Other common names of Soursop is Graviola and Guyabano. In Kannada it is known as Mullu Rama Phala and Lakshmana Phala. The botanical name is Annona muricata and belongs to Annonaceae (Sugar-apple) family. Soursop is an evergreen tree and native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean. This tree is widely propagated around other parts of the world.
The tree grows to a height of 3 to 10 meters in height. The branches are hairy.
The leaves are green, alternate, smooth, and are 6 to 20 cm long and 2.5 to 6 cm wide.
The flowers are single, yellow-green and bloom on the trunk, branches, or twigs. They have very short stalk and are conical in shape.
The fruit is large, elongated, and shapeless. Soursop fruit can be 10 to 30 cm long and 15 cm in width. The fruit weighs from 1 to 4 kgs.
The fruit is green and covered with stubby spines.
When ripe the colour changes to yellowish-green.
The flesh of the fruit is whitish-cream, juicy, aromatic, and granular.
Black seeds are embedded in the fruit.
With a unique fruity aroma, the flavour of the fruit is sour.
Uses:
All parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The fruit is used to make fruit juice, smoothies, sorbets, and ice cream.
Propagation:
Soursop tree is grown using seeds or cuttings. It grows well in humid tropical climate and can tolerate drought and partial shade. This tree cannot withstand frost.
