Soursop ( Annona muricata ) is a small, evergreen tree that grows large fruit. The Soursop tree is native to tropical regions but the exact location is unknown. The tree produces a fruit (Soursop) similar to a custard apple to look at, it is green, oval to heart shaped and has soft spines covering the skin. The Soursop fruit has an aroma similar to pineapple and the flesh has a creamy texture with a sweet yet sour flavour.
Annona muricata is also believed to have numerous medicinal properties and some studies support this. It has been said to aid with conditions such as diabetes, skin conditions, fever, respiratory problems, bacterial infections and with parasite control.
Some other common names for the Annona muricata are Graviola, Prickly Custard Apple, Guyabano and Guanabana.
Click here to view our page about the Custard Apple which is part of the same family.
Growth
The Soursop is a small tree that grows to an average of 7.5-9 metres tall and 6 metres wide. The leaves of this species are quite large at a mature size of 20 cm’s long and 6 cm’s wide. The tree has an unpleasant smell that to be honest is hard to describe. Fruiting season is summer through to autumn, however in ideal conditions can fruit sporadically year-round. As a tropical tree, it grows best in these conditions but can be grown in temperate regions if it is cared for properly – due to the odour of the tree, it is probably not appropriate as an indoor plant over winter though!
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Annonaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate (only if protected during winter), Sub Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 36°C / 41 to 97°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 9 metres (30 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Perennial, Fast Growing
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Medium
POLLINATION:
Ants or hand pollination – Bisexual, meaning each individual flower has both male and female parts.
MATURITY:
2 years
GERMINATION RATES:
81%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks, dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Reasonably Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
1
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Classed as invasive in some Pacific Islands.
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 6 months.
FACTS ABOUT ANNONA MURICATA (Soursop)
Soursop Guanabana is native to the tropical regions of the Americas though the exact origin is unknown.
The flavour of Soursop fruit is described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple.
The flesh of the fruit is used to make smoothies, juice, sorbets, lollies, and ice cream flavouring.
