyllum roxburghii Don)
• Chrysophyllum millenianum Engl.
• Chrysophyllum roxburghii Don
• Chrysophyllum splendens Spreng.
• Chrysophyllum viridifolium