Pond apple

Pond Apple (Annona glabra) is a tropical fruit tree species in the family Annonaceae. It is native to the Americas, but is also found in many other parts of the world, where it is often considered an invasive species.

Description

The Pond Apple is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows to a height of 10-12 meters. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong to elliptic in shape. The flowers are large and showy, with three outer petals and three smaller inner petals. The fruit is a large, round to oblong berry that is yellow to orange when ripe.

Distribution and Habitat

The Pond Apple is native to the tropical Americas, including the Caribbean, Central America, and the southernmost parts of the United States. It is also found in many other parts of the world, including Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands, where it has often been introduced as an ornamental plant or for its fruit. The Pond Apple prefers wet, swampy conditions and is often found in mangrove forests or along the banks of rivers and lakes.

Uses

The fruit of the Pond Apple is edible and is often used in jams, jellies, and desserts. However, it is not as widely cultivated or as popular as other members of the Annona genus, such as the soursop or the custard apple. The wood of the Pond Apple is lightweight and is sometimes used in the construction of canoes.

Invasive Species

In many parts of the world where it has been introduced, the Pond Apple is considered an invasive species. It is able to spread rapidly and can outcompete native vegetation, leading to a loss of biodiversity. In Australia, for example, the Pond Apple is listed as a Weed of National Significance.