Anona
Annona reticulata
Native Region
Caribbean, Central America, South America
Max Height
5-10 meters (16-33 feet)
Family
Annonaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1000m
Regions
- Guanacaste
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
- San José
- Limón
Season
Flowering
Mar-May
Fruiting
Jul-Oct
Anona (Custard Apple)
The Anona (Annona reticulata), commonly called Custard Apple or Bullock's Heart, is the lesser-known sibling in the famous Annona family that includes guanábana and chirimoya. Native to the Caribbean and Central America, this small tree produces distinctive heart-shaped fruits with a netted pattern on the skin. The creamy, custard-like flesh is sweet with hints of vanilla and caramel—smoother than guanábana but less famous internationally. In Costa Rica, the anona grows well in lowland areas and is appreciated by those who seek it out in local markets during its season.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Annona reticulata
- Family
- Annonaceae
- Maximum Height
- 5-10 m
- Native Region
- Caribbean & Central America
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Key Trait
- Heart-shaped fruit; netted skin
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Observations
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Taxonomy and Classification
- Annona: From Taíno "anón" (indigenous fruit name) - reticulata: Latin for "netted" (referring to fruit surface pattern) - Anona: Spanish name, from indigenous origins - Bullock's Heart: English name from fruit shape
Common Names
| Language/Region | Common Name(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish (CR) | Anona, Anona Colorada | Local names |
| English | Custard Apple, Bullock's Heart | Common names |
| Spanish (Mexico) | Anona, Corazón | Heart reference |
| Portuguese | Coração-de-boi | Bull's heart |
| Philippines | Atis | Local name |
| India | Ramphal | Hindi name |
The Annona Family in Costa Rica
| Species | Local Name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Annona reticulata | Anona (THIS) | Heart-shaped, netted, sweet |
| Annona muricata | Guanábana | Large spiny fruit, tangy |
| Annona cherimola | Chirimoya | Highland, scaly, very sweet |
| Annona squamosa | Anona escamosa | Scaly segments, sweet |
| Annona purpurea | Soncoya | Round, purple-brown |
| Annona diversifolia | Ilama | Rare, variable colors |
In Costa Rica, "anona" can refer to several related species. Annona reticulata (this species) is the true Custard Apple, but the name is sometimes applied broadly to any Annona with sweet flesh. Always check the fruit shape and skin pattern for identification.
Physical Description
General Form
The Anona is a small to medium deciduous or semi-deciduous tree with an open, spreading canopy. It loses its leaves briefly during the dry season, with new growth and flowers emerging as the wet season approaches.
Identification Features
Bark and Trunk
- Bark color: Gray-brown
- Texture: Smooth, becoming slightly fissured
- Branching: Open, spreading habit
- Form: Often multi-stemmed
Leaves
- Type: Simple, alternate
- Shape: Oblong to lanceolate
- Size: 10-20 cm long
- Texture: Thin, slightly hairy beneath
- Color: Bright green, deciduous
- Venation: Prominent
Flowers
- Location: On branches, solitary or small clusters
- Size: 2-3 cm long
- Color: Yellowish-green, fleshy
- Structure: 3 outer petals, 3 inner smaller petals
- Fragrance: Mild, sweet
- Timing: As new leaves emerge
Fruit (KEY IDENTIFIER)
- Shape: Heart-shaped (cordate)
- Size: 8-15 cm diameter
- Skin: Smooth to reticulated (netted pattern)
- Color: Yellow-brown to reddish when ripe
- Flesh: White to cream, custard-like
- Seeds: Black, numerous, embedded in flesh
- Taste: Sweet, vanilla/caramel notes
Ripe anona characteristics: - Color change: Green → yellowish-brown or reddish - Softness: Yields to gentle pressure like a ripe pear - Fragrance: Sweet, almost fermented aroma - Surface: Netted pattern becomes more pronounced Handle carefully—ripe fruit bruises easily!
