Pouteria torta subsp. pilosa
Pouteria torta subsp. pilosa
Pouteria torta subsp. pilosa is a very rare Sapotaceae from Central and South America. This fruit has largely been neglected in cultivated settings but has major potential in subtropical and tropical gardens. The tree is said to be one of the cold hardier Sapotaceae, although, there is no definitive data to support this. The fruits certainly make this tree worth growing, as they are carmely and delicious and one of the most sweet desert-y flavors that can be added to the garden.
Family: Sapotaceae
Name: Pouteria torta subsp. glabra
Common Name / Native Name: Wooly Abiu / Unknown
Range: Regions of Central & South America from Mexico to Brazil
Sun: Full Sun/Part Shade
Height: 30+ feet
Width: 15+ feet
Foliage: Large leaves resembling that of an avocado yet have orange fuzzy hairs distinguishing them.
Flower: A small nondescript Sapotaceae flower that is born on the trunks and mature branches of the tree.
Fruit: An orange fruit a little larger than a golfball that has fuzz that can be wiped off. The fruit has latex and resembles an Abiu.
Soil Type/ pH: Prefers acidity.
USDA Climate Zones: Undetermined, potentially 10a+
Cold Hardiness: Unknown
Edibility: A very good fruit that is favored by those who are lucky enough to find one. It has a caramel taste similar to abiu, although is smaller and a little bit more strongly flavored.
Sources:
http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Pouteria+torta
http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:789233-1