The genus Gayella was resurrected for this Chilean species of Sapotaceae based on molecular phylogenetic data and morphology. Results indicate that the closest relatives are from Australia, not from South America. The Chilean endemic Gayella valparadisaea is red-listed as Endangered (EN) by the Chilean authorities under the name Pouteria splendens (especies.mma.gob.cl)

synonyms are Lucuma splendens, Pouteria splendens and Gayella splendens