Canistel 15G - Urban Abundance

Canistel Tree in 15-Gallon Pot Available in Jupiter, FL

The Canistel (Pouteria campechiana), often called “eggfruit,” is a tropical treasure known for its rich, golden-yellow flesh and smooth, custard-like texture. With a taste reminiscent of sweet potato, pumpkin pie, or cheesecake, it’s a favorite among tropical fruit enthusiasts, vegan bakers, and smoothie lovers. This highly nutritious fruit grows beautifully in South Florida’s climate, offering consistent production with little fuss.

In a 15-gallon pot, this canistel tree is mature and well on its way to producing large, sweet fruits—perfect for backyard orchards or permaculture food forests.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

Sunlight: Full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours per day for strong growth and sweet fruit.

Watering: Moderate. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil are dry. Can tolerate brief droughts once established.

Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil with added compost. Avoid heavy or soggy soils.

Fertilizer: Feed 3–4 times per year with a balanced tropical fruit tree fertilizer. Add trace minerals like magnesium and calcium to support flowering and fruit size.

Growth Habit: Medium to large evergreen tree with upright branching. Reaches 20–30 feet tall in the ground. Prune to maintain desired shape and size. 15-gallon trees are typically 5–7 feet tall.

Temperature: USDA Zones 10–11. Cold-sensitive—protect young trees from temps below 35°F. Thrives in warm, humid South Florida microclimates.

Maintenance: Low to moderate. Prune after harvest to shape and control size. Monitor for fruit fly activity and maintain clean ground beneath tree.

Harvest & Seasonality:

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall, though year-round planting is possible in South Florida with regular watering.

Harvest Time: Late fall through spring (October to March), depending on age and location.

How to Harvest: Pick when fruit turns bright yellow and softens slightly. Ripens best off the tree at room temperature over 3–5 days.

Seasonal Notes: Canistel trees are long-lived and productive, yielding dozens of large fruits with little pest pressure.

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:

Canistel is rich in beta-carotene (Vitamin A), niacin (Vitamin B3), and dietary fiber. It supports immune function, skin health, digestion, and eye health. The dense, low-moisture fruit is popular in smoothies, baking, and energy-boosting snacks.

Ideal For:

• Tropical food forests and edible landscapes

• Smoothie bars and plant-based kitchens

• Permaculture designs and fruit collectors

• South Florida gardeners seeking rare, low-maintenance fruit trees

• High-nutrition, dessert-style fruit production

Plant Classification:

Scientific Name: Pouteria campechiana
Common Name: Canistel, Eggfruit
Plant Type: Tropical fruit tree
Family: Sapotaceae (sapote family)
Class: Dicot – Broadleaf evergreen with net-veined leaves
Growth Form: Upright, spreading evergreen tree
Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen in South Florida conditions
Perennial or Annual: Perennial—produces fruit annually when mature and well-cared for

Container Size: 15-gallon pot