Sapodilla, chicle tree

This plant is a natural source of chicle, the raw ingredient used in the original chewing gum, before the introduction of synthetic ingredients. Zigzag gashes were cut in the trunk every 2 or 3 years to collect the latex. The main chicle production regions were the Yucatán Peninsula, in Mexico, and the Petén, in Guatemala. There are thought to be so many sapodillas in these regions because the Mayas were particularly fond of its wood and fruit. Today, the tree is grown mostly for its fruit. In Brazil, it is made into ice cream.

The sapodilla is grown in Florida, where a number of cultivars have been developed, and in various tropical regions in the New and Old World.

Its hard, insect-resistant wood is used in building wharves and piers.