Caimito

Chrysophyllum cainito

Origin: UF/IFAS: West Indies and Central America

Frost tender
Latex when unripe

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Human edibility

Edible

Edible parts

ripe fruit pulp

Hazardous parts

unripe fruit (latex), peel and rind

Preparation

Eat only ripe fruit pulp; discard peel and rind.

Hazard type

latex (astringent)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No source we checked assesses this plant for pets, so the app makes no pet claim either way.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Water needs: UF/IFAS HS309: water at planting and every other day for the first week or so, then 1 to 2 times a week for the first couple of months. In prolonged dry periods (5 or more days of little rain) young trees (first 3 years) should be well watered.
Mature size: UF/IFAS: 25 to 100 ft.
Family: Sapotaceae (sapote family)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon