Custard Apple

Custard Apple (Annona reticulata) is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is native to the Americas but is now widely cultivated in many tropical regions around the world for its sweet, creamy, and fragrant fruit. The tree typically grows up to 10 meters in height, with a short trunk and a broad, spreading crown of leaves.

Custard Apple fruits are typically oval-shaped, with a green or yellowish-brown outer skin that is covered with knobby bumps. The flesh of the fruit is soft, creamy, and white, with numerous small, black seeds that are not typically consumed. The fruit is often eaten fresh or used in making desserts, ice cream, and smoothies.

Custard Apple trees are hardy and drought-tolerant, and can grow in a range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The tree prefers full sun exposure and regular watering, and can tolerate high temperatures and strong winds. Custard Apple trees are usually propagated through seeds or by grafting.

In addition to its culinary value, Custard Apple has a number of health benefits, and its leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine to treat a range of conditions, including fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The tree also has industrial value, with its wood used in making furniture and its bark used in making dye.