Marolo, Fleshyflower annona
Annona crassiflora

Family: Annonaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 4-8 m high. The trunk is usually twisted and 20-30 cm across. The bark is thick and cracked. The leaves are thin and leathery. They are 6-17 cm long by 3-12 cm wide. They are slightly hairy below. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. They are white. The fruit are fairly large. They have a sweet smelling pulp. The fruit can weigh 4 kg.

There are about 100-150 Annona species. It has anticancer properties. Also antioxidant.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally in semiarid scrub land and forest. It grows between 400-1,200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil (country/location of origin), Central America, Paraguay, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh or used for drinks and ice-cream. They are also used for liqueur and as cake filling.

Fruit are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The ripe fruit are harvested and put in heaps to allow them to decompose. The seeds are then removed in running water. Seeds will only store for a short time. The seeds have a hard seed coat so germination is improved if the seed coat is scratched.

Its other names

Local names

Araticum-cortica, Araticum-da-mata, Araticum-de-boia, Aractium-de-serrado, Cabeca-de-negro, Cherimoya

Synonyms

Annona macrocarpa Rodr.; Annona rodriguesii Barb.Rodr.; Possibly Araticum crassiflora