Guanábana
Annona muricata
Native Region
Caribbean, Central America, northern South America
Max Height
5-10 meters (16-33 feet)
Family
Annonaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1000m
Regions
- Limón
- Puntarenas
- Guanacaste
- Alajuela
- Heredia
- San José
- Cartago
Season
Flowering
Mar-Jun
Fruiting
Jun-Oct
Guanábana (Soursop)
The Guanábana (Annona muricata), known in English as Soursop, produces one of the most distinctive and beloved fruits in the tropical world. Its large, heart-shaped fruits covered in soft spines contain a creamy white pulp with an unforgettable flavor—a complex combination of strawberry, pineapple, and citrus with a delightfully tangy undertone. Native to the Caribbean and Central America, the guanábana has been cultivated since pre-Columbian times and remains one of the most sought-after tropical fruits. In Costa Rica, jugo de guanábana (soursop juice) is a refreshing staple, and the fruit's unique flavor makes it perfect for ice creams, smoothies, and traditional remedies.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Annona muricata
- Family
- Annonaceae
- Maximum Height
- 5-10 m
- Native Region
- Caribbean & Central America
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Key Trait
- Large spiny fruit; creamy white flesh
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Taxonomy and Classification
- Annona: From Taíno "anón" (a fruit name) - muricata: Latin for "prickly" or "spiny" - Guanábana: From Taíno indigenous language - Part of the custard apple family (Annonaceae)
Common Names
| Language/Region | Common Name(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish (CR) | Guanábana | Standard local name |
| English | Soursop | Reference to tangy flavor |
| Portuguese | Graviola | Brazilian name |
| French | Corossol | French Caribbean |
| Dutch | Zuurzak | Literally 'sour sack' |
| Indigenous | Guanábana | Taíno origin |
Related Species in Costa Rica
| Species | Common Name | Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Annona muricata | Guanábana (THIS SPECIES) | Large spiny fruit, tangy |
| Annona reticulata | Anona/Chirimoya de Costa Rica | Smaller, netted skin |
| Annona cherimola | Chirimoya | Highland species, sweeter |
| Annona squamosa | Anona/Sugar Apple | Scaly segments |
| Annona purpurea | Soncoya | Round, purple-brown skin |
Physical Description
General Form
The Guanábana is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree with a spreading canopy. It has large, glossy leaves and produces its spectacular fruits directly on the trunk and older branches. The tree is relatively compact, making it ideal for home gardens.
Identification Features
Bark and Trunk
- Bark color: Grayish-brown
- Texture: Smooth when young, slightly rough with age
- Branching: Low, spreading habit
- Form: Often multi-stemmed
Leaves
- Type: Simple, alternate
- Shape: Oblong to oval
- Size: 6-18 cm long
- Texture: Glossy, leathery
- Color: Dark green above, lighter beneath
- Scent: Slightly aromatic when crushed
Flowers
- Location: On trunk and branches (cauliflorous)
- Size: 3-5 cm diameter
- Color: Yellow-green, fleshy petals
- Structure: 6 thick, triangular petals in 2 whorls
- Fragrance: Sweet, slightly musky
- Timing: Throughout year, peak in dry season
Fruit
- Shape: Heart-shaped to oval, irregular
- Size: 15-35 cm long, weighing 1-7 kg
- Skin: Green with soft, curved spines
- Flesh: Creamy white, fibrous
- Seeds: Black, smooth, numerous
A ripe guanábana will be: - Slightly soft to gentle pressure (like a ripe avocado) - Yellowish-green rather than dark green - Fragrant with a sweet, tropical aroma - Easily yielding spines that are soft, not rigid Do not wait until very soft—it may be overripe and fermented.
