Hortiforum

General Info – Mountain Soursop, Wild Custard Apple, Guanabana Cimarrona

A hardy, versatile tree but with poorer fruits, the Mountain Soursop bears fruits of a slightly inferior quality compared to its widely cultivated cousin, the Soursop.
The softball sized fruits typically emerge within 2-3 years on seedling trees, producing an abundant harvest in maturity. Prospective growers may wish to sample the fruits before acquiring a tree, as the superior ones boast a distinct, sub-acid, Pineapple flavour, while lower-quality fruits are noted for their bitterness and acidity. The aromatic, Lemon–Orange colored flesh distinguishes the Mountain Soursop from its creamy-white-fleshed relative, the Soursop, and other Annona varieties. Fully ripe fruits may have an overpowering flavour, with some recommending harvest semi-ripe for optimal taste. These fruits offer versatility in consumption; they can be sliced, frozen, and semi-thawed to achieve a sherbet-like consistency. Additionally, they lend themselves well to juices and ice creams, similar to the Soursop.
Despite this, its resilience and adaptability make it a valuable choice, particularly in colder climates where it outperforms the cold-sensitive Soursop. The Mountain Soursop exhibits impressive cold tolerance, enduring temperatures as low as -3 degrees (and reportedly -4 for brief periods when mature), a significant contrast to the common Soursop. This tree displays adaptability to a diverse range of soil types and dry conditions. While it thrives in moderate to high rainfall and well-draining fertile soils, the Mountain Soursop can endure less favourable conditions, demonstrating tolerance to both part shade and full sun. Its hardiness and versatility position it as an ideal rootstock for other Annona and relatives like the Soursop and Rollinia, enhancing their ability to withstand harsher environmental conditions.
Heights vary among seedlings, typically reaching a maximum of 8-10 metres. In appearance, the Mountain Soursop mirrors the Soursop, featuring glossy, dark green leaves but a more spreading, irregular crown. The distinct yellow flowers have a slight scent which attracts pollinating beetles.
For those residing in less favourable climates, the Mountain Soursop emerges as a viable Annona option, offering a worthwhile addition to collections or experimental gardens.

Plant Profile/Properties