Star Apple Green (Chrysophyllum cainito) 2L Pot
Chrysophyllum cainito is a tropical fruit tree grown for its glossy foliage and rounded green fruit.
Star Apple develops oval leaves that are deep green above and coppery or golden-brown underneath. The contrasting leaf surfaces give the plant an ornamental appearance even when it is not flowering or fruiting.
Mature plants produce small pale flowers followed by rounded fruit. Green-fruited forms retain a green skin when mature, while the inside contains soft, sweet pulp arranged around several dark seeds.
When the fruit is cut across the middle, the seed chambers form a star-shaped pattern.
In the UK, Green Star Apple must be grown in a heated greenhouse, conservatory or warm indoor growing space.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Chrysophyllum cainito
Common names: Green Star Apple, Caimito, Milk Fruit
Plant family: Sapotaceae
Habit: Evergreen tropical tree
Potential height: Approximately 2–4 metres in a large container, depending on pruning
Foliage: Glossy green leaves with coppery or golden undersides
Flowers: Small pale green, cream or purplish flowers
Fruit: Rounded green fruit containing soft pulp and dark seeds
Position: Full sun or bright partial shade
Suitable for: Heated greenhouses, conservatories and large containers
Hardiness: Very tender and not frost hardy
Growing Advice
Grow your Green Star Apple in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining compost. Move the plant into progressively larger containers as it develops.
Keep the compost evenly moist during active growth, but avoid waterlogging. Allow excess water to drain freely from the container.
Place the plant somewhere warm, humid, bright and sheltered from cold draughts. Young plants should be protected from sudden exposure to intense direct sunlight.
Feed regularly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Reduce feeding and watering during periods of slower winter growth.
Overwinter in a heated greenhouse, conservatory or indoor growing space. Keeping the plant above approximately 12–15°C is recommended, with warmer conditions preferred.
Fruiting in the UK
Green Star Apple requires sustained tropical warmth, strong light and plant maturity before flowering.
Fruit production in the UK is unlikely without a large and consistently heated greenhouse. Pollination by hand may be beneficial if flowers are produced.
Seed-grown plants may take several years to reach flowering size, and fruit production cannot be guaranteed.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one Green Star Apple plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.
Leaf size, colour and development will vary according to plant maturity and growing conditions.
Important Information
Seed-grown plants are naturally variable. Future fruit colour, size, flavour and quality cannot be guaranteed.
Only fully ripe fruit pulp should be considered for consumption. Do not eat the seeds, leaves or other parts of the plant.
The skin and unripe fruit may release sticky latex.