Poshte
Annona scleroderma

Family: Annonaceae

What it is like

A large tree. It grows 18-20 m tall. The leaves are sword shaped and 10-25 cm long by 5-8 cm wide. They are shiny on the upper surface and slightly hairy underneath. The leaf stalks are 3 cm long. Flowers form on the previous year's growth. They are creamy yellow. The fruit has a creamy, banana-pineapple like flavour. The flesh does not have fibres and fruit can be quite seedy. The skin is quite tough. The fruit is about 8 cm across. The skin is 5 mm thick. The seeds are in a white pulp. The fruit falls off when ripe.

There are about 100-150 Annona species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits the tropical lowlands. It mainly occurs in Guatemala between 300 and 1,000 m altitude. This region has very fertile volcanic soils and a short dry period. It has an annual rainfall of 4,000 mm.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Belize, Central America, Guatemala (country/location of origin), Honduras, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, Panama

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh.

It mainly grows in Guatemala. It is common in markets there.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed germinate in about 1 month, if fresh. If seed are stored, germination may take 6 months.

Trees produce after about 4 years when grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Cawesh, Caheux, Chirimuya, Hardshell annona, Poshe-te

Synonyms

Annona testudinea Saff.;