Home / All plants / Soursop (Graviola)
Soursop (Graviola)
القشطة الشائكة (الجرافيولا) · Annona muricata
A tropical tree related to custard apple. Its big green fruits have soft spines and white, sweet-sour flesh.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | القشطة الشائكة (الجرافيولا) |
|---|---|
| English name | Soursop (Graviola) |
| Scientific name | Annona muricata |
| Family | Custard apple family (Annonaceae) |
| Plant type | Evergreen tropical fruit tree |
| Height | Usually 4 to 8 m |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
March to May
Not harvested
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A small tree with shiny dark leaves and big oval green fruits covered with soft spine-like bumps.
Where it grows
Grown in small numbers in the warm, humid farms of Jazan.
Soil
Needs rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Water and irrigation
Needs regular, enough water and humid air.
Climate and light
Needs heat and humidity. Does not handle cold or dry wind.
Propagation
From seeds or grafting.
Benefits and uses
- Tasty fruits used for juices
- A nice tree for tropical gardens
Drawbacks
- Sensitive to cold and drought
- Seeds and peel contain harmful substances and are not eaten
- Fruits spoil fast
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Annona muricata
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Annona muricata
- Wikipedia: Soursop
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)