Annona × atemoya

Atemoya (Annona × atemoya; also atemoya; pineapple sugar apple; custard-apple hybrid) is a Annonaceae fruit plant grown for its aggregate fruit.

Annona × atemoya fruit, flower, or plant habit. Wikimedia Commons file page.
Atemoya (Annona × atemoya )
Scientific name	Annona × atemoya
Genus	Annona
Family	Annonaceae
Order	Magnoliales
Fruit type	Aggregate fruit
Growth form	Small evergreen to semi-evergreen tree
Climate and hardiness	Tropical to warm subtropical
Mature height	4–8 m
Mature width	3–6 m
Soil	Well-drained soil with organic matter; avoid prolonged wetness
Water	Regular moisture during flowering and fruit fill; moderate drought tolerance once established
Sun	Full sun; shelter from strong wind
Germination	Seed is not true to type; named cultivars are propagated clonally
Years to fruit	2–4 years grafted
Pollination	Hand pollination often improves set; flowers are protogynous
Harvest	Usually warm-season; crop timing varies with cultivar and climate

Identification and description

Atemoya is a cultivated hybrid between sugar apple and cherimoya, combining traits from both parents. Fruit are green, knobbly, and sweet with custard-like flesh; cultivar differences in texture and seediness are substantial.

The accepted genus, family, and order are Annona, Annonaceae, and Magnoliales. Common names may cover related taxa; check the scientific name before transferring cultivation advice.

Growing

Atemoya combines cherimoya and sugar-apple traits and is grown in warm subtropical and tropical climates. Give it excellent drainage, regular moisture during growth, and hand-pollinate when local insects or weather limit fruit set.

The hybrid performs best in warm sites with a distinct but not severe seasonal rhythm. It needs drainage and steady moisture but not a permanently wet root zone. Prune after harvest to keep the canopy open and to produce manageable new fruiting wood.

Soil

Well-drained soil with organic matter; avoid prolonged wetness.

Sun and humidity

Full sun; shelter from strong wind. Native habitat and airflow matter as much as light intensity; avoid enclosing humid foliage without ventilation.

Seasonal changes

Flowering follows a warm flush and can be manipulated by pruning and irrigation. In seasonal climates, flowering may occur during the dry-to-wet transition, with fruit maturing during the warm rainy period. Protect developing fruit from prolonged cold and excessive wet weather.

Propagation

Named atemoyas are grafted or budded. Seedlings are useful for rootstocks and breeding but vary widely. Hand pollination is both a propagation-adjacent skill and a production necessity in climates where beetles or other natural pollinators are scarce.

Field view or fruit detail of Annona × atemoya. Wikimedia Commons file page.

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

Usually warm-season; crop timing varies with cultivar and climate. Flowering and ripening are strongly affected by latitude, cultivar, rootstock, rainfall, and temperature; local records are more useful than a single universal calendar.

Fruit and uses

Eat ripe flesh fresh with a spoon or chill it for dessert. It is also used in shakes, ice cream, custards, and fruit salads. Remove the seeds; they are not edible.

Commentary

Growers are invited to share observations about Atemoya on the talk page, especially climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering season, and fruit quality.

Photos

The images above show documented fruit, flower, or plant-habit views. See the individual Commons file pages in the image credits for authorship and license details.

Sources

• Purdue NewCROP: Atemoya
• UF/IFAS: Atemoya
• Useful Tropical Plants: Annona × atemoya

Image credits

• Annona atemoya.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
• Annona atemoya seeds.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.