Custard apple family
Description
A family of trees, shrubs and climbers with aromatic tissues of the Old World tropics (Annonaceae 1).
The leaves are simple and alternate and have a metallic gloss. The flowers are often fragrant, with 3 sepals, 6 petals and many stamens. The few to many carpels are superior. The clustered fruits are fleshy.
There are about 125 genera.
Use
Species of the Genus Annona produce tropical fruits which are collectively known as custard apples, from the custard-like flavour of many. The Genus Cananga yields an aromatic oil, which is used in perfumes.
Described species
Annona muricata, soursop
Annona montana, mountain soursop, see Annona muricata
Annona purpurea, soncoya, see Annona muricata
Annona glabra, pond-apple, see Annona muricata
Annona cherimolia, cherimoya
Annona diversifolia, ilama, see Annona muricata
Annona squamosa, sweetsop or sugar apple
Annona reticulata, bullock’s heart
Cananga odorata, ylang-ylang