Wild Sweetsop

Annona mucosa

Basic Information

Family: Annonaceae

Genus: annona

Plant ID (slug): annona-mucosa

Numeric ID: 22047

USDA Hardiness: 10-12

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Annona mucosa is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. Of excellent quality[ 46 ]. The yellow fruits have a juicy, melting flesh of a very pleasant flavour, reminiscent of lemon meringue pie[ 301 ]. Delicious[ 317 ]. Usually eaten raw, they can also be used in ice cream, pies, cakes etc[ 301 ]. The fruit can be up to 15cm wide[ 307 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic The leaves are utilized in folk medicine as a treatment against rheumatism[ 317 ].