Custard apple, (genus Annona), genus of about 160 species of small trees or shrubs of the family Annonaceae, native to the New World tropics. Custard apples are of local importance as traditional medicines, and several species are commercially grown for their edible fruits.
Members of the genus are typically evergreen or semideciduous plants and cannot tolerate frost. The leaves can be leathery or hairy and are generally ovate with smooth margins. The unusual flowersfeature six to eight fleshy curved petals in two whorls and numerous stamens and pistils. The fruitsare often scaly and succulent and are sometimes segmented.
The fruit of the common custard apple (Annona reticulata), also called sugar apple or bullock’s-heart in the West Indies, is dark brown in colour and marked with depressions giving it a quilted appearance; its pulp is reddish yellow, sweetish, and very soft (hence the common name). Soursop, or guanabana (A. muricata), sweetsop (A. squamosa), and cherimoya (A. cherimola) are widely cultivated worldwide. Alligator apple, or corkwood (A. glabra), a native of South America and West Africa, is valued for its roots, which serve the same purposes as cork; the fruit is not usually eaten fresh but is sometimes used for making jellies.
Plant Care đŸª´
Watering
During summer, Water daily or when the soil starts to become slightly dry at the top. During Winter season water once in 2 days or when the soil starts to become slightly dry at the top. Keep the soil lightly moist at all times, but do not overwater as this will cause brown spots and leaf drop. Curly or dry leaves suggest, the plant is dry and needs watering. Water in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Always check your soil before watering.
Light
During summer season keep the plants in shaded area and during winter season plants can withstand direct/indirect light
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