Ecology and Habitat
Natural Distribution
| Region | Status | Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean Islands | Native | Lowland forests, cultivated |
| Central America | Native | Humid lowlands to 1000m |
| Northern South America | Native | Amazon basin edges |
| Costa Rica | Native/Cultivated | All lowland provinces |
| Tropical worldwide | Introduced | Widely cultivated |
Climate Preferences
Optimal Conditions
- Temperature: 25-30°C (77-86°F)
- Rainfall: 1500-2500 mm annually
- Humidity: High, 60-80%
- Elevation: Sea level to 1000 m
- Soil: Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
Tolerances
- Cold: Sensitive below 5°C
- Drought: Moderate tolerance when established
- Wind: Susceptible to wind damage
- Salt: Low tolerance
- Flooding: Poor tolerance
Wildlife Interactions
Pollinators
- Beetles: Primary pollinators
- Hand pollination: Often needed for best yields
- Self-pollination: Limited
Fruit Consumers
- Bats: Major seed dispersers
- Birds: Various species eat pulp
- Mammals: Monkeys, coatis
Pest Considerations
- Fruit flies: Major pest
- Mealybugs: Common
- Annona seed borer: Can damage fruit
- Anthracnose: Fungal disease
Uses
Culinary Applications
| Preparation | Description | Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh fruit | Pulp eaten directly | Very popular |
| Juice/Refrescos | Blended with water and sugar | Most common use |
| Ice cream/Sorbet | Frozen desserts | Favorite flavor |
| Smoothies | Blended with milk or yogurt | Breakfast staple |
| Mousse/Desserts | Whipped preparations | Special occasions |
| Candied/Preserved | Traditional sweets | Less common |
Classic Costa Rican Guanábana Refresco
Ingredients: Fresh guanábana pulp, water, sugar, ice, lime (optional)
Preparation:
- Remove seeds and fibrous core from ripe fruit
- Blend pulp with cold water (2:1 water to pulp ratio)
- Strain through mesh for smooth texture
- Add sugar to taste
- Serve over ice with a squeeze of lime
This refreshing drink is sold at sodas (local restaurants) throughout Costa Rica.
Medicinal Uses
Guanábana has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but scientific evidence for many claims is limited. Consult healthcare providers before using for medical purposes.
| Traditional Use | Part Used | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Fever reduction | Leaves | Tea/infusion |
| Digestive aid | Fruit | Fresh consumption |
| Sleep aid | Leaves | Tea before bed |
| Skin conditions | Leaves | Poultice |
| General wellness | Fruit | Regular consumption |
Other Uses
| Use | Part | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ornamental | Whole tree | Attractive in gardens |
| Shade | Canopy | Small shade tree |
| Natural insecticide | Seeds | Traditional pest control |
| Fiber | Young bark | Limited use |
Cultivation
Growing Guanábana
Production Notes
| Factor | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First fruiting | 3-5 years | From seed; grafted faster |
| Peak production | 5-15 years | Varies by conditions |
| Yield per tree | 10-30 fruits/year | Depending on care |
| Fruit season | Year-round | Peak varies by region |
| Tree lifespan | 15-30 years | Productive life |
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 66 kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 16.8 g | 6% |
| Fiber | 3.3 g | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 20.6 mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 278 mg | 6% |
| Magnesium | 21 mg | 5% |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.07 mg | 6% |
Health Benefits
Guanábana is valued for: - High in Vitamin C: Immune system support - Good fiber content: Digestive health - Antioxidants: Including acetogenins (under research) - Hydrating: High water content - Low fat: Heart-healthy option
Cultural Significance
In Costa Rican Culture
- Market staple: Found in all major markets
- Traditional beverage: Refresco de guanábana is iconic
- Home gardens: Commonly planted in patios
- Folk medicine: Long history of traditional use
- Regional identity: Symbol of tropical abundance
Economic Importance
| Aspect | Status in Costa Rica | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial cultivation | Growing | Increasing demand |
| Export potential | Limited | Perishable fruit |
| Processing industry | Developing | Pulp and juice |
| Local markets | Strong | High domestic demand |
| Organic production | Emerging | Premium markets |
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
The guanábana is widely cultivated and not considered threatened. However, wild populations in their native range face habitat loss pressures. The species is secure due to extensive cultivation.
Quick Identification Guide
Key Identification Features
- Small tree (5-10 m) with spreading canopy 2. Glossy, oval leaves that are aromatic when crushed 3. Large green fruits covered with soft spines 4. Creamy white flesh with numerous black seeds 5. Distinctive tangy-sweet aroma when ripe 6. Flowers directly on branches and trunk
References and Further Reading
| Resource | Type | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Morton, J. (1987) Fruits of Warm Climates | Book | Comprehensive fruit guide |
| CATIE Technical Resources | Database | Cultivation in Central America |
| FAO Fruit Documentation | Report | Global production data |
| Costa Rican Biodiversity Database | Database | Local distribution |
