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Description
Annona Cherimola, also known as cherimoya, is a fruit tree native to South America, particularly in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. It belongs to the Annonaceae family and is known for its sweet and creamy taste, which is often compared to a combination of banana, pineapple, and strawberry flavors. Cherimoya is widely consumed as a dessert fruit and is also used in ice cream, juice, and other food products.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Genus | Annona |
| Species | Cherimola |
Appearance
The cherimoya tree is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has a rounded crown with dark green, glossy leaves that are 10-20 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is heart-shaped, with a scaly skin that is green when unripe and turns brownish-green when ripe. The fruit can weigh up to 2 kg and has a soft, white, juicy flesh with large black seeds.
Care Guide
Cherimoya trees are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Here are some tips for caring for your cherimoya tree:
- Water: Cherimoya trees require regular watering, especially during the dry season. They prefer well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Cherimoya trees require regular fertilization to promote growth and fruit production. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and apply it every 3-4 months.
- Soil: Cherimoya trees prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: Cherimoya trees require full sun to partial shade to thrive. They can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer fruits if they do not receive enough sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: Cherimoya trees are hardy in USDA zones 9-11, which include most of Florida, southern Texas, and coastal California.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cherimoya trees are susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Fruit flies: These pests lay their eggs inside the fruit, causing it to rot and fall off the tree prematurely.
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause leaf discoloration and deformities, as well as reduced fruit quality.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruit of the tree, leading to defoliation and reduced fruit production.
- Phytophthora root rot: This soil-borne disease can cause root rot and wilt, leading to stunted growth and reduced fruit production.
To prevent pest and disease problems, it is important to maintain good cultural practices, such as proper watering and fertilization, and to monitor the tree regularly for signs of infestation.
Habitat
Cherimoya trees are native to the Andes Mountains of South America, where they grow in subtropical to tropical climates at elevations of 1,200 to 2,400 meters above sea level. They prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 7 to 32°C. Cherimoya trees are now cultivated in many parts of the world, including Spain, Italy, Israel, Australia, and the United States.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for a cherimoya tree to produce fruit?
A: Cherimoya trees typically begin to produce fruit 3-4 years after planting, although it may take up to 8 years to reach full production.
Q: Can cherimoya trees be grown in containers?
A: Yes, cherimoya trees can be grown in containers, but they may not produce as much fruit as trees grown in the ground.
Q: Is the cherimoya fruit high in calories?
A: Yes, the cherimoya fruit is relatively high in calories, with one medium-sized fruit containing around 200 calories.
Q: Can the seeds of the cherimoya fruit be eaten?
A: No, the seeds of the cherimoya fruit are not edible and should be removed before consuming the fruit.
Related Plants
- Rollinia deliciosa (biriba)
- Annona muricata (soursop)
- Annona reticulata (custard apple)
- Annona squamosa (sugar apple)
References
- “Cherimoya.” Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products. Accessed August 10, 2021. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/cherimoya.html.
- “Cherimoya.” University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://fruitsandnuts.ucdavis.edu/fruitnutproduction/Cherimoya/.
- “Cherimoya: A Sweet Fruit with a Tropical Flavour.” Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/cherimoya/9422154.
