I am a small, semi-deciduous tropical tree with a broad, spreading canopy and irregular branches.

My most prized feature is my compound fruit, which is made of many carpels that fuse together to form a round or heart-shaped, lumpy green fruit. Inside, the creamy white pulp is sweet, fragrant, and contains several dark brown seeds.

My leaves are simple, oblong, and pale green on the underside, aromatic when crushed.

I produce solitary, greenish-yellow, fragrant flowers on the branches.

I am native to the tropical Americas and the West Indies but have been naturalized and cherished in the Indian subcontinent for centuries.

I am drought-tolerant once established but produce the best fruit with consistent moisture.

Water me deeply once a week during dry periods, especially during flowering and fruit development.

I cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions, so well-drained soil is essential.

Young trees need more frequent watering to establish a strong root system.

I am a full sun worshipper!

I need direct, unfiltered sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily for strong growth and a good fruit crop.

I will not fruit well in the shade.

I am a true tropical tree and thrive in hot, humid, frost-free climates (USDA zones 10-11).

I love temperatures between 25°C and 35°C.

I am very sensitive to cold and frost, which can severely damage or kill me.

Choose a sunny, well-drained location with plenty of space for my spreading canopy.

I am perfect for tropical home gardens and orchards.

Due to my shallow root system, avoid deep cultivation around my base.

I am often grown from seed, but grafted varieties will bear fruit sooner and produce better-quality fruits.

I am a moderate feeder. A balanced fertilizer applied during the growing season supports growth and fruiting.

I benefit from compost or well-rotted manure applied around the drip line each year.

A fertilizer high in potassium can improve fruit quality.

Scientific Name: Annona squamosa

Common Names: Custard Apple, Sitaphal, Sweetsop

Plant Family: Annonaceae

Plant Type: Tropical fruit tree

MY SEEDS ARE TOXIC. The creamy fruit pulp is safe and delicious for pets and humans. However, the seeds, bark, and leaves contain toxic alkaloids and should not be ingested.

As a leafy tree, I am excellent at absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Produces one of the most beloved tropical fruits, with a sweet, creamy flesh that is eaten fresh or used in desserts, milkshakes, and ice creams.

The fruit is rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.

Provides light, dappled shade.

The seeds have insecticidal properties and are used in traditional remedies.

Fruit Borers & Mealybugs - Common pests that can infest flowers and developing fruits.

Anthracnose - A fungal disease that can cause dark spots on fruits and leaves.

Fruit Cracking - Can occur due to irregular watering or heavy rain during fruit development.

Root Rot - From overwatering or poor drainage.

Bird & Bat Damage - They love my ripe fruits as much as you do!

I am a relatively short-lived but incredibly rewarding tree! My productive lifespan is typically 15-20 years. I grow quickly and can start bearing fruit within 2-4 years of planting. I live my life with generous intensity, providing unique and delicious harvests for many seasons.