Milk Fruit (Star Apple) - Chrysophyllum cainito Fruit Plant

About Milk Fruit (Star Apple)

Milk Fruit, or Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito), is a tropical fruit tree in the same family as Sapota/Chikoo. It has evergreen leaves with golden undersides and small, fragrant purplish-white flowers. The tree is hermaphroditic (self-fertile), so a single plant can fruit on its own.

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Full sun to bright light.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.
• Climate: Warm tropical climate, 15-35°C.

Planting & Spacing

Grow in a large pot initially or plant in the ground with adequate space, as the tree can grow quite tall over time.

Care

• Watering: Moderate; keep soil moist but not soggy.
• Fertilizer: Organic fertilizer once every 3 months for the first 2 years.
• Pruning: Occasional shaping and removal of damaged branches.

Fruiting & Harvest

Milk fruit/Star Apple typically begins fruiting around 4-5 years after planting. Fruit is ripe when the skin turns a deep purple; slicing reveals a radiating star pattern in the pulp.

Note: This listing ships a young nursery plant, not a fruiting tree. Time to first fruit and yield vary by climate, care, and region - we don't promise a fixed timeline. Unripe fruit contains sticky latex/tannins that cause a mouth-puckering astringency - this is a ripeness cue, not a toxicity concern; the fruit is enjoyed fully ripe.