Custard Apple

Annona reticulata is a petite tree that alternates between being deciduous and semi-evergreen, belonging to the botanical family Annonaceae. It is most renowned for its produce, referred to as custard apple, a term that is also associated with fruits from other members of the same genus, such as A. cherimola and A. squamosa. This tree is also known by other English names like ox heart and bullock's heart.

The elongated leaves are smooth, slender, and terminate in a straight point at the apex. In certain variations, they may be slightly wrinkled. These leaves measure between 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) and 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) in length, with widths ranging from 2 centimeters (0.79 inches) to 7 centimeters (2.8 inches). The flowers, tinted yellow-green, typically cluster in groups of three or four and have diameters spanning 2 centimeters (0.79 inches) to 3 centimeters (1.2 inches). Each flower is composed of three elongated outer petals and three notably diminutive inner ones. Its pollen is emitted in permanent tetrads.

The fruits come in assorted shapes, such as heart-shaped, spherical, oblong, or irregular. Depending on the specific cultivar, their size varies from 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) to 12 centimeters (4.7 inches). When mature, the fruit displays shades of brown or yellowish hues, sometimes featuring red highlights and a varying degree of network-like patterns, contingent once more on the type. The flesh exhibits a range from succulent and intensely fragrant to firm and possessing an off-putting taste. The flavor is sweet and pleasing, reminiscent of the traditional custard taste.