Mamey Sapote 'Pantin / Key West' (Pouteria sapota) - Grafted - LIVE PLANT

Plant Insights and Care

The Mamey Sapote ‘Pantin’ also known as 'Key West' (Pouteria sapota) is a tropical fruit tree native to Central America, particularly valued for its creamy, sweet fruit. The ‘Pantin / Key West’ variety is one of the most popular cultivars due to its high-quality fruit and reliable productivity. This evergreen tree thrives in warm, humid climates, making it suitable for cultivation in places with high temperatures. It’s a relatively slow grower but becomes a beautiful, medium-sized tree with a dense canopy that provides shade. Proper care ensures robust growth and abundant harvests.

Key Points:

• Origin: Central America.
• Climate: Thrives in warm, tropical climates; tolerant of high heat.
• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun.
• Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and fruiting, but avoid waterlogging.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, depending on conditions.

Fruit Profile

The fruit of the ‘Pantin / Key West’ Mamey Sapote is a large, oval to oblong fruit with a rough, brownish skin. Inside, the flesh is vibrant orange to salmon-colored, creamy, and sweet, with flavors often compared to pumpkin pie or sweet potato with a hint of almond. The fruit is commonly eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in desserts.

Dive into the facts:

• Taste: Sweet, creamy, and rich, resembling pumpkin pie or sweet potato.
• Appearance: Large, oval fruits with rough, brown skin and vibrant orange flesh.
• Fun Fact: The Mamey Sapote is a superfood packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber.

When to Expect Fruit

The ‘Pantin / Key West’ Mamey Sapote tree, grown from seed, typically takes 7–10 years to bear fruit. However, grafted trees significantly shorten this timeline, producing fruit in 3–5 years. Proper care, consistent watering, and good soil nutrition are essential for promoting earlier fruiting.