(Pouteria campechiana), small tree of the sapodilla family (Sapotaceae), native to northern South America and cultivated in other tropical regions. It grows 3–7.5 metres (10–25 feet) tall and has spreading branches, alternate leathery leaves, and small white flowers. The canistel fruit is oval in shape, 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) long, and orange-yellow in colour. Its edible orange flesh is sweet.