Chrysophyllum albidum

Why are the seeds of this species difficult? This species has recalcitrant seeds, which have a high critical moisture content and will rapidly lose viability if they are dried. The seeds may also have physiological dormancy.

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Seed Storage

This species has Recalcitrant seeds which cannot be dried without causing a decline in viability. Do not place the seeds under sub-zero temperatures as they will suffer from freezing damage due to their high moisture content. A storage temperature of 10ºC is recommended.

Germination Requirements

The seeds of this species may be Physiologically Dormant (based on other members of the same family).

This type of dormancy can be overcome by mimicking the seasonal patterns of the species' native habitat. Use a moist pre-chill or pre-heat treatment (depending on local climatic conditions), before germinating the seeds on agar, germination paper or sand at their optimum temperature. If this does not work, you can perform delicate surgery to enable the embryo to grow. Excise the tissue near the root tip.

Seed Morphology

The fruit (3-4 cm diameter) is almost spherical, with a slight point at the tip. There are 3-5 seeds brown, shiny seeds (1-1.5 x 2 cm), arranged in a star-shaped pattern in the yellow pulp. The seeds have a hard seed coat.

The fruit turns from greenish grey when immature to orange, pink or yellow when ripe.

Taxonomy

Family: SAPOTACEAE

Accepted name: Chrysophyllum albidum G.Don

Synonyms: Gambeya albida (G.Don) Aubrév. & Pellegr., Planchonella albida (G.Don) Baehni, Chrysophyllum millenianum Engl., Chrysophyllum kayei S.Moore, Gambeya mammosa (Gaertn.) Pierre, Achras sericea Schumach. - non Chrysophyllum sericeum Salisb., Sapota sericea (Schumach.) A.DC.

Common name: white star apple, African star apple

References and Links

Janick, J. and Paull, R.E. (eds) (2008). The Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts. CAB International, UK.

AFPD (African Flowering Plants Database) - Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques de la Ville de Genève, Switzerland, and South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, RSA: Chrysophyllum albidum.
PROTAbase (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa) - Wageningen, Netherlands: Chrysophyllum albidum.
Tropicos - Missouri Botanical Garden, USA: Chrysophyllum albidum.