Chicle tree

This large tree can grow between 10 and 30 metres tall. The chicle tree has a rounded, dense crown made up of short, rigid branches. The tree's bark is brownish grey with an inner layer called chicle. The chicle is rich in white latex, which is a common trait in the Sapotaceae family.

The leaves are simple, glabrous (without hairs), and oblong. The leaves are persistent and alternate, growing between 10 and 15 cm long in clusters at the end of branches.

The chicle tree has small, off-white flowers that grow up to 1 cm in diametre. These flowers are bell-shaped, solitary, and grow at the base of the leaves.

The tree’s fruits are fleshy, globular berries called sapodillas. The berries are between 3 and 8 cm in diametre and each one contains between 4 and 10 hard, blackish seeds. The berries have yellowish-green flesh that is sweet and slightly mealy, and their skin is brown when ripe.