Here is a detailed description of the Custard Fruit plant, commonly known as Custard Apple:
Custard Fruit Plant Description
The Custard Fruit plant, commonly known as Custard Apple, is a small tropical tree grown for its sweet, creamy fruit. It belongs to the Annonaceae family and is native to tropical America but widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Botanical Characteristics:
Scientific Name: Annona squamosa
Common Names: Custard Apple, Sugar Apple, Sweetsop, Sitaphal (in India)
Plant Type: Small deciduous or semi-evergreen tree or shrub
Height: Typically 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters)
Leaves: Long, narrow, lance-shaped, light green, aromatic when crushed
Flowers:
Small, greenish-yellow with a pleasant fragrance
Bell-shaped with three outer petals
Typically pollinated by insects
Fruit:
Round to heart-shaped
Green skin with knobby segments or scale-like bumps
Flesh is white to cream-colored, soft, sweet, and custard-like in texture
Contains multiple shiny, black seeds
Harvested in late summer to early autumn
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Full sun is essential for good fruiting
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; slightly acidic to neutral pH
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during flowering and fruiting
Climate: Prefers tropical to subtropical climates; sensitive to frost
Uses:
Fresh Consumption: Eaten raw by scooping out the pulp
Culinary: Used in smoothies, desserts, milkshakes, and ice creams
Medicinal: Traditionally used for treating anemia, boosting energy, and improving digestion
Ornamental: Attractive foliage and form make it suitable for home gardens
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