Soursop, Guanabana

Frost Tolerance: Tender in Phoenix, foliage damaged at 32° F (0° C), serious damage at 25° F (-3.5° C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Tropical Americas

Growth Habits: Small evergreen tree, up to 20 feet tall (6 m)

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Seeds, budding

Guanabana (Annona muricata), U.S.D.A. Drawing, courtesy Hunt Institute

The Soursop is a small evergreen tree that usually does not grow taller than about 20 feet. The shiny, leathery leaves are 4 to 6 inches in length (10-15 cm), obovate to oblong, and have a distinctive pungent odor when crushed.

Blooming Habits:
The large flowers are produced on short stems on the branches and, often, directly on the trunk of the tree. The exterior, cream-colored petals of the flower are thick and fleshy. Hand-pollination greatly improves fruit set, as the stigma of each flower is not receptive until after the pollen has been shed.

Fruiting Habits:
The large dark-green fruits are often irregular in shape but most frequently are ovoid or oblong-conical. The surface of the fruit is covered with numerous, recurved fleshy spines. The flesh is white, slightly subacid, and has a distinctive, pleasant taste. Fruiting is continuous throughout the year, the main crop being produced between June and November. The pulp is sometimes eaten as a dessert fruit after adding a little sugar. It is more commonly used to make a refreshing drink and for flavoring sherbets and ice creams. Jelly and preserves also can be made from the pulp. Care should be taken to remove the unpleasant- tasting skin when the fruit is prepared for consumption. The pulp is a good source of vitamins B and C, and of the mineral phosphorus.

Culture:
The soursop can be propagated readily from seeds and by budding. It is the most tropical of the annonas.