Contents
Description
Annona Mucosa, also known as the custard apple or sweetsop, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America, but it is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, India, and Australia. The fruit of the Annona Mucosa is round or heart-shaped, and it measures up to 10cm in diameter. It has a thick green rind that is covered in bumps and a sweet, creamy white flesh that is filled with seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Genus | Annona |
Appearance
The Annona Mucosa tree grows up to 10m tall and has a pyramid-shaped canopy. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and they measure up to 15cm long and 6cm wide. The flowers of the Annona Mucosa are small and yellow, and they give way to the fruit, which is round or heart-shaped and measures up to 10cm in diameter. The fruit has a thick green rind that is covered in bumps, and its sweet, creamy white flesh is filled with seeds.
Care Guide
Water: The Annona Mucosa tree requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate short periods of drought.Fertilization: The tree benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer that is high in potassium and phosphorus.Soil: The Annona Mucosa tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it prefers slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to thrive, but it can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Annona Mucosa tree is not frost-tolerant and is best suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Annona Mucosa tree is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including fruit flies, scale insects, and fungal diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew. Regular monitoring and treatment with pesticides and fungicides can help prevent and control these issues.
Habitat
The Annona Mucosa tree is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America, where it grows in tropical and subtropical forests. It prefers warm, humid climates and well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for the Annona Mucosa tree to bear fruit?
A: The Annona Mucosa tree typically bears fruit within 3-4 years of planting.Q: How do you propagate the Annona Mucosa tree?
A: The Annona Mucosa tree can be propagated through seed, cuttings, or grafting.Q: Is the Annona Mucosa tree self-pollinating?
A: No, the Annona Mucosa tree requires cross-pollination from another tree to produce fruit.Q: What is the nutritional value of the Annona Mucosa fruit?
A: The Annona Mucosa fruit is high in vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Related Plants
– Annona Cherimola (Cherimoya)- Annona Reticulata (Custard Apple)- Annona Squamosa (Sugar Apple)
References
– Morton, J. F. (1987). “Sweetsop, Annona squamosa L. (A. Cherimola Mill., non Mill.)”. In Fruits of warm climates (pp. 80–84). Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL.- “Annona mucosa”. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 7 January 2018.- “Annona mucosa”. Useful Tropical Plants. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
