Sapotaceae
From Freepedia
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| Image:Pouteria sapota - marmalade tree - desc-leaf cluster - from-DC1.jpg Pouteria sapota | ||||||||||
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Sapotaceae is a family of flowering plants, belonging to order Ericales. The family includes approximately 800 species of evergreen trees and shrubs in approximately 65 genera (35-75, depending on generic definition). Distribution is pantropical.
Many species produce edible fruits, and/or have other economic uses. Species noted for their edible fruits include Manilkara zapota (Sapodilla, Sapota), Manilkara chicle (Chicle), Chrysophyllum cainito (Star-apple or Golden Leaf Tree), Pouteria (Abiu, Canistel, Eggfruit), and Sideroxylon australe (Australian native plum).
Trees of the genus Palaquium (Gutta-percha) produce an important latex with a wide variety of uses.
The seeds of the Tree Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels produces an edible oil, traditionally harvested in Marocco.
The family name is based on Sapota, a name now treated as a synonym of Manilkara (also formerly known by the invalid name Achras).
