ANNONA SQUAMOSA - SUGAR APPLE.
Common name: sugar apple, sweetsop, ati, ates, custard apple, kaneelappel, kaner'apra, fun li chi, pomme canelle, tapotapo, ates.
Family: annonaceae (annona family).
A small tropical tree, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, with a purple knobby skin.
The leaves are thin, oblong while the flowers are greenish - yellow.
The avoid or conical fruit is very sweet and is eaten fresh or can be used for shakes.
The fruit is creamy - white and may contain up to 40 black seeds.
The seeds are poisonous.
There are medicinal application of the custard apple tree.
The bark and leaves contain anonaine, an alkaloid.
In tropical America, a decoction of the leaves is used as a cold remedy and to clarify urine.
A bark decoction is used to stop diarrhea, while the root is used in the treatment of dysentery.
Hardiness: USDA zone 9 - 11.
Propagation: seeds.
Culture: full sun, different types of well drained soil.
Can withstand temperatures down to 27° F., but protect from frost.
Can also be grown succesfully in containers (for the cooler zones).
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