Ecology and Habitat
Natural Distribution
| Region | Status | Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean | Native | Lowland forests, cultivated |
| Central America | Native | Dry and moist lowlands |
| Northern South America | Native | Various habitats |
| Costa Rica | Native | Pacific and Caribbean lowlands |
| Tropical Asia | Introduced | Widely naturalized |
Climate Preferences
Optimal Conditions
- Temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F)
- Rainfall: 1000-1500 mm annually
- Seasonality: Tolerates dry season well
- Elevation: Sea level to 1000 m
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile
Tolerances
- Drought: Good once established
- Heat: Excellent tolerance
- Cold: Frost sensitive
- Poor soil: Moderate adaptability
- Flooding: Poor tolerance
Wildlife Interactions
Pollinators
- Beetles: Primary pollinators
- Hand pollination: Improves fruit set
- Timing: Early morning most effective
Fruit Dispersal
- Birds: Eat pulp, spread seeds
- Mammals: Monkeys, coatis, bats
- Humans: Primary cultivators
Ecological Notes
- Semi-deciduous: Provides seasonal habitat change
- Nectar source: When flowering
- Food source: Important for wildlife
- Succession: Can establish in disturbed areas
Uses
Culinary Applications
| Preparation | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh consumption | Cut and eat with spoon | Most common use |
| Milkshakes | Blended with milk | Creamy and sweet |
| Ice cream | Flavored desserts | Traditional flavor |
| Smoothies | Fresh preparations | With other fruits |
| Preserves | Limited due to texture | Less common |
How to Eat Anona
Preparation:
- Allow fruit to ripen until soft (like a pear)
- Cut in half or quarters
- Scoop out flesh with a spoon
- Remove and discard black seeds as you eat
- Enjoy the custard-like texture!
Tips:
- Refrigerate ripe fruit—best eaten cold
- The seeds are NOT edible
- Texture is smoothest when perfectly ripe
- Can be frozen for later use in shakes
Nutritional Value
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 94 kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 23.6 g | 8% |
| Fiber | 4.4 g | 18% |
| Protein | 2.1 g | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 19.2 mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 382 mg | 8% |
| Magnesium | 18 mg | 4% |
Medicinal Uses
| Use | Part Used | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Digestive aid | Ripe fruit | Fresh consumption |
| Dysentery treatment | Unripe fruit | Traditional remedy |
| Fever | Leaves | Tea/infusion |
| Parasites | Seeds (toxic) | Traditional use (caution!) |
| Skin conditions | Leaves | Poultice |
Anona seeds contain toxic alkaloids and should NEVER be eaten. While traditionally used in crushed form as insecticide and for medicinal purposes, ingesting seeds can cause serious harm. Always remove seeds before eating!
Other Uses
| Use | Part | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ornamental | Whole tree | Attractive small tree |
| Shade | Canopy | Garden shade |
| Natural insecticide | Seed extract | Traditional use |
| Dyeing | Bark | Limited use |
Cultivation
Growing Anona
Production Notes
| Factor | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Years to fruit | 3-5 years | From seed |
| Peak production | 5-10 years | Mature trees |
| Fruit per tree | 20-50/year | Varies widely |
| Season | July-October | Costa Rica |
| Tree lifespan | 25+ years | Productive period |
Comparison with Related Species
| Feature | Anona (A. reticulata) | Guanábana (A. muricata) | Chirimoya (A. cherimola) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit shape | Heart-shaped | Oval with spines | Round-heart shaped |
| Skin | Netted pattern | Soft spines | U-shaped scales |
| Flesh taste | Sweet, custard | Sweet-sour, tangy | Very sweet, cream |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy | Fibrous, pulpy | Smooth, granular |
| Elevation | Lowland (0-1000m) | Lowland (0-1000m) | Highland (1500-2500m) |
| Size | 8-15 cm | 15-35 cm | 8-20 cm |
| Popularity | Moderate | High | Very high |
Cultural Significance
In Costa Rican Markets
- Seasonal availability: Peak July-October
- Local markets: Found at ferias when in season
- Backyard trees: Common in rural areas
- Lesser known: Than guanábana or chirimoya
- Appreciated: By those who know it
Economic Importance
| Aspect | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial cultivation | Limited | Mostly backyard production |
| Market presence | Seasonal | When available |
| Processing | Minimal | Fresh consumption mainly |
| Export | None | Local consumption only |
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
The anona is widely distributed throughout tropical America and has been introduced to many other tropical regions. It faces no significant threats as a species, though genetic diversity in cultivated populations could be better documented and preserved.
Quick Identification Guide
Key Identification Features
- Small tree (5-10 m) with open, spreading canopy 2. Semi-deciduous habit in dry season 3. Heart-shaped fruits with distinctive netted skin pattern 4. Yellowish-green flowers with thick, fleshy petals 5. Reddish-brown fruit when ripe 6. Custard-like white flesh with numerous black seeds 7. Sweet taste with vanilla/caramel notes
References and Further Reading
| Resource | Type | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Morton, J. Fruits of Warm Climates | Book | Comprehensive guide |
| Annonaceae Family Studies | Scientific | Botanical relationships |
| Costa Rican Fruit Trees | Local | Regional cultivation |
| CATIE Technical Resources | Database | Central American species |
