Annona × atemoya
Atemoya (Annona × atemoya; also atemoya; pineapple sugar apple; custard-apple hybrid) is a Annonaceae fruit plant grown for its aggregate fruit. This page treats the accepted species name as canonical and uses the common name as a navigational alias.
| 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
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.
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.
Photos
No verified Commons image is included yet; add one only after checking the individual file page and license.
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.