The Tree House Forest Product Information Sheet

No.91 CHICLE GUM

COMMON NAME: CHICLE GUM, CHEWING GUM, SAPODILLA TREE

GENUS & SPECIES: Achras zapota, syn. manilkara zapota

FAMILY: SAPOTACEAE

FAMILY RELATIONS: SHEA NUT

GENERAL: The sapodilla tree can be a fairly large tree reaching up to 17 meters in height. Its native range is Central America and northern South America around Venezuela. It has been extensively planted in Latin America and has become an important commercial crop not only for its sap but also its fruit.

ECOLOGY: The sapodilla tree is a native of the hot and humid tropical rainforests of central and northern South America.

CULINARY USES: The milky white sap is harvested in much the same way as latex is from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Once coagulated and mixed with sugar and flavouring it made the first chewing gum. The fruits when fully ripened are considered a delicacy.

OTHER USES: The sapodilla tree produces a hard durable timber that is used locally for tool handles.