Diospyros digyna, also known as black zapote or "chocolate pudding fruit", is a tropical tree native to Mexico and Central America that has become popular for its exceptionally delicious fruit. The tree grows to medium size, has glossy dark green leaves and white flowers that grow in the leaf axils and are pleasantly fragrant. The fruit is initially bright green, but when ripe, its thin skin turns olive green to dark brown. At that point, the flesh turns dark brown to black, a jelly-like and sweet substance with a creamy texture reminiscent of avocado or pudding. Due to its color and taste, it is rightly called the "chocolate pudding tree".
The ripe fruit is about 10 cm in diameter, often seedless, sometimes with several flat seeds inside. The flesh is exceptionally sweet, with a slightly nutty aftertaste and is ideal for desserts, ice cream, pie fillings, smoothies or just for direct consumption. In Central America, it is also used to make liqueurs and drinks. The fruits contain an exceptionally high amount of vitamin C, even twice as much as oranges.
Black zapote is an undemanding tree that thrives well in subtropical and tropical conditions. It tolerates short-term flooding and various types of soil, from sandy loam to limestone, and is therefore successfully grown outside its homeland, for example in Florida. In our conditions, it can be grown in containers, in the summer outdoors in a sunny location and in the winter in a conservatory or heated greenhouse. It bears fruit relatively early, at the age of 3-4 years, and because it still retains its exotic rarity, it is among the most interesting and delicious tropical fruits that can be grown at home.
HEIGHT OF PLANTS SOLD 10 TO 15 CM - PICTURE NO. 2
PRICE 19 EURO
Growing instructions BLACK ZAPOTE
Substrate:
Preferably more acidic and well-drained.
Recommended mixture: 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite, a little sand.
Watering:
Water only when the substrate dries slightly.
In winter, reduce watering, pour out excess water from the tray after watering.
Growing location:
At home all year round: As close to a window as possible, with plenty of light.
Summering is possible outside on a terrace, garden, or balcony, only from spring to autumn: Partial shade, later full sun.
Wintering:
Tropical plant - cannot tolerate temperatures below 5 °C for a long time. Winter at a minimum temperature of 10 °C.
For the winter, place in the living room, bedroom, hallway, winter garden or tempered greenhouse, always as close to the window as possible.
Fertilization:
Common water-soluble or granular fertilizers.
For plants under 2 years old, use half the dose.
Older plants can tolerate the normal dose.
Suitable fertilizer:
OSMOCOTE long-term granular fertilizer