DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Annona squamosa L.

Annona squamosa, commonly known as sugar apple or custard apple, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree in the Annonaceae family. It is renowned for its delicious, sweet, and creamy fruit, which is popular in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
Botanical Details:
• Scientific Name: Annona squamosa L.
• Family: Annonaceae
• Genus: Annona
• Species: squamosa
Common Names:
• English: Sugar Apple, custard apple
• Malayalam Aatha, Seethappazham, ആത്ത, സീതപ്പഴം
• Tamil: சீத்தா மரம் (Seetha maram)
Synonyms:
• Annona reticulata L.
• Annona heterophylla Schlecht.
• Annona glabra L.
• Annona subglobosa Pers.
Botanical Description:
1. Tree Characteristics:
o Annona squamosa is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 8–10 meters (26–33 feet) in height.
o It has dense, rounded foliage with simple, alternate leaves that are lanceolate (elongated) or ovate (oval-shaped).
o The tree has light green or grayish-green leaves, which are smooth and slightly leathery in texture.
2. Flowers:
o The flowers are greenish-yellow, small, and clustered. They are produced in groups, and each flower has three outer petals that are distinct and greenish.
o The flowers have a distinctive odor, often attracting pollinators like bees.
3. Fruit:
o The fruit is heart-shaped or rounded, covered with bumpy, scaly segments, which is where it gets its common name “sugar apple” or “sweetsop.”
o It is typically green to yellowish when ripe.
o The fruit has sweet, creamy white flesh with a custard-like texture and black seeds in the center. The flavor is a blend of banana, pineapple, and coconut.
o Each fruit can weigh between 150 to 250 grams (5–9 ounces), though larger fruits are not uncommon.
4. Seeds:
o The fruit contains numerous black, shiny seeds that are oval-shaped. These seeds are non-edible and should be discarded.
Uses:
1. Culinary Uses:
o The fruit is consumed fresh, usually eaten by scooping the soft flesh with a spoon.
o It can be used in smoothies, milkshakes, and desserts. The sweet pulp is also used to make ice creams, puddings, and sorbet.
o In some regions, the fruit is used to make jam, jelly, and even sweet beverages.
2. Traditional Medicinal Uses:
o Fruit: The flesh of the sugar apple is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious fruit. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
o Seeds: In some traditional practices, the seeds are ground and used in herbal remedies for conditions like dysentery and fever.
o Leaves: The leaves have been used in folk medicine to treat various ailments, including headaches and insomnia.
o Bark: The bark of the tree has been used in certain cultures as an astringent for wound healing.
3. Nutritional Benefits:
o The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and carbohydrates.
o The flesh is also rich in potassium and magnesium.
o It is low in fat, making it a healthy fruit option.