Annona muricata aka Soursop

Annona muricata is a small tropical tree called soursop. Other names include graviola and guanabana. It belongs to the custard apple family, Annonaceae. Its native range runs from southern Mexico to Venezuela and Peru. It grows in wet tropical regions, including lowland woods. Wild plants also grow on coastal limestone and in shaded ravines. Growers now raise it across many warm parts of the world. Useful Tropical Plants reports its conservation status as Least Concern.

The tree grows fast and keeps its leaves year-round. Garden trees reach about 15–20 feet [4.6–6.1 metres] tall. Their spread can reach 12 feet [3.66 metres]. Some accounts give heights of 23 feet [7 metres]. Plants stay much smaller when grown in pots. The trunk may branch close to the ground. Some trees have slender forms and branches that curve down. The leaves are thick, long, narrow, and slightly glossy. These evergreen leaves give the tree interest through winter.

The large flowers have a yellow-green colour. They grow alone or in small groups of three. Each flower can reach about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] long. Flies and beetles pollinate the flowers. Missouri Botanical Garden lists bloom from June to August. In greenhouses, summer flowers can lead to fruit in fall. Fruit can form on the trunk as well as branches. The oval fruit has thin skin and juicy, tart flesh. Its scent recalls pineapple, but its taste is distinct. Thin skin limits how well the fruit survives transport.

Grow soursop in sun or partial shade. It prefers rich soil that drains well yet stays moist. It also tolerates soils of average quality. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA zones 10–11 for outdoor growth. Chicago Botanic Garden lists the wider range of 9–11. Frost can harm this tree, so choose a frost-free site. Shelter it from cold winds. A greenhouse offers an option in cold regions. It can prove difficult to grow as a houseplant. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems.

Gardeners grow soursop for both fruit and ornamental value. People eat ripe fruit fresh or use it in drinks. They also cook immature fruit and young shoots. Plants For A Future lists leaves among its edible parts. The plant also has a history of traditional medicinal use. Such use does not establish a safe home treatment. The seeds are toxic, and stem sap can cause irritation.