star apple
Chrysophyllum cainito
Overview
Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito) is a spectacular tropical tree with a unique, edible fruit. These striking apples are a deep purple, nearly black color with star-shaped sectioned pulp. Star apples are native to Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. Their sweet, juicy flesh is high in Vitamin C and antioxidants. The leathery skin protects the pulp, allowing them to be transported and shipped easily without damage. They contain calcium, copper, and phosphorus and are a tasty snack or a great addition to smoothies, salads, and other dishes. Star apples are a remarkable species and a great addition to any garden!
Care Guide
Watering
Star apples should be watered once a week, making sure the soil is evenly moist, but not soggy. In hotter climates, or during prolonged periods of dry weather, you may need to step up the frequency and amount of water to ensure your star apple plant remains healthy. It’s a good idea to closely monitor the soil’s moisture level to decide when to water your plant – if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it’s a good time to give it a drink. It's also important to make sure the plant is not over-watered or under-watered, as this can lead to serious health and flowering issues and reduce the fruiting potential of your star apple.
Light
Starapple (Chrysophyllum cainito) prefers full sun to partial shade, with plenty of direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours a day. It does best when grown in areas with high temperatures and humid climates so the more direct sunlight it receives, the better.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 10-12.
Pruning
Star apples should be pruned in late winter or early spring just before the start of the new growth season. Pruning at this time will encourage your trees to produce thicker branches and a more continuous crop through the year. When pruning Star apples, remove any dead, cracked, or diseased branches first then selectively thin out the center of the tree to provide adequate airflow and light. Focus on removing water sprouts, crossing branches, and overly-long limbs. Do not prune more than 1-third of the total canopy at any 1 time.
Propagation
Air Layering Propagation, Grafting Propagation, Cutting, Seed Propagation
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