Canistel 'Bruce' (Pouteria campechiana)
Grafted and Ready to Produce!
The Bruce Canistel is a unique variety of the Canistel tree, scientifically known as Pouteria campechiana. It's a tropical fruit tree native to Central America, often found in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The tree is medium-sized, typically reaching a height of 20-30 feet, and is noted for its dense, evergreen foliage. Its leaves are glossy, leathery, and elongated, growing up to 10 inches in length.
The Bruce Canistel is distinguished by its fruit, which is oval to spindle-shaped and typically measures about 3-5 inches in length. The skin of the fruit is thin, smooth, and ranges from yellow to orange when ripe. The flesh inside is sweet, dense, and custard-like, hence its nickname, 'egg fruit.' It has a rich, creamy texture and a flavor that's often compared to a combination of sweet potato, pumpkin, and vanilla.
This variety blooms small, inconspicuous flowers which are white to greenish-white in color. The fruit usually matures in the winter months. It's highly valued for its nutritional content, being rich in vitamins A and C, as well as carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
In cultivation, the Bruce Canistel prefers a warm, tropical climate and well-drained soil. It's moderately drought-tolerant once established but requires regular watering during the initial growth phase. This tree is often grown in orchards, home gardens, and as a landscape tree in suitable climates due to its ornamental appearance and delicious fruit.
Plant Type:
Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Winter, Spring, Year-round
Typically December - March (sub-tropics) but varies slightly based on variety. Some cultivars even fruit year-round! Canistel fruit should be harvested when it turns yellow-orange. Allowing fruit 3 to 10 days to ripen at room temperature (76–82°F; 24–28°C). Ripe fruit is soft but not mushy.
Mature Size:
15-30 ft.
Will grow well in a container as long as you provide enough space for root growth. .
Soil & Moisture:
Well-draining, sandy, soil rich in organic matter. Likes consistent watering especially during flower and fruiting but is completely intolerant of flooding.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun (highest production), Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast, Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+.
If taking on the task of growing this tropical fruit tree in colder climates, can be dwarfed with the right amount of commitment and can be overwintered indoors. During the coldest winter in the last ten years, the Canistel's planted in our food forest survived severe damage at 24 degrees, growing back from the base and are back to fruiting!
Propagation:
Large Pot Size: Grafted and capable of producing fruit within 2-3 years.
X-Large Pot Size: Grafted and capable of producing fruit within 1-2 years.
See More:Shop all of our Canistel varieties.
Shop all of our Pouteria varieties.
