Photo used with permission, tradewindsfruit.com

Sugar-Apple, Sweetsop

Annona squamosa L.

ah-NO-nah squaw-MOSE-ah

Annonaceae

Explanation of name:    For Annona see Annona glabra.   Squamous means scaly.

Natural range:   West Indies

Recognition:  Small tree, the flowers yellowish, fragrant.  Petioles pubescent.  Fruit to 4 inches long, with a knobby surface and white flesh

Landscape uses: Highly regarded for flavor. This species crossed with A. cherimola yields the Atemoya (discussed under A. cherimola).   Reportedly with limited freeze tolerance.  Adapted to comparatively dry habitats.  Traditionally propagated by seeds.  Cuttings and layers reportedly difficult (although CHI mentions layering in Malaysia). 

Internet sources: http://www.fshs.org/Proceedings/Password%20Protected/1974%20Vol.%2087/342-344%20(POPENOE).pdf

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/sugar_apple.html

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200008509

http://www.tropilab.com/sugarapple.html

 

Botanical name	English	FL native	Growth form	Flowering season	Typical dimensions	Suggested spacing	Cultural conditions	Problems
Annona squamosa	Sweetsop   Sugar-Apple	Exotic	Tree	Fruits LS-FA	20’		SU WD Shallow roots DT AT Tropical CHI suggest deep rich soil (Internet sources as above, CHI)	Toxic seeds Seed-borers Fungal troubles