Other common names of Ramphal are Netted Custard Apple, Bullock’s heart, Bull’s heart. In Sanskrit it is known as Lavani, Krishnabija. Botanical name is Annona reticulata and belongs to Annonaceae (Sugar-apple) family. It is a native of Central America.
I came across fruit laden tree in Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The bites on the fruit by Squirrels and birds were testimony of the great taste of this fruit.
The tree grows to a height of 10 meters. The leaves are alternate, narrow, around 10 to 20 cms long and 2 to 5.4 cm wide. The leaves are used as an insecticide.
Flowers are scented and droop in clusters. They have 3 fleshy narrow pale-yellow petals around 2 to 3 cms long. The center is purple.
The heart-shaped fruit is 8 to 16 cms in diameter with a depression at the base.
The pinkish brown skin of the fruit is thin.
The flesh of the fruit is creamy and granular and they contain few seeds.
The fruit is rich in Vitamin C and potassium. The fruit is used in Ayurveda and Unani medicines to cure many ailments.
