Latin name - Mammea americana

Mammee Apple trees are large and often heavy producers of a uniquely tropical fruit that bears a taste resemblance to traditional apricots. These Caribbean natives require full sun and lots of hydration.The Mammee Apple tree will not tolerate conditions below freezing. Its adaptive to soil type but requires a rich and well-draining medium. 

Mammee Apple trees are relatively rare in the US and are cultivated primarily amongst tropical fruit zealots in subtropical pockets of the country. Contention in the agricultural community raises the question of whether the plant is a relative of mangosteen, the queen of fruits.

Sought for its high tannic content, used to tan leather; its bark gum, used for insect repellant; its leaves, used for agricultural pest control; its flowers, used in liqueur/tonic drinks; and its fruits.

The short trunk, upright growth habit, and large dark green leathery leaves lend a regal appearance to the Mammee Apple. Coupled with its pest- and disease-resistance, Mammee Apple trees provide excellent shade and a distinctively vibrant appearance to a yard or food forest.

Mammee apple fruits are similar in appearance to mamey sapote or even sapodilla fruits. Rough brown or gray skin covers the firm thick flesh which can range in texture from firm mango to hard boiled egg yolk to cake batter. Mammee fruits are delicious eaten raw or in jam. The orange or red flesh resembles traditional apricot in flavor, but with less moisture.

Mammee Apple trees at Incredible Edible Landscapes are grafted to ensure fruit quality and consistency. This tree species may also be dioecious, meaning individual specimens could be male or female trees. Grafting guarantees the tree will be a fruiting specimen. Once established, you can expect hundreds of fruits per year ripening in July and August.

**Seeds are bitter and should not be consumed. Seeds can be poisonous to fish, birds, and some insects.

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Size: 15’ Wide x 60’ Tall (can be maintained smaller)

Sun Requirements: Full sun 

Cold Hardy: Damaged at freezing temperatures

Harvest Season: Summer/Fall, peaking in July and August

Watering requirements: Water regularly until established