Sapotaceae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sapotaceae |
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| Pouteria sapota | |
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Sapotaceae
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| Manilkara Adans. |
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Chrysophylloideae |
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Sapotaceae (say "Sap-oh-TAY-see-ee") is a big family of flowering plants. It includes many different kinds of trees and shrubs that grow in warm, tropical parts of the world. These plants are known for their milky sap and often produce fruits.
Contents
What are Sapotaceae Plants?
The Sapotaceae family belongs to a larger group called Ericales. This family has about 800 different types of evergreen trees and shrubs. Evergreen means they keep their leaves all year long, so they stay green even when other trees lose their leaves.
Where Do They Grow?
You can find Sapotaceae plants all over the warm, tropical areas of the world. This includes places near the Earth's equator, like parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. They love warm weather and lots of sunshine.
Famous Members of This Family
One of the most well-known plants from the Sapotaceae family is the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). This tree is very important in parts of Africa. People use its nuts to make shea butter, which is used in food, cosmetics, and medicines.
Other interesting plants in this family include:
- Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota): This tree produces a sweet, brown fruit that tastes a bit like pear and brown sugar.
- Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito): Its fruit is round and purple or green. When you cut it open, the pulp looks like a star.
- Mamey Sapote (Pouteria sapota): This tree grows a large, orange-fleshed fruit that is popular in Central America. It tastes sweet and creamy.
Features of Sapotaceae Plants
Many plants in the Sapotaceae family share some common features.
Leaves and Flowers
Most Sapotaceae plants have simple, smooth-edged leaves. These leaves often grow in spirals around the stem. The flowers are usually small and grow in clusters. They can be green, white, or yellow.
Fruits and Seeds
The fruits of Sapotaceae plants are usually berries or drupes (like a peach or cherry). They often have one or a few large, shiny seeds inside. Many of these fruits are edible and are an important food source for people and animals in tropical regions.
Milky Sap
A special feature of many Sapotaceae plants is their milky sap. If you cut a stem or leaf, a white, sticky liquid will often ooze out. This sap is sometimes used to make things like chewing gum or latex.
Importance to People
Sapotaceae plants are very useful to humans.
Food and Nutrition
Many of the fruits from this family are eaten fresh or used in desserts, jams, and drinks. They provide important vitamins and energy.
Other Uses
Besides food, the wood from some Sapotaceae trees is strong and durable, making it good for building and furniture. The oils and butters from their seeds, like shea butter, are used in many products for skin and hair care.
Images for kids
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Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia in Narsapur, Medak district, India
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See also
In Spanish: Sapotaceae para niños
