Caimito
Chrysophyllum cainito
Native Region
Caribbean and Central America
Max Height
15-25 meters
Family
Sapotaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-800m
Regions
- Limón
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
- Heredia
- Guanacaste
Season
Flowering
Aug-Oct
Fruiting
Jan-Apr
Caimito (Star Apple)
The Caimito or Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito) is one of the most beautiful fruit trees in the tropics. Its leaves shimmer with golden-bronze undersides that flash in the breeze, while its round fruits—purple or green depending on variety—reveal a stunning star pattern when cut crosswise. The flesh is creamy, sweet, and slightly gelatinous, unlike any other fruit. Native to the Caribbean, this tree has spread throughout the tropics as both an ornamental and a beloved fruit tree.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Chrysophyllum cainito
- Family
- Sapotaceae
- Max Height
- 15-25 m
- Trunk Diameter
- Up to 80 cm
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Key Feature
- Star pattern in fruit, golden leaves
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
3500
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
Photos sourced from iNaturalist community science database. View all observations →↗
Taxonomy and Classification
- Chrysophyllum: Greek "chrysos" (gold) + "phyllon" (leaf) - cainito: From Carib/Taino indigenous languages - Star Apple: The star pattern when fruit is cut crosswise - Caimito: Spanish adaptation of indigenous name
Common Names
| Language/Region | Common Name(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Star Apple, Caimito | Star pattern / indigenous |
| Spanish | Caimito, Caimo | Indigenous origin |
| French | Caïmite, Pomme de lait | Indigenous / Milk apple |
| Portuguese | Caimito, Abiu-roxo | Indigenous / Purple |
| Vietnamese | Vú sữa | Milk breast |
| Philippines | Caimito, Star Apple | Spanish influence |
Physical Description
Overall Form
The Caimito is a handsome evergreen tree with a dense, spreading crown. Its most distinctive feature is the leaves: dark glossy green above but covered with satiny golden-bronze pubescence below. When the wind moves through the canopy, the leaves flash gold and green—a truly stunning sight. The tree produces abundant round fruits and provides excellent shade.
Distinctive Features
The Magical Leaves
- Shape: Elliptic to oval
- Size: 8-15 cm long
- Upper Surface: Dark glossy green
- Lower Surface: Golden-bronze silky pubescence
- Texture: Leathery
- Arrangement: Alternate
- Key Feature: Two-toned flash in breeze
Bark
- Color: Brown to grayish
- Texture: Rough, fissured
- Latex: White, sticky when cut
- Inner Bark: Pinkish
The Star Apple Fruit
- Shape: Round, apple-sized
- Size: 5-10 cm diameter
- Color: Purple or green varieties
- Skin: Smooth, slightly rubbery
- Flesh: White/purple, creamy, sweet
- Star Pattern: Seeds form star when cut crosswise
- Seeds: 3-10, flat, shiny black
- Season: Late dry season to early wet
Flowers
- Type: Small, inconspicuous
- Color: Purplish-white
- Size: About 5 mm
- Position: Clustered in leaf axils
- Fragrance: Very faint
The Caimito fruit has unique characteristics: When Ripe: - Skin gives slightly to pressure - Purple varieties deeply colored - Green varieties yellowish-green - May show slight wrinkling How to Eat: - Cut in half crosswise (reveals star pattern!) - Scoop creamy flesh with spoon - Avoid the bitter skin and latex - Don't eat unripe—astringent and gummy - Chill for best flavor Flavor Profile: Sweet, mild, slightly gelatinous texture—like a cross between condensed milk and custard apple!
The Star Pattern
Why It's Called Star Apple
The Secret Star Inside
When you cut a ripe Caimito fruit horizontally (crosswise), you reveal a beautiful natural star: What You See: - The seeds are arranged around the center - Translucent pulp segments radiate outward - The pattern forms a 5-8 pointed star - Purple varieties: star shows purple and white - Green varieties: star shows greenish and white Perfect for Instagram: The cross-section makes for stunning food photography! Cultural Significance: In many cultures, the star is considered auspicious, and Caimitos are associated with good fortune.
Purple vs. Green Varieties
| Characteristic | Purple Variety | Green Variety |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Color | Deep purple | Green to yellowish-green |
| Flesh Color | Purple-tinged white | Milky white |
| Sweetness | Very sweet | Sweet |
| Availability | More common | Less common |
| Tree Size | Slightly larger | Similar |
Distribution and Habitat
Native Range
Geographic Distribution
Cultivated Worldwide
Caimito has been planted throughout tropical regions: - Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand (very popular) - South America: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador - Africa: Tropical regions - Pacific Islands: Hawaii, Polynesia - Florida: Southern regions Vietnam has adopted it enthusiastically—"vú sữa" (milk breast) is a beloved fruit and the tree is widely cultivated.
