Annona purpurea
| Soncoya (Annona purpurea) | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Annona purpurea[1] |
| Common names | Soncoya; chincua |
| Genus | Annona |
| Family | Annonaceae |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Growth form | Deciduous tree with a broad, spreading crown |
| Native range | Central Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean to Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela[2] |
| Mature size | About 8–10 m; the short bole can reach about 45 cm in diameter |
| Climate and site | Hot, lowland wet or seasonally dry tropics; moist, moderately fertile sandy loam |
| Propagation | Seed; scarification may speed germination |
| Fruit | Large, broadly ovoid, brown to gray when ripe; abundant aromatic pulp |
| Harvest | Harvest when the fruit has ripened and softened; no fixed species-wide calendar is established |
| Years to fruit | N/A; a reliable species-specific interval is not established |
Annona purpurea (soncoya or chincua) is a deciduous tree in the custard-apple family, Annonaceae. It develops a broad crown and produces a large, hard-skinned fruit that is gathered from the wild and occasionally grown in gardens within its native range.[3]
Description
The tree can reach about 10 m or more, with a short bole about 45 cm in diameter. The foliage is deciduous and the crown is broad and spreading. The fruit is broadly ovoid, about 15–20 cm across, and changes from green to brown or gray as it ripens. It contains abundant pulp with an agreeable aromatic, mango-like flavor.[4]
Distribution and habitat
The native range extends from southern and central Mexico through Panama to Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Trinidad. The species occurs in wet or dry forest, second growth, and thickets, chiefly at low elevations and occasionally to about 1,200 m. Colombian records place it mainly at 300–800 m in Caribbean, Pacific, and Cauca Valley regions.[2][3][4]
Cultivation
Soncoya is a plant of the hot lowland tropics. Best daytime growth occurs at approximately 22–30 °C, with tolerance of about 17–35 °C. Mature trees can be killed by temperatures near −1 °C, while new growth is damaged around 0 °C. Annual rainfall of about 1,000–3,000 mm is favorable, with broader tolerance from roughly 700–5,000 mm.[4]
Soil and water
A moist, moderately fertile sandy loam is suitable. The preferred soil reaction is about pH 5.5–6.5, with tolerance from approximately pH 5–7.[4]
Sun and humidity
The species grows best in a sunny position. Its native range includes hot lowland forests and seasonally dry vegetation.[3][4]
Seasonal changes
The species is deciduous and occurs in both wet and dry forests, including second growth and thickets. No universal flowering or harvest calendar is established for the species.[3][4]
Propagation
Seed is the documented propagation route for this species. Seeds of many Annona species have a hard coat; careful scarification followed by soaking can speed water uptake and germination. Sow fresh, clean seed in a warm, well-drained medium. A reliable species-specific germination interval and years-to-first-fruit value have not been established.[4]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest
The flowers are pollinated by beetles and other insects. The broadly ovoid fruit turns brown to gray when ripe and has a hard exterior.[4]
Fruit and uses
The ripe fruit is eaten raw and can be made into juice. Its abundant pulp is aromatic and mango-like in flavor. The fruit is gathered from the wild, sold in local markets, and occasionally cultivated for its fruit in gardens within its native range. The tree is also grown as an ornamental.[4]
References
- ↑ [1] GBIF species match: Annona purpurea. Exact accepted match; family, order, and genus; accessed 29 August 2026.
- ↑ [2] Plants of the World Online: Annona purpurea. Accepted name and native distribution; accessed 29 August 2026.
- ↑ [3] Plants of the World Online: Annona purpurea, general information. Colombian distribution, elevation, habitat, and vernacular-name records; accessed 29 August 2026.
- ↑ [4] Useful Tropical Plants: Annona purpurea. Habit, range, habitat, climate, soil, fruit, uses, pollinators, and seed-propagation details; accessed 29 August 2026.
Image credits
No image is included because no verified image is available in the hosted file set.