Annona scleroderma
Posh-te, Cawesh, PoshteFamily: Annonaceae
Origin: Honduras, Guatemala
Annona scleroderma, also known as Poshe-te, is a tree native to Central America. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and has lanceolate leaves that are shiny on the upper side and pubescent on the underside. The greenish yellow flowers have prominent outer petals and grow in small branches or groups on the old part of the thick branches.
The Poshe-te fruit is round, about the size of an orange, with a dull green surface and perfectly textured, non-fibrous pulp. Its tough skin allows for easy handling and makes it resistant to insect attacks. To facilitate fruit harvesting and protect against wind and bird damage, it is important to prune the tree to create a wide crown.
The Poshe-te is known for its creamy banana-pineapple like flavor and soft texture, and is considered one of the most flavorful and refreshing Annonas. In addition to its delicious taste, the fruit is also rich in nutrients, including vitamin C, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, and zinc, as well as bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties.
It grows outdoor in USDA Zones 9-11. To grow Annona scleroderma in a pot in a cold region, place the pot in a sunny spot and ensure it has well-drained soil. Water deeply, but do not saturate the soil. Once it is established, the tree should not need a lot of additional water. It can withstand temperatures down to 32F and is drought tolerant, making it a suitable choice for colder climates.
Similar plants:
- Annona cherimola (Cherimoya, Chirimoya, Custard Apple)
- Annona cherimola x Annona squamosa (Atemoya)
- Annona diversifolia (Annona ilama, Illama, Annona blanca)
- Annona glabra (Pond Apple, Alligator Apple, Monkey Apple)
- Annona haitiensis (Annona)
- Annona hayesii (Wild Cherimoya, Canelo)
- Annona hypoglauca (Wild Cherimoya, Anon cimarron)
- Annona maritima, Rollinia maritima (Aratikum, Quaresma)
- Annona montana (Mountain Soursop, Wild Custard Apple, Guanabana de monte, Wild Soursop)
- Annona muricata (Soursop, Guanabana, Graviola, Korosol, Corosol)
