Black Sapote Trees | Chocolate Pudding Fruit (Diospyros digyna)

Row of potted Black Sapote (Diospyros digyna) trees with tags in a nursery setting

Black Sapote Tree

10 Gallon

$199.00

1/4

Black Sapote Tree

Diospyros digyna, Black Persimmon, Chocolate Persimmon, Chocolate Pudding Fruit, Chocolate Pudding Tree, Sapote Negro, Axle Grease Plant, Black Apple

Nature‘s Chocolate Pudding • Prolific Evergreen • Spoonable Fresh Dessert

$199.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Black Sapote is nature‘s most magical dessert tree. It rewards the tropical and subtropical gardener with an astonishing yield of fruit whose rich, creamy flesh uncannily resembles chocolate pudding in both color and texture—but without the dairy, caffeine, or guilt. It‘s a conversation-starting centerpiece for any edible landscape.

Produces abundant, olive-green fruit that turns deep black when fully ripe, indicating it‘s ready for harvest.
The ripe flesh is a decadent, smooth, chocolate-brown custard with a mild, sweet flavor and very fine texture.
Truly "eat with a spoon" straight from the skin when soft-ripe, avoiding the few flat seeds.
A prolific, attractive evergreen tree with a dense, rounded canopy of glossy leaves, serving as both a fruit producer and a shade/ornamental tree.
Self-fertile and low-maintenance once established, thriving in frost-free climates.
Incredibly versatile: enjoy fresh, blend into smoothies and desserts, or use as a direct, healthy substitute for chocolate in mousses, ice creams, and baked goods.

Flavor Profile:

Flavor: Mild, subtly sweet with notes reminiscent of dates, caramel, or vanilla-chocolate.
Texture: Exceptionally smooth, creamy, and pudding-like when fully ripe.
Best Uses: Fresh spoonable treat, healthy dessert base, smoothie booster, chocolate alternative in recipes.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Oblong, leathery, glossy dark green leaves arranged alternately.Flowers: Small, creamy-yellow blossoms; self-pollinating.Fruit: 2-6" diameter; thin smooth skin transitions from olive-green to black when ripe. Pulp: Deep brown, creamy texture with mild sweetness (reminiscent of chocolate pudding).Seeds: Flat, smooth, brown seeds (3-10 per fruit)
Habit: Tropical evergreen tree with dense, rounded crown
Mature Height: 25-30 ft
Mature Width: 15-20 ft
Growth Rate: Slow initially (3-4 years), then moderate-fast
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Unique dessert fruit ready to eat when soft.Non-astringent variety (no tannins when ripe).Heavy fruit producer at maturity.Attractive ornamental foliage.Excellent shade tree
Landscape Uses:Tropical fruit orchards.Shade tree for patios/lawns.Specimen ornamental tree.Edible landscaping

Q: Does it really taste like chocolate?A: The resemblance is in the color and creamy texture more than a strong cocoa flavor. The taste is mild and sweet, often compared to a blend of dates, pumpkin, and vanilla. It‘s a fantastic visual and textural substitute for chocolate in recipes.
Q: When and how do I know it‘s ripe?A: The fruit is ripe when the skin turns from glossy green to a dull, deep olive-green or black, and yields to gentle pressure like a ripe avocado. It often ripens after picking if left at room temperature.
Q: How long until the tree bears fruit?A: Patience is key. Trees grown from seed can take 5-8 years to fruit. Grafted trees are highly recommended, as they typically begin bearing in 3-4 years on a faster-growing tree.