Sap of Star Apple

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I. INTRODUCTION A. Background of the Study Star Apple (Chrysophyllum Cainito) is a tropical tree of the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the Greater Antilles and the West Indies. It has spread to the lowlands of Central America and is now is grown throughout the tropics, including Southeast Asia. It was first grown in the state of Hawaii back in the early 1900's. It continues to be grown in Hawaii, but it is also grown in Florida as well. The Star Apple is sometimes mistaken for a mango, as they resemble one another. It grows rapidly and reaches 20 m in height. It has numerous common names including cainito, caimito, star apple, golden leaf tree, abiaba pomme de lait, estrella, and aguay. The leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple oval, entire, 5-15 cm long; the underside shines with a golden color when seen from a distance. The tiny flowers are purplish white and have a sweet fragrant smell. The tree is also hermaphroditic (self-fertile). It has round purple-skinned fruit that is often green around the calyx, with a star pattern in the pulp. Sometimes there is a greenish-white variety of the fruit. The skin is rich in latex, and both it and the rind are not edible. The flattened seeds are light brown and hard. It bears fruit year around after it reaches about seven years of age. The fruits are delicious as a fresh dessert fruit; it is sweet and best served chilled. The flattened seeds are light brown and hard. Infusions of the leaves have been used against diabetes and auricular rheumatism. The bark is considered a tonic and stimulant, and a bark decoction is used as an antitussive. The fruit also exist in two colors, dark purple and greenish brown. The purple fruit has a more dense skin and texture while the greenish brown fruit has a thin skin and a more liquid pulp. The star apple tree is erect, 25 to 100 ft (8-30 m) tall, with a short trunk to 3

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