Etymologically speaking, "Sapodilla" derives from the Nahuatl word "tzapotl" which refers to any sweet fruit with a soft flesh.

Hence many species of Manilkara may be colloquially called "sapote" or "sapodilla" and indeed a number of unrelated fruit trees such as Pouteria sapota.

The latex from M. huberi was used to make golf ball covers, along with that the better known and more widespread M. bidentata ("Balata" or "Massaranduba.")

Modern materials such as Polyurethane Elastomer and Methacrylic Acid copolymers have made Balata golf balls largely obsolete by the late 20th century, as they have much better abrasion resistance and generally lower air drag.

The wood is so dense to the point that it may not float in water,[citation needed] and requires pre-drilling before nailing.