Family: Sapotaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Manilkara zapota, commonly known as chicle, sapodilla, or sapote, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Mexico, Central America, and parts of northern South America extending to Colombia. It is valued for its dense canopy, glossy leaves, and rough brown fruit with sweet, grainy flesh often compared to pear or brown sugar. The tree is widely cultivated in tropical regions for its edible fruit and ornamental qualities, and historically it was an important source of chicle, the natural latex once used in chewing gum production. Sapodilla trees are long-lived, drought tolerant once established, and commonly planted in home gardens, orchards, and tropical landscapes.

Risks & Threats:
Although Manilkara zapota is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses traits that are cause for concern in tropical island ecosystems. The species produces abundant fruit that can be dispersed by birds, mammals, and humans, increasing its potential to spread beyond cultivation. Its tolerance of a range of tropical conditions, longevity, and ability to establish in disturbed habitats raise concerns that it could compete with native vegetation or contribute to the alteration of forest structure over time. Because island ecosystems are especially vulnerable to invasive species impacts, planting low risk or native alternatives is recommended whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (tropical to subtropical)
  
• Naturalized beyond native range (e.g., Florida, Caribbean)
  
• Acts as an environmental weed (forms dense shade, reduces sunlight for native species)
  
• Shade-tolerant at seedling stage
  
• Tolerates wide range of soil conditions
  
• Forms dense thickets/monocultures
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Self-compatible (can set seed without cross-pollination)
  
• Seeds dispersed intentionally by people
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and mammals (including gut passage)
  
• Seeds survive gut passage (e.g., tapirs, raccoons, bats)
  
• Resprouts vigorously after damage (e.g., hurricanes)

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not reported as toxic to animals (used as fodder)
  
• No significant fire hazard
  
• No vegetative fragmentation
  
• Seeds relatively large → not wind-dispersed, not produce contaminant
  
• Not prolific seed production (<1000/m²)
  
• Well controlled by herbicides (e.g., triclopyr)
  
• Long time to reproductive maturity (5–8 years from seed)