The Custard Apple in Queensland. 



Madeira and the Canary Islands. It is a native of the highlands of 

 tropical America, from Mexico to Peru, being found at an elevation of 

 4,000 ft. It has been noted that it does not thrive in the tropics at a low 

 elevation. It forms about 80 per cent, of all Anonas cultivated in 

 Queensland. It is liable to much variation in size and form of fruit. 

 The following varieties are recognised in Queensland, and there are a 

 number of others more or less nearly allied to these which are at present 

 unclassified. 



The Island variety (Plate 1). This variety was so named by the 

 late Mr. L. G. Corrie because he first took notice of it on Garden Island, 

 where he grew Custard Apples and other fruits. This fruit is small 

 average 8 to 10 oz. but generally uniform in size and shape. It has a 

 rich sub-acid flavour. The following are sub-varieties : 



Collins 's Island (Plate 22). This is the variety which Mr. Collins 

 describes (page 7) as being obtained from the grounds of the Redland 

 Bay Hotel. It is larger than the typical Island and has about the same 

 fine flavour. 



Moore's Island (Plate 2 and No. 16). This has generally a smoother 

 skin and more distinct reticulation. In Plate 2 a resemblance to 

 A. reticulata (the Bullock's Heart) is noted, and it may possibly be a 

 natural hybrid between that species and A. cherimolia. (See also 

 No. 25.) 



Strachan's Island (Plate 5). This is about the best variety of the 

 true Cherimoya type. It is larger than the type, has a very thin skin, 

 and exquisite flavour. It was first borne by a tree belonging to Mr. 

 Andrew Strachan, at Redland Bay. Mr. Strachan says of it : " The tree 

 has been a good cropper every year for the past twenty-five years, and 

 is the parent tree of Moore 's. ' ' 



Strachan's No. 1 (Plate 4). This variety is distinct in shape, being 

 like a pouch. The skin is fairly smooth and thin. The flavour is sweet 

 and the flesh generally of good texture. The tree is said to be a good 

 regular bearer. On plates 18 and 24 are fruits akin to this. 



Bunker's Golden (Plate 32). This is a fine cherimoya. It is fairly 

 regular in size and shape and generally having large protuberances. 

 As it becomes full grown the skin, especially around the protuberances,, 

 turns to a yellow colour, giving the fruit an attractive appearance. It 

 was raised in the orchard of Mr. Edward Bunker, at Redland Bay, where 

 it was probably planted by the late Mr. L. G. Corrie. The flavour is not 

 so good as the type. 



Pink's Mammoth (Plates 9, 12, and 14). The species to which this 

 variety belongs has not yet been determined, but it appears near A. 

 cherimolia (Mill.) whilst showing some characteristics of A. diversifolia, 

 Safford (1912). The seeds yielding this variety were introduced by 

 Mr. James Pink, and the name Mammoth was used because of the great 

 size of the fruit. The average weight of the four fruits figured is just 

 over 3 lb., and the fruit figured on plate 12 weighed 5 Ib. 11 oz. The tree, 



