Custard-apple
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Custard-apple | image = custard_apple.jpg | image_width = 240px | image_caption = Custard-apple fruit | regnum = Plantae | divisio = Magnoliophyta | classis = Magnoliopsida | ordo = Magnoliales | familia = Annonaceae | genus = Annona | species = A. reticulata | binomial = Annona reticulata | binomial_authority = L. }}
The Custard-apple (Annona reticulata), known in English as bullock's heart or bull's heart, is a species of Annona, native to the tropical New World, preferring a low elevation, and a warm, humid climate. It is a small deciduous or semi-evergreen tree reaching 10 m tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, oblong-lanceolate, 10-15 cm long and 5-10 cm broad. The flowers are produced in clusters, each flower 2-3 cm across, with six yellow-green petals.
The fruit is variable in shape, ranging from a symmetrical globose to heart shaped, oblong or irregular. The size ranges from 7-12 cm. When ripe, the fruit is brown or yellowish, with red highlights and a varying degree of reticulation, depending on variety. The flavor is sweet and pleasant, but inferior to that of the cherimoya or sugar-apple. The latter fruit is sometimes confused with this species.
In Britain Custard-apple refers to cherimoya (Annona cherimola).