Achras zapota Linn.
Synonym _ Manilkara zapota (Linn.)
P. van Royan
Manilkara achras (Mill.) Fosberg
Sapota achras Mill.
Family _ Sapotaceae.
Habitat _ Native to Central America.
Cultivated chiefly in Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
English _ Sapota, Sapodilla Plum,
Chicle.
Unani _ Sapotaa, Cheeku.
Siddha/Tamil _ Shimai eluppai.
Action _ Fruit—antibilious. Seed—
diuretic. Fruit and bark—febrifuge.
The bark contains latex
of which consists of gutta-percha-like
substance); also contains tannin
. The seeds contain quercitol.
Chewing gum consists of approximately
chicle, plus sugar, corn
syrup and flavourings.