Abiu (Pouteria caimito) are a tropical tree requiring a warm climate year round. A rich deep soil is best.
Fruit of the Abiu is also known as the ‘Star Apple’ in the West Indies. Fruit is eaten fresh or used in ice-cream.
Abiu is not grown widely for commercial purposes but is well worth seeking out for its unique taste and texture.
The fruit is bright yellow when ripe and is compared to caramel in taste.
Care
More commonly found growing in the warm moist climates of South America the Abiu is a little difficult to grow commercially as it ripens very quickly, so tree to market time is very short.
Best suited to USDA Zones 10 – 12
It is a fast growing tree and grafted varieties may take less than 4 years to produce reasonable quantities of fruit.
Best suited to tropical to sub tropical climates where it is grown in home gardens.
Probably best in Florida. They will take about 3 – 4 years from seed to produce fruit. Best to have two trees for cross pollination.
Abiu is best planted in a sheltered position as windy conditions will reduce humidity as eel as inhibit pollination.
