Sugar apple - Annona squamosa (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Sugar apple

Also known as: Sweetsop

Sugar apple (Annona squamosa) is a deciduous tropical tree that can grow to be 3 to 6 m tall. It has small, pendulous flowers that bloom in spring and range in color from yellowish-green to white. The fragrant, sweet, juicy fruit ripens in late summer and early fall.

Scientific classification

Species

Sugar apple (Annona squamosa)

Magnolias, nutmegs, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Green

Leaf Color

1.5 cm to 3 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Black, Yellow

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, White

Flower Color

Brown

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Sugar apple

Distribution of Sugar apple

Distribution Map

Sugar apple naturally occurs in tropical regions of the New World, particularly across the Caribbean and Central and South America. Its cultivation and naturalization have extended its presence to parts of Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. It is cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions, demonstrating a broad adaptability beyond its original range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dryish sandy substrates, dry hammocks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Love, Healing, Garden, Magic

Interesting Facts

Although the sugar apple is highly popular in Asia, it originates from the tropical Americas and the West Indies. The Spanish traders of Manila galleons are the ones that brought it to Asia, and because of the suitable tropical climate, it has become a widely cultivated and popular crop.

Name Story

Sugar apple: Sugar apple has been named that because of its distinctly sweet sugar-rich fruits. The rounded shape and the heart-shaped cross-section of the fruit also bears resemblance to an apple, although when looked more in detail, the structure of the fruit, both on the surface and inside, is nothing like it.

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Toxicity

The roots, seeds, leaves, and bark of sugar apple contain toxic substances like hydrocyanic acid which can produce severe symptoms in humans and animals. Children, dogs, and cats can be poisoned through ingestion of seeds. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and eventual heart failure in humans; vomiting and abdominal pain in animals. Seek medical attention immediately.

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Care Guide for Sugar apple

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Sugar apple originates from the tropics, thriving in high humidity and warmth. Water every 1-2 weeks, keeping soil moist but not soggy. Preferring full sun, sugar apple flourishes outdoors in conditions that resemble its native climate, including abundant rainfall during the growing season.

Fertilize: Fertilizing sugar apple enhances growth and fruiting. Use high phosphorus fertilizers early, then switch to balanced formulas. Fertilize monthly during growth, decrease in dormancy, and always water well after application to prevent root burn. Adjust for seasonal sunlight and temperature variations to avoid over-fertilization.

Pruning: Sugar apple has knobby fruit and needs regular pruning for health. Techniques involve removing dead branches, thinning growth, and shaping for sunlight. Prune in early to late winter for best results, enhancing air circulation and promoting larger fruit.

Propagation: Sugar apple propagates effectively in autumn and winter using cutting or layering. Success indicators include root development and new growth. For the best outcomes, utilize healthy parent plant material.

Repotting: Sugar apple thrives with repotting every 2-3 years, ideally in early spring. Use a larger pot with good drainage and nutrient-rich soil. After repotting, maintain consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight for a few weeks to minimize stress and aid recovery.

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Images of Sugar apple

Distribution of Sugar apple

Culture

Toxicity

Care Guide for Sugar apple

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