Annona squamosa aka Sugar Apple

Taxonomy

Annona squamosa is both a small, well-branched tree or shrub and a super rare houseplant. The edible fruit of this species, commonly known as sugar-apples, sweetsop, custard apple, or scaly custard apple, is about 2 ½ to 4 inches (6-10 cm.) long. The sugar apple tree varies in height from 10-20 feet (3-6 m.) with alternate, dull green on the top and pale green on the underside foliage. Its fragrant yellow-green flowers are single or in clusters of 2-4 and borne off of long, drooping stalks. Each fruit segment has a ½-inch (1 cm.) long black to dark brown seed, of which there may be up to 40 per sugar apple. Most sugar apples have green skins, but a dark red variety is also available, and they take three to four months to ripen after flowering in the spring. This species can tolerate a tropical lowland climate, making it the most widely cultivated of the Annona family, however, it can be invasive on tropical islands. For the houseplant, regular watering and long-lasting, direct light is required, and it should be less than 1 foot from a window to thrive.

Common names

Sugar Apple, Sweet Sop, Custard Apple

How to care for Sugar Apple

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Sugar Apple, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Sugar Apple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Sugar Apple requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Sugar Apple will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Region of origin

Sugar Apple’s native range is Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia