The Olosapo tree is native to Central America, especially Mexico and Panama where it is usually picked from the wild. The olosapo trees does not become large and can be maintained compactly.
- Origin: Central America, Mexico
- Common names: Olosapo, Zapote de Mico, Monkey Fruit
- Scientific name: Couepia polyandra
- Botanical family: Chrysobalanaceae
- Edibility rating: 3
- Health Benefits: Not enough data
- Maturity period: Seedlings: 5-7 years; Vegetative propagation: Not enough data
- Fruiting season: June to September
- Growing in containers: Not common
- Sunlight requirement: Full sun to light shade
- Growth habit type: Tree
- Average Height: 30-50 feet (9-15 meters)
- Average width (canopy span): 20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
- Growth rate: Medium
- Ease of growing: Moderate
Olosapo fruit description and taste
The fruit of the olosapo is yellow, thin-skinned, and slightly fibrous. Olosapo fruits have an elongated shape with a length reaching 10 cm. It is aromatic and has an unusual, sweet flavour.
It is astringent unless fully mature, at which stage it should be quite soft, possibly appearing overripe.
Due to their unpalatable taste, unripe fruits are not suitable for consumption.
Harvesting is done as the fully ripe fruits fall to the ground.
The pulp is custard-like. A single seed is present at the core. They are tasty and are usually eaten raw. They are also mixed with other fruits to form shakes or other beverages.
Growing Olosapo
The tree does not become very large and reaches a height of 5 metres. Olosapo trees can easily be grown on a terrace garden.
Olosapo requires full sun and well-drained soil. Water logging can cause a fungal infection.
Olosapo grows well in tropical climates. It flowers in January. It takes 2-3 months for the fruits to mature. They fruit in large numbers.
The Olosapo trees are usually pest-free.
