Golden Leaf tree

The Golden Leaf Tree (Chrysophyllum cainito) is a beautiful tropical tree of the family Sapotaceae native to the lowlands of Central America and the West Indies. It grows rapidly and often reaches 75 feet or more in height.

The reverse side of the oval leaves shines like a golden color seen from a distance; this is the reason for its name. The tiny flowers are purplish white and have a sweet fragrant smell. The tree is also hermaphroditic (self-fertile).

It has round, purple-skinned fruit that is often green around the calyx, with a star pattern in the pulp. Sometimes there is a greenish-white variety of the fruit. The skin is rich in latex, and both it and the rind are not edible. In Surinam the Golden leaf tree bears fruit year around after it reaches about seven years of age.

The fruits are delicious as a fresh dessert fruit; the flattened seeds are light brown and hard. Infusions of the leaves have been used against diabetes and articular rheumatism. The bark is considered a tonic and stimulant, and a bark decoction is used as an antitussive.

Other common names include Star apple, Cainito, Caimito, Abiaba, Pomme de lait, Estrella, Sterappel, and Aguay. It is also known by the synonym Achras caimito.

References

• Dept. of Horticulture Purdue University
• Fruits From America: Chrysophyllum cainito