Family: Sapotaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Pouteria sapota, known as mammee sapote or marmalade tree, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Mexico and Central America. It is grown for its large, sweet fruits, which have soft orange flesh with a rich flavor often compared to pumpkin, apricot, and sweet potato. The fruit is commonly eaten fresh or used in smoothies, desserts, and preserves. The tree is also valued as an ornamental and shade tree in tropical landscapes.

Risks & Threats
Mammee sapote is considered a low-risk species in Hawaiʻi. It is mainly spread through cultivation and does not readily invade natural areas. Its large seeds are not easily dispersed, limiting its ability to spread far from where it is planted. While occasional seedlings may appear near cultivated trees, the species is not known to form invasive populations or significantly impact native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (tropical & subtropical)
  
• Native or naturalized in tropical/subtropical regions
  
• History of repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Naturalized beyond native range
  
• Tolerates wide range of soil conditions
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Dispersed intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• Not a garden, agricultural, or environmental weed
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans (based on data)
  
• Not shade tolerant
  
• No vegetative spread
  
• Long time to maturity (4+ years, often 7-10 years to fruit)
  
• Low seed production per tree (200-500 fruits/year, 1-4 seeds each)
  
• Seeds lose viability quickly (7-14 days)
  
• No persistent seed bank
  
• No wind, bird, or external animal dispersal
  
• Large fruit size limits accidental dispersal