Bitterroot Restoration

Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Annona
Species: A. squamosa

Common name: Ata, Sharifa(Beng.); Custard apple(Eng.).
Edible Parts: Fruit
Life cycle: Perennial

Native Range: It is commonly cultivated in tropical South America, not often in Central America, very frequently in southern Mexico, the West Indies, Bahamas and Bermuda, and occasionally in southern Florida. In Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and in dry regions of North Queensland, Australia, it has escaped from cultivation and is found wild in pastures, forests and along roadsides.

Description: Annona squamosa is a small, semi-(or late) deciduous, much branched shrub or small tree 3 metres (9.8 ft) to 8 metres (26 ft) tall very similar to soursop (Annona muricata) with a broad, open crown or irregularly spreading branches and a short trunk short, not buttressed at base. The leaves are alternate, simple, oblong-lanceolate.The flowers are produced in clusters of 3-4, each flower 1.5–3 cm (0.59–1.2 in) across, with three large petals and three minute ones, yellow-green spotted purple at the base. The fruit is usually round, slightly pine cone-like. There are variations in shape and size. The fruit flesh is sweet, white to light yellow, and resembles and tastes like custard. The fruit of A. squamosa has delicious whitish pulp, and is popular in tropical markets.

Medicinal Uses: Annona squamosa is said to show varied medicinal effects, including insecticide, antiovulatory and abortifacient. The bark and leaves contain annonaine, an alkaloid. A bark decoction is used to stop diarrhea, while the root is used in the treatment of dysentery. A decoction of the leaves is used as a cold remedy and to clarify urine. The fruits of Annona are Haematinic, cooling, sedative, stimulant, expectorant, maturant, tonic. They are useful in anemia, burning sensation. The seeds are abortifacient and insecticidal and are useful in destroying lice in the hair. Leaves are used to overcome hysteria and fainting spells. Fruit is used in making of ice creams & milk beverages.