Annona reticulata is a small deciduous or semi-evergreen tree in the plant familyAnnonaceae and part of the Annonas group. It is best known for its fruit, called custard apple, a common name shared with fruits of several other species in the same genus: A. cherimola and A. squamosa. Its common names include wild sweetsop, soursop, bullock's heart, and anona. The fruit is sweet and useful in preparation of desserts, but is generally less popular for eating than that of A. cherimola.
Description
It is a small deciduous or semi-evergreen tree reaching to tall with an open, irregular crown. The slender leaves are hairless, straight and pointed at the apex, to long and to wide. The yellow-green flowers are generally in clusters of three or four to diameter, with three long outer petals and three very small inner ones. Its pollen is shed as permanent tetrads. The fruits vary in shape, heart-shaped, spherical, oblong or irregular. The size ranges from to, depending on the cultivar. When ripe, the fruit is brown or yellowish, with red highlights and a varying degree of reticulation, depending again on the variety. The flesh varies from juicy and very aromatic to hard with a repulsive taste. The flavor is sweet and pleasant, akin to the taste of 'traditional' custard.
Distribution and habitat
Possibly a native of the Caribbean and Central America, Annona reticulata is now pantropical and can be found growing between altitudes of to in areas of Central America that have alternating wet and dry seasons. It is cultivated in many tropical countries, and also occurs as feral populations in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Taiwan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Australia, and Africa. It is cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world including Southeast Asia, Taiwan, India, Australia, and Africa.
Climate
Although the tree grows optimally in tropic conditions, it is also found in subtropical regions. It requires humid conditions. Compared to the other Annonas, it is less drought tolerant. The annual temperature necessary ranges from 17 to 27 °C. It tolerates light night frosts to -2 °C. A. reticulata grows on many soil types with pH ranging from 5 to 8. It does not tolerate waterlogging or when the water table is too high.
Cultivation
Seeds can be propagated. Other techniques for cultivation are grafting and budding. The tree produces 45 kg of fruits per year. In Asia, the season lasts from July to September, and in the Caribbean, it runs from February to April.
Uses
Food
Custard apple can be eaten raw, out of hand as a fresh fruit. It is not as popular as the sugar apple or the cherimoya. It can also be prepared as juices, ice-cream or puddings. In India, it is cooked into a sauce.
Propagation
A. reticulata may be grown in home gardens, even though it may not be as popular as the sugar apple. It has value as rootstock for superior Annona species, such as the sugar apple, especially under humid conditions. It is also a genetic resource for hybridization.
Other
The leaves and the branches can be used for tanning as they contain blue pigments. Wrappers, ornaments and hats can be made from the inner bark. The wood is soft and can be used to make utensiles, even though, it is weak and of bad quality.
Nutrition
In a 100 gram reference amount, custard apple supplies 101 calories, 23% of the Daily Value of vitamin C and 17% DV of vitamin B6, with no other micronutrients in significant amounts. Raw custard apple is 72% water, 25% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and 1% fat.
Risk and impact
Annona reticulata is known to be an invasive plant.A PIER risk assessment gave a score of 11 for the Annona Reticulata. It negatively impacts the population cultivating the crop as all parts of the tree are toxic, possibly causing problems for human health.
