Annona cherimola aka Chirimoya

Annona cherimola, or cherimoya, is a fruit tree from western South America. It belongs to the custard apple family, Annonaceae. Its range includes Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. People grew it across much of South America before Europeans arrived. They also brought it to Mesoamerica during that time. Growers now raise it in frost-free regions around the world. Useful Tropical Plants reports a 2019 IUCN status of Least Concern.

This fast-growing tree has an upright but somewhat shrubby form. It has a short trunk and often branches near the ground. Its crown grows dense and spreads out with age. Garden accounts give heights of about 20–30 feet (6–9 metres). Broader reports range from 10–33 feet (3–10 metres). PFAF gives a spread of about 30 feet (9 metres). The tree may shed its leaves for a short time. Other accounts describe it as partly evergreen.

Beetles and other insects pollinate the flowers. PFAF also describes the plant as self-fertile. Strong winds can hinder pollination and reduce the fruit crop. The fruit has a heart or cone shape. It can weigh about half a kilogram. Large fruit reaches about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. The ripe flesh is white, sweet, juicy, and fragrant. Its taste recalls both banana and pineapple. People eat the flesh raw or add it to desserts. These include ice cream, custard, and cakes. The soft fruit does not ship well, which limits distant sales.

Cherimoya grows best in cooler tropical or frost-free subtropical sites. It performs poorly in hot, lowland tropical areas. Tropical growers raise it at elevations of 700–2,400 metres. Give it sun and shelter from strong winds. It needs good drainage and prefers moist, sandy loam. It can also grow in clay and less fertile soils. Sources give preferred soil pH values from about 6 to 7.6. The tree can cope with drought once conditions become dry. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–12, though cultivation accounts favour frost-free sites.

Growers use cherimoya for fruit and shade in mixed cropping systems. It has escaped gardens and become naturalized in warm regions. Weevils and fungi can damage stored seed. The edible flesh must not be confused with the poisonous seeds. Crushed seed juice can cause blindness if it reaches the eyes. Seeds and twigs contain alkaloids. Sources record traditional medicinal and insecticidal uses of the seeds. These uses do not make the seeds safe to swallow.