Annona purpurea

Annona purpurea (Soncoya) tree is a medium-sized tree with a trunk that usually branches fairly low. It is native to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela, and can be grown in USDA hardiness Zone 9-11. It produces showy, fragrant pink flowers in May, June, and July, and from August to October, its green fruit with small spines develops. The fruit is rounded and 6-8 inches in diameter, covered with a felt-textured brown skin and hook-like projections. The fruit pulp is edible and has a sweet, fruity flavor. It can be eaten raw, strained for juice, or mixed with other ingredients for various drinks and folk remedies. In Mexico, Soncoya juice is regarded as a remedy for fever and chills. It is given to relieve jaundice, probably because of its color.

The Soncoya requires a hot, humid climate, and for optimal growth, the soil should be well-draining. For trees grown in a pot, a soil-less mix is best. In regions with colder climates, the trees should be placed in a south-facing location and given additional protection such as a windscreen, or bringing the pot indoors during the winter months. It is important to follow a regular watering regime, so that the soil is kept evenly moist but not soggy. It may also be necessary to provide additional fertilizer to the plant during the growing season.

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)