The round or ovoid fruits are green, with a bright yellow flesh that is often fibrous. It grows at temperate elevations, between 1,000-2,400 metres. Temperatures of its elevated native range make the species technically subtropical, even though its native region is strictly tropical.
It has been grown successfully in subtropical foothills of California. Attempts at growing lucuma in Florida's climate typically fail. In addition to Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, the fruit is grown also to a limited extent in Bolivia and Costa Rica.
It grows well in most tropical regions, but is not widely favored. The fruit is also available in large quantities in Lao People's Democratic Republic and in Vietnam. Within its own genus there are multiple species considered to have a superior flavor, such as the Mamey. |