THE CUSTARD APPLE. 



THE NETTED CUSTARD APPLE 



OR BULLOCK'S HEART 

 Anona reticulata Lin. ANONACEAE. 



This tree is an old denizen of local gardens and is 

 propagated exclusively by seed. The seed is sown in 

 pots or pans in March or April, and the seedlings are 

 potted off singly in the following March, just before they 

 start to make fresh growth. When 3 or 4 years old they 

 are generally strong enough to be planted in their final 

 destination. The tree, if not too old can be transplanted 

 safely from one place to another, if the operation is per- 

 formed with care during winter when the tree is leafless, 

 or a short time before it starts growing in spring. 



The tree requires a deep and porous soil, moderately 

 moist but well drained, and a sunny situation protected 

 from cold winds. In such situations the tree attains a 

 large size and produces a thick shade, but is not always 

 liked when planted close to dwellings, on account of the 

 overpowering perfume of its foliage. The tree flowers 

 profusely throughout the summer, but is usually a shy 

 bearer. The dark green fruit is generally oblong, or 

 heart-shaped and may weigh J kilo or more, but is often 

 irregular in shape and size. When ripe, the fruit becomes 

 of a reddish brown colour, and is strongly perfumed. It 

 ripens in October or November, and should be gathered 

 in as soon as the colour begins to turn brown, otherwise 

 it soon drops from the tree. In a few days the fruit 

 becomes soft to the touch, and perfectly mature. 



It is a common practice to hang on this tree, as well 

 as on the other sorts of the Custard apple, when in 

 flower, a few fleshy branches of the prickly pear (Opun- 

 tia Ficus Indica), in the belief that they aid the fruit to 



