Sapodilla

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Chico Zapote, Chikoo, Naseberry, Zapote

Durability Notes:
Reported to have outstanding durability and insect resistance; intact beams have been found among the ruins of Mayan temples. (Source: The Wood Database.)

Seasoning:
Checking is common, and even turning blanks are sometimes sold dry rather than green. (Source: The Wood Database.)

Properties:
Average dried weight 1,040 kg/m3 (12% moisture content); Janka hardness 2,970 lbf (13,210 N); modulus of rupture 26,710 lbf/in2 (184.2 MPa); crushing strength 12,440 lbf/in2 (85.8 MPa). Shrinkage is 6.2% radial, 9.2% tangential and 16.0% volumetric. It can be difficult to work because of its density and has a moderate blunting effect on cutters, but generally gives good results and turns and finishes well. (Source: The Wood Database.)

Typical Uses:
Cabinetry, furniture, archery bows, flooring, turned objects, small speciality items

More Info:
The tree is usually grown for its fruit rather than its timber, so the wood is only occasionally available. (Source: The Wood Database.)

Possible Health Risks:
Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, the wood has been reported to cause respiratory (nasal) irritation. (Source: The Wood Database.) The seeds contain hydrocyanic acid and should be removed before the fruit is eaten. (Source: the Agroforestree Database (World Agroforestry, 2009).)

Sustainability:
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (The Wood Database). Manilkara zapota is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (category read via GBIF).

Interesting Facts:
Wild and cultivated trees in the Americas were tapped for their milky latex, which coagulates into chicle, the main ingredient of chewing gum before synthetic substitutes. (Source: the Agroforestree Database (World Agroforestry, 2009).)

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