The climate preferred by this plant is warm and tropical, with a preference for areas that are not prone to frost. It thrives in regions with high humidity and ample rainfall. It can tolerate drought conditions to some extent but performs best with consistent moisture. This plant generally prefers to grow at lower altitudes rather than in high-altitude areas.
Soursop
Annona muricata, commonly known as soursop or prickly custard apple, is a small, upright tree that reaches about 5 meters in height. It produces the largest fruit among custard apples, which is acidic and often stewed with sugar. The fruit has a slimy texture but contains abundant sweet juice. The soursop tree is drought-tolerant and serves as a good windbreak or shade tree, although it is less tolerant to frost. Its nutritional composition per 100 grams includes 81.7% water, 65 calories of energy, 16.3 grams of carbohydrates, 0.3 grams of fat, and 1.0 gram of protein. Fruiting typically begins at around 4 years for seedling trees and 3 years for grafted trees. The seeds of the soursop tree are known to have insecticidal properties.
Annona muricata
Brazil
Other Relevant Information: - The soursop is known for its potential health benefits, including its antioxidant properties and potential anti-cancer effects. - Traditional medicinal uses of soursop include treating fever, inflammation, and digestive issues. - The leaves of the soursop tree are often used to make herbal teas, which are believed to have calming and soothing effects. - Soursop is also used in traditional cuisine, where it is incorporated into various dishes, desserts, and beverages. - The tree is native to tropical regions of the Americas and is now cultivated in many countries around the world. - Soursop has a unique flavor profile, often described as a combination of pineapple, strawberry, and citrus. - In some cultures, the soursop fruit is believed to have aphrodisiac properties. - The tree is also valued for its timber, which is used for making furniture and other wood products.
Soursop prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH level between 6.1 and 7.0. It can also tolerate sandy or loamy soil.
A small, upright tree reaching about 5 m in height which is otherwise known as prickly custard apple. It is drought tolerant and makes a good windbreak or shade tree. It is less frost tolerant than the other species (0°C).
The fruit is the largest of the custard apples and more acid, so is often best stewed with a little sugar. The texture can be somewhat slimy, but the juice is abundant and sweet and makes good drinks.
Nutritional composition of the soursop per 100 grams of edible portion is: Water - 81.7%, Energy - 65 calories, Carbohydrate - 16.3 g, Fat - 0.3 g, Protein - 1.0 g, Ash - 0.7g, Calcium - 14 mg, Potassium - 265 mg, Sodium - 14 mg, Iron - 0.6 mg, Phosphorous - 27 mg, Vitamin A - 10 I.U., Thiamin - 0.07 mg, Riboflavin - 0.05 mg, Niacin - 0.9 mg, Ascorbic acid - 20 mgs.
Fruiting begins at about 4 years with seedling trees, 3 years with grafted trees. The seeds are said to have insecticidal properties.