The Sapodilla is native to Central America and the Caribbean. The Indians of Mexico originally called the tree 'sapodilla', a name that is retained in many parts of the region. The fruit is round in shape and has a reddish brown skin. When ripe (slightly soft to the touch), the fleshy pulp may be eaten or used to make custard and ice-cream.

The early Indians chewed the rubbery sap of the tree, which they called 'chicle' and it was this - with the addition of massive amounts of sugar - that New Yorker Thomas Adams managed to make into successful commercial product - chewing gum.