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Fruits

Star Apple

Chrysophyllum cainito

The Star Apple, also known as caimito, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Caribbean and Central America. It produces round to oval fruits with a smooth, green or purple skin and a star-shaped pattern inside when cut. The flesh is sweet and creamy, making it popular for fresh consumption and desserts. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and is valued for its shade and ornamental qualities.

Calculate System for Star Apple
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Star Apple trees thrive in well-drained soils and require regular pruning to maintain shape and promote fruiting. Varieties include green and purple-skinned fruits, with the latter generally being sweeter.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Protect young trees from frost. In hotter climates, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunburn on fruits.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Star Apple Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Star Apple field.

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Related Guides

Introduction: Growing and Irrigating Star Apple

Star Apple, also known as Chrysophyllum cainito, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Caribbean and Central America. It is highly valued for its delicious and sweet fruit, which has a unique star-shaped pattern when sliced. Growing Star Apple can be a profitable venture due to its high demand in local and…

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