Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) is a slow-growing tropical tree native to Central America, producing sweet brown fruit with a malty, caramel-like flavour. In Australia, it thrives in tropical and subtropical climates: northern Queensland, the Darwin area, and coastal northern New South Wales. It can also be grown in protected microclimates in Perth (WA) and other warm coastal areas.

Trees prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Mature trees are drought-tolerant once established but fruit better with regular water during flowering and fruiting. Sapodilla is self-fertile, so a single tree will produce fruit. It typically takes 5-8 years to fruit from seed, though grafted trees fruit much sooner, often within 2-3 years.

Named varieties stocked by Australian nurseries include Krasuey, Ponderosa, and Sawo Manilla. Most nurseries also sell unnamed seedlings. Fruit is picked when the skin yields slightly to pressure; if picked too early it is astringent. Trees can reach 10-20m unpruned but respond well to pruning.

Sapodilla is genuinely difficult to source in Australia. The few nurseries that stock it often sell out quickly, which is why a stock tracker is useful.