Annona squamosa

Annona squamosa is a small, well-branched tree or shrub from the family Annonaceae that bears edible fruits called sugar-apples or sweetsops. It tolerates a tropical lowland climate better than its relatives Annona reticulata and Annona cherimola (whose fruits often share the same name) helping make it the most widely cultivated of these species. Annona squamosa is native to the tropical Americas and West Indies, but is now grown in many parts of the world.

Description

The Annona squamosa tree is small and deciduous, reaching 6 to 10 m (20 to 33 ft) tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, oblong-lanceolate, 5–17 cm (2.0–6.7 in) long and 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in) broad. The flowers are produced in clusters of 3-4, each flower 1.5–3 cm (0.59–1.18 in) across, with six petals, yellow-green spotted purple at the base.

Cultivation and uses

The Annona squamosa fruit is usually round, slightly pine cone-like, 6–10 cm (2.4–3.9 in) diameter, and weighing 100–230 g (3.5–8.1 oz), with a scaly or lumpy skin. There are variations in shape and size. The fruit flesh is sweet, white to light yellow, and resembles and tastes like custard. The seeds are scattered through the fruit flesh; they are blackish-brown, 12–18 mm (0.47–0.71 in) long, and hard and shiny.

Annona squamosa is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions for its aromatic fruit. The fruit can be consumed fresh or used in making shakes, smoothies, and ice cream. It is also used in traditional medicine, as it is believed to have several medicinal properties.

See also

• Annona cherimola
• Annona reticulata
• Annonaceae