Sapotaceae

Native: Costa Rica, Panama, Tropical South America

Common Names

English –  Abiu

Malayalam –  അബിയു

Description: a small to medium tree with a pyramidal canopy that can grow to 5-10 m, reaching 25-30 m at adulthood. Leaves are simple and alternate, oblong to elliptic, 10 – 20cm long and 3 – 6cm wide. Flower are small, cream or white hermaphroditic flowers are borne either individually or in small clusters of two to five flowers. They are borne on the leaf axils on long, thin pedicels and have either four or five petals. The fruit is round to elliptic, 5-12 cm long.  

Distribution: All throughout the world  

Uses: The wood pulp may be used for making wrapping paper. The seeds of this tree are edible. This tree is considered a medicinal plant in India. Leaves are used to treat wounds in elephants. Leaves are good source of nitrogen and hence used as a good green manure. Wood is durable, dense and hard. Used for making various furniture. Pericarp of the pod is used as a fuel wood.