Annona montana aka Mountain Soursop

Annona montana belongs to the custard apple family, Annonaceae. Its common names include mountain soursop and wild soursop. It grows naturally across tropical America, including the Caribbean. Its range also covers parts of Central and South America. It often grows beside streams in mountain areas. Some plants grow close to sea level. The species has a Least Concern conservation status.

This evergreen or semi-evergreen plant forms a shrub or tree. Its crown spreads outward and has an uneven shape. The reference height is about 33 feet [10 metres]. The wider reported range reaches 10–46 feet [3–14 metres]. Its straight, round trunk may branch near the ground. Other trees have no branches for 10 feet [3 metres]. The trunk can measure about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] across. Beetles and other insects pollinate its flowers.

The round fruit reaches about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] across. Its yellow flesh has a strong scent. Reports differ on its texture, from juicy to dry and firm. Its taste ranges from mildly sour to bitter. People eat ripe fruit fresh or blend it with milk. They also mix it with ice cream. Much of the harvest comes from wild trees for local use. Growers also plant it for fruit, and markets sometimes sell it. The source lists no known hazards, but gives no specific pet-safety evidence.

Grow this moist-tropical species in a sunny site. It accepts varied fertile soils that drain well. Moist sandy loam suits it best. Its preferred soil pH runs from 5.5 to 7. Best growth occurs with daytime temperatures of 16–26°C. Young growth can suffer severe damage at −1°C. Temperatures of −4°C or lower can kill mature plants. These limits make frost a clear concern in cultivation.

Gardeners also grow mountain soursop as an ornamental tree. Growers sometimes use it as rootstock for related plants. Its seeds yield oil, while its bark supplies strong rope fibre. The light, fairly soft wood serves as fuel. Traditional remedies use the leaves, bark, and petals. Reported uses include sleep, stress, headaches, and fever. These records describe folk uses, not proof of safe treatment.