The black sapote is an evergreen species of persimmon native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. It has a rounded crown, black bark, and glossy, dark green leaves. Its fruit is consumed raw when fully ripe and/or cooked. Its flesh is dark chocolate brown to black in colour but somewhat sweet and rich in flavour. Immature fruits can also be eaten as a vegetable when boiled. Bark and leaves are used medicinally in the treatment of fever and various skin conditions.
 
Require frost protection when young. The plant can be grown outdoors in warmer parts of NZ. Shelter required.
 
Botanical name: Diospyros digyna
Alternate names: Chocolate pudding fruit, Black soapapple and Zapote prieto