Distribution in Costa Rica
| Province | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Limón | Common | Caribbean lowlands, cultivation |
| Puntarenas | Common | Pacific lowlands |
| Guanacaste | Present | Cultivated, some wild |
| Alajuela | Present | Lower elevation areas |
| San José | Occasional | Gardens, lower elevations |
Habitat Preferences
- Elevation: Sea level to 800 m
- Climate: Tropical, frost-free
- Rainfall: 1,500-3,000 mm/year
- Temperature: 22-32°C
- Soil: Deep, well-drained (adaptable)
- Light: Full sun to light shade
- Drought: Moderate tolerance
Ecological Importance
Wildlife Interactions
Fruit Consumers
- Birds: Many species eat ripe fruit
- Bats: Major consumers, seed dispersers
- Monkeys: Love the sweet fruit
- Squirrels: Frequent visitors
- Opossums: Nocturnal feeders
Other Roles
- Pollinators: Small insects, bees
- Shade Provider: Dense canopy
- Cavity Sites: Old trees provide nesting
- Epiphyte Host: Large trees support orchids, bromeliads
Urban Wildlife Value
Caimito is excellent for urban wildlife: - Produces abundant fruit over extended season - Attracts birds to urban gardens - Dense foliage provides nesting sites - Evergreen—provides year-round shelter - Tolerates urban conditions well A mature Caimito in a backyard can support dozens of bird species!
Uses and Products
The Fruit
A Tropical Delicacy
Star apple fruit is enjoyed in many ways: Fresh Consumption: - The most common way to enjoy - Cut in half, scoop with spoon - Chill before eating for best flavor - Avoid the skin (bitter latex) Preparations: - Fruit salads (pairs well with citrus) - Smoothies and milkshakes - Ice cream flavoring - Preserves (less common) Nutritional Benefits: - Good source of Vitamin C - Contains calcium and phosphorus - Low in fat - Natural sugars for energy Commercial Value: Popular in markets throughout Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.
Ornamental Value
Caimito is planted for beauty as much as fruit: Landscape Uses: - Specimen tree: Stunning alone on lawn - Shade tree: Dense, spreading crown - Avenue tree: Line of Caimitos spectacular - Garden highlight: The golden leaves! Visual Appeal: - Two-toned leaves flash in wind - Purple fruits against dark green foliage - Dense, symmetrical crown - Evergreen—looks good year-round Few tropical trees combine beauty and utility so well!
Traditional Medicine
Traditional uses only. Consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.
- Leaves: Diabetes treatment (traditional)
- Bark: Diarrhea remedy
- Fruit: Sore throat, laryngitis
- Latex: Skin conditions (topical)
- Seeds: Not used (toxic potential)
Cultivation
Growing Star Apple
Identification Guide
How to Identify Caimito
Year-Round Identifiers:
- Golden-bronze pubescence on leaf undersides (diagnostic!)
- Dark glossy green leaf upper surface
- Dense, spreading crown
- White latex when cut
- Rough, fissured bark
Seasonal Identifiers:
- Round purple or green fruits
- Star pattern when fruit cut crosswise
- Inconspicuous purplish flowers
Where to See Caimito in Costa Rica
| Location | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean lowlands | Backyards, farms | Very common cultivation |
| Limón markets | Fruit vendors | In season fruit |
| Central Pacific | Gardens | Cultivated |
| Urban parks | Ornamental | Some cities have specimens |
| Botanical gardens | Collections | Labeled examples |
To taste Caimito in Costa Rica: - Season: Peak February-May, but variable
- Markets: Look in Caribbean markets (Limón) - Farms: Many rural homes have trees - Ask: "Caimito" is well-known name Look for the distinctive trees even out of season—the golden leaf undersides make them identifiable from a distance when wind moves the leaves!
Cultural Significance
Caribbean Heritage
A Caribbean Classic
Caimito is deeply rooted in Caribbean culture: Historical Presence: - Cultivated before European contact - Featured in Caribbean cuisine - Symbolic of tropical abundance - Featured in folk songs and stories Jamaica Connection: Jamaica has a saying: "Caimito season is heaven's season"— reflecting the joy when these sweet fruits ripen. Vietnamese Adoption: Vietnam embraced this Caribbean fruit so thoroughly that "vú sữa" is now a quintessential Vietnamese fruit, featured in celebrations and valued for its sweetness.
External Resources
Community observations and photos
California Rare Fruit Growers
Plant Resources information
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Morton, J.F. (1987). Fruits of Warm Climates. Julia F. Morton, Miami
Pennington, T.D. (1990). Sapotaceae. Flora Neotropica. New York Botanical Garden
Crane, J.H. & Balerdi, C.F. (2016). Star Apple Growing in the Florida Home Landscape. University of Florida IFAS Extension
The Caimito is proof that nature can be both beautiful and delicious. Those shimmering golden leaf undersides make it one of the most distinctive trees in the tropical landscape—you can spot a Caimito from far away just by watching the leaves flash in the wind. And when you cut one of those purple fruits in half, revealing the perfect star pattern inside, it's like nature designed it specifically to delight us. From Caribbean backyards to Vietnamese orchards, from Costa Rican farms to Filipino gardens, the Caimito brings sweetness and beauty wherever it grows. It's a reminder that the best tropical trees don't just feed us—they inspire us with their elegance.
