Uses

Prehistory

There is much anecdotal evidence of Maya usage of the chicozapote in the literature. Many sources mention the use of the tree's wood as lintels in Maya temples, which is so rot-resistant that it still is in good condition (Millward 1909, Popenoe 1924, Morton 1987, Pennington 1990). The rot-resistance is due in part to triterpenoids that are found in the wood and latex (Hart et al. 1973, Hosomi et al. 1990). Chicozapote trees are often found in association with Maya ruins, and archaeological evidence suggests that the trees were protected for their fruit (Lundell 1937).