Fruit seeds of custard apple (Annona sp)

Common name: Soursop fruit Scientific name: Annona sp Other names: Indian pineapple Soursop is a plant from the Annonaceae family, and it is semi-deciduous and may be deciduous. The tree is of medium size, reaching up to 7 meters in height. The buds are located under the long, lance-shaped, sharp leaf stalks, which fall off before new growth appears. The root system is surface-level. Flowers of Soursop fruit: Its flowers are lateral like grapes, and they are solitary or in pairs, characterized by a long flowering season. Fruits and seeds of Soursop: The fruit is clustered, composed of fused carpels with the ovary, and each carpel contains one seed. The fruit contains a large number of seeds. Soursop planting season: The best time to plant Soursop is early spring, in March and April in Arab countries, or early autumn, from late August to early October. It can also be cultivated year-round in agricultural protected environments, enclosed or plastic areas where temperature can be controlled, and where the plant receives adequate sunlight. Suitable climate and soil for Soursop: It tolerates cold weather and high temperatures and needs sufficient sunlight. The best soil for planting Soursop is fertile loamy soil. It also grows well in clayey and sandy soils. It should be watered regularly. How to plant Soursop: It propagates in three ways: seeds, cuttings, and grafting. When planting by seeds, soak them in water for two days before germination at a depth of 1 cm – 2 cm from the soil surface. The location should be protected from wind. The seedlings appear after 3 weeks. Water them well during growth and fertilize every three months. Regular pruning is necessary to strengthen the plant to bear heavy fruit. Soursop usually bears fruit after 3 years of planting. Benefits and uses: It is used as an ornamental tree in gardens. Its fruits are edible, sweet-tasting, and have health benefits. Original habitat of Soursop: Tropical regions of the American continent. It is also cultivated in Arab countries such as Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Palestine, and in Saudi Arabia and many other parts of the world.