Synonyms

Annona asiatica L

Annona cinerea Dunal

Systematic Position

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Magnoliales

Family: Annonaceae

Native: Tropical Americas

Common Names

English – Custard apple

Malayalam –  സീതപ്പഴം

Description: A tropical fruit-bearing tree with irregular-skinned, sweet, creamy flesh, valuable for
its unique flavour reminiscent of banana, pineapple, and vanilla, commonly consumed fresh or used in
culinary dishes.

Habitat:  Widely cultivated in the tropics for its fruit

Distribution: Throughout the tropics

Uses: The fruit is used in various culinary dishes, including juices, smoothies, ice creams, salads, and
desserts like custards and puddings. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant, including the
fruit, leaves, and seeds, are believed to possess medicinal properties. They are used to treat ailments
such as diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, and digestive issues. The seeds of A. squamosa contain
compounds that can be used as a natural dye.

Others: The seeds of Annona squamosa contain compounds that can be used as a natural dye.