{"id":1024,"date":"2023-12-16T12:01:43","date_gmt":"2023-12-16T04:01:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.org.au\/wp\/?page_id=1024"},"modified":"2024-01-26T15:33:01","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T07:33:01","slug":"annona-montana","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/fruit-trees\/annona-montana\/","title":{"rendered":"Annona montana"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Annona montana<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Guanabana, mountain soursop, wild custard apple<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"alignnormal\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-428\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-90-1 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-428 ml-slider ms-theme-default nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"Slideshow\" aria-label=\"Annona montana\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_428\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_428\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-956 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-956\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/annona-montana-new.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/annona-montana-new-300x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-428 slide-956\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-955 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-955\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/annona-montana-flower-bud.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/annona-montana-flower-bud-300x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-428 slide-955\" title=\"tri-foliate flower\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-4536 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-4536\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-montana-fruit.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-montana-fruit-300x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-428 slide-4536\" title=\"Syncarp fruiit\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-4539 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-4539\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-montana-cut-fruit-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-montana-cut-fruit-1-300x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-428 slide-4539\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Origin<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Indigenous to meso-America and not well known elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Climate<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Wet and dry tropical regions from sea level to 700m in its native areas, but it also grows in dry and moist sub-tropical climates. Optimum mean annual temperatures are 21 \u2013 26\u00b0C, with annual precipitation of 100-600mm. It can withstand some dry periods, is much more cold tolerant than soursop, and can tolerate brief exposure to freezing temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant Description<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>An evergreen tree (semi-<span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3205 classtoolTips3205'>deciduous<\/span> in cooler regions) up to 4-8m high, spreading crown and rough dark grey-brown bark. The taproot is not pronounced and only achieves any depth in <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3304 classtoolTips3304'>light soils<\/span>. The glossy leathery leaves have a short <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3348 classtoolTips3348'>petiole<\/span> and are alternate, <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3256 classtoolTips3256'>glabrous<\/span>, dark green above, pale below, 7-16 X 2-7cm and oblong-<span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3335 classtoolTips3335'>ovate<\/span>. They contain oil and mucilage cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relatives<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Taxonomic classification of the Annonaceae family remains uncertain with too little research conducted, but currently there are 108 genera and around 2400 species, with >162 species in <em>Annona<\/em>. Fruiting relatives are sugar apple, soursop, custard apple, atemoya, ilama, posh-te, pond apple and cherimoya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soils<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Guanabana is not fussy regarding soil types, growing in sandy to clay loams; it tolerates a pH range of 5.8 -8 but does best at 6 \u2013 6.5. Higher yields are obtained in more well-drained soils, with drainage being essential to avoid root rots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Propogation<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>By seeds planted as soon as possible. At temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 35\u00b0C, germination success averages 0, 55, 25 and 0% respectively. Increased cold tolerance for soursop (which prefers tropical climates) can be achieved by <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3774 classtoolTips3774'>grafting<\/span> onto guanabana rootstocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultivars<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Domesticated plants are all wild selections as no breeding work has been done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flowering and Pollination<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Slightly scented fleshy flowers are solitary or in <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3242 classtoolTips3242'>fascicles<\/span> of 2-4 with stout <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3342 classtoolTips3342'>peduncles<\/span>, mainly on new growth but sometimes on older branches. There are 3 small green <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3405 classtoolTips3405'>sepals<\/span>, 6 petals in two whorls with the inner three forming a <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3363 classtoolTips3363'>pollination<\/span> chamber, numerous crowded spirally-arranged <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3417 classtoolTips3417'>stamens<\/span> in a rounded mass, and an upper conical-shaped dome of numerous <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3173 classtoolTips3173'>carpels<\/span> with one <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3336 classtoolTips3336'>ovule<\/span> each. There is no <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3323 classtoolTips3323'>nectary<\/span>. The flowers are thermogenic ie warmer than ambient temperature, and exhibit <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3372 classtoolTips3372'>protogynous<\/span> <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3212 classtoolTips3212'>dichogamy<\/span> with temporal separation between <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3353 classtoolTips3353'>pistillate<\/span> and <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3418 classtoolTips3418'>staminate<\/span> phases that may extend over 2 days, meaning pollination within flowers is not the rule. No chilling period is required. Whole tree flowering may extend over a number of months, and high <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_4370 classtoolTips4370'>humidity<\/span> in this period (either naturally or by under-tree sprinkling\/misting) minimises desiccation of stigmas and improves productivity. Pollination is by nocturnal scarab beetles attracted by the female stage odour; flies may also visit flowers but without strong evidence for pollination. Hand pollination improves <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3250 classtoolTips3250'>fruit set<\/span> and size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultivation<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Only wild plants are harvested in native areas, with some selection of the better ones spared from clear-felling and other agricultural needs. It thrives in full sun and heavy shading will reduce fruit set. Uniform soil moisture content is desired as extremes will lower production. There is a high demand for K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wind Tolerance<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>The soft wood makes them susceptible to wind damage and limb breakage. Wind may also cause fruit rubbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pruning<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>In vigorous trees, light penetration to the base can be &lt;5%, so an open vase shape is desirable. The usual practice of pruning off crossing branches and skirting should be conducted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Fruit<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>The fruit is a <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3435 classtoolTips3435'>syncarp<\/span>, formed by the fusion of numerous carpels. It is <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3258 classtoolTips3258'>globose<\/span> to oval, 15-25 X 10\u201315cm, and has a green skin covered with soft, 3 mm-long spines. The colour may lighten with ripening. The white-yellowish pulp is sub-acid and fibro-mucilagenous with a strong aroma, and contains numerous light brown, oblong seeds, 12-18 mm long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fruit Production and Harvesting<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Plants may begin fruiting when only 3-4 years old. If there are insufficient pollinators, fruit set may be compromised and fruit could be small and asymmetric; fruit size depends on the number of <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3336 classtoolTips3336'>ovules<\/span> fertilised. Fruit can ripen throughout much of the year, but mainly during autumn and winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fruit Uses<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>The <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3184 classtoolTips3184'>climacteric<\/span> fruit are eaten fresh and made into juices. Generally the flavour is inferior to soursop, but as plants are inevitably open-pollinated heterogeneous seedlings there is considerable variation in fruit properties; a minority can be pleasant. Fruit are quite perishable and ripe storage life is short.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pests and Diseases<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Not known but could be similar to other Annonas ie anthracnose, black canker, diplodia rot and bacterial wilt, Medfly, mealy bugs and scale insects. Weed competition should be controlled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comments<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>As a more cold-hardy species than many others in the genus, there should be little problem growing this plant in the Perth surrounds. You may be lucky with your seedling if it has a pleasant taste, but if not, you could use it as a <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3391 classtoolTips3391'>rootstock<\/span> to confer greater cold-hardiness on more tropical species in the genus that would otherwise struggle here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Annona montana Guanabana, mountain soursop, wild custard apple Origin Indigenous to meso-America and not well known elsewhere. Climate Wet and dry tropical regions from sea level to 700m in its native areas, but it also grows in dry and moist sub-tropical climates. Optimum mean annual temperatures are 21 \u2013 26\u00b0C, with annual precipitation of 100-600mm. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":15,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"iawp_total_views":704,"footnotes":""},"folder":[94],"class_list":["post-1024","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1024","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1024"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1024\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1025,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1024\/revisions\/1025"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1024"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=1024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}