Cherimoya

Where does Cherimoya grow?

Found in: Africa, Algeria, Andes, Antilles, Asia, Australia, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Caribbean, Central Africa, Central America, Chile, China, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia,Europe, Guatemala, Guianas, Guinea, Guinée, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Laos, Libya, Malaysia, Marquesas, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Panama, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Slovenia, Somalia, Spain, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe

Notes: There are about 100-150 Annona species. It has anticancer properties. Fruit are high in folates 48μg/100. Custard apple family  Four or five fruits in this group of plants are grown for their edible fruits in Papua New Guinea. Sometimes they are called Custard apples but because this name is used for different ones at different times it is best to use other separate names. The names used here are: English name Tok Pisin Scientific name  Bullock's heart Annona reticulata Cherimoya Anonna cherimolia Soursop Sapasap Annona muricata Sweetsop Annona squamosa Atemoya A.cherimola x A.squamosa In other tropical countries there are about 8 other fruit trees in this group called Annona which are grown for their edible fruit.There are about 100 Annona species.

Status: Occasional trees occur in higher areas within Papua New Guinea.

Growing Cherimoya

Cultivation: Trees are usually grown from seeds but cuttings of ripe wood will root in sand. It can be grafted or budded. Seeds can only be stored for 2-3 days when fresh but can be stored for several years if kept dry. Seeds will then still grow or they can be planted fresh. Seeds are planted about 3 cm deep in fine soil. They will germinate in about 21-40 days. Seedlings are often transplanted into pots or plastics bags after 3-4 months then into nursery beds when one year old. They are easy to transplant and even trees 3 or 4 years old can be transplanted when the leaves have fallen off. It is best done while trees are still dormant. Fruit setting is often greatly improved by hand pollination. In some places natural pollinating agents do not occur. To hand pollinate take the pollen from male flowers and place it on the partly open female flowers. (Pollen can be stored overnight in a refrigerator if necessary.) Several trees should be planted near each other to allow them to pollinate. Young trees need support. For best growth they need adequate moisture during the growing season and good soil nutrition. Pruning during the dormancy period is done to allow strong branches for fruit bearing. For better kinds of trees it is necessary to use budding or grafting. Rootstocks of Annona reticulata or A. squamsoa can be used. Grafted trees fruit after about 6 years while seedling trees fruit after 11 years. Shield budding done at the beginning of the growing season is often used. Trees can be spaced 8 metres apart. They can be pruned to give a better shaped tree and this should be done when leaves have fallen. Fruit are carried on both current years growth but also more prolifically on mature wood. Several trees should be planted near each other for pollination. As the roots are very sensitive, fertiliser should not be used at transplanting. Cherimoya needs to be in areas with high humidity during the flowering period. Otherwise they suit areas that are cool and fairly dry. It is essentially a sub tropical fruit and grows in higher altitudes in equatorial regions. Temperatures should be above 14° to 15°C. Mature trees can stand light frosts. Good deep soils are best but clays that are well drained are suitable. Hand pollination of the flowers can give more even shaped fruit and also ensure more fruit are formed. To do this, flowers are gathered in a small brown paper bag and kept till the pollen falls. Then with a small brush the pollen is put on freshly open flowers. The three petals of the flower are gently held open and the pollen spread around on the female flower parts (pistils). As fruit ripen they develop a bloom on the skin and the carpels begin to separate. Fruit can be stored under refrigeration. The stalk should be cut from the tree and fruit need to be handled carefully.

Edible Uses: Fruit can be eaten raw or used to make drinks. They can be used for ice cream, custards, cakes and pies.

Production: Trees are fairly fast growing. Trees can fruit in 4 years. Trees mostly only produce fruit every second year. Fruit turn a pale green or cream colour as it ripens. Fruit can only be stored for short periods. They need to be stored above 13°C. The fruit weigh 200-300 g. They are 17-18% sugar. In Kerala plants flower and fruit May to August.

Nutrition Info

Cherimoya Photos

References

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