298 



Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 



In many parts of the tropics choice varieties have been obtained^ prolific and 

 of fine flavor. It is well known that there is a great difierence in quality in the 

 produce of different trees. 



The Sour Sop is one of the tenderest species of Anona, and is not known to 

 have ever become established in California^ although plants have been imported 

 from Florida at numerous different times. Dr. Franceschi has raised seed from 

 different sources^, but with poor success. An importation from Paraguay in 191 1? 

 however^ appears to be more robust and hardier, and may result in plants becom- 

 ing established here. It is only by obtaining the hardiest varieties and planting 

 them in the most favored localities that anything can ever be expected of this 

 species. 



Anona palustris Linn. 



West Indies and South America, from Cuba to Rio Janeiro. 



Known as "Corcho" in Mexico; "Pomme de Serpent" in the French West 

 Indies; "Alligator Apple" and "Cork Wood" in the British West Indies. 



An arborescent shrub, 10 to 15 feet high, the leaves ovate-elliptic or oblong, 

 with short narrow point or sometimes bluntish, smooth on both sides, rather thick. 

 The wood is sometimes used in place of cork. 



Fruit two inches in diameter, yellow, somewhat roughened and scaly. Said to 

 be narcotic, and for this reason not much used. Grows in swamps and along the 

 seashore. 



Of not much value as a fruit, but used in Florida as a stock for other Anonas. 

 The difference in climatic conditions makes it doubtful if it will prove of value 

 for this purpose here. Introduced from Florida in IPIO by Dr. Franceschi. 



Anona reticulata Linn. 

 West Indies and tropical America. 



Known as "Anona," " Ananhtzapotl," "Anona Colorada," and "Llama" in 

 Mexico; "Cachiman," "Cachiman Coeur de Boeuf," "Corossol Reticule," "Cor- 

 ossol Sauvage," and "Mamilier" in the French colonies; "Custard Apple" in 

 Florida; "Custard Apple" and "Bullock's Heart" in the British colonies. 



One of the largest members of the genus, growing up to twenty-five feet in 

 height. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, glabrous above, slightly pubescent and red- 

 dish below. 



The fruit is described by Dunal as ovate-globose in form, but is better de- 

 scribed by Prof. Foex as "the shape of an enormous strawberry." In color it is 

 reddish brown or brownish yellow. The skin is not covered with protuberances 

 or scales, the carpellary areas being defined by more or less distinct reticulations. 

 The pulp is grayish or pinkish, and adheres to the rather numerous seeds. In 

 flavor the Custard Apple is similar, but inferior, to the Cherimoya. 



Prof. Foex remarks that by selection and crossing it would be possible to 

 obtain varieties with pulp not adhering to the seeds, and of superior flavor and 

 texture. 



This species is common in the warmer parts of Mexico and in the West Indies. 

 It is cultivated quite widely and has become naturalized in some places in southern 

 Asia and western Africa. In Florida it has been grown for many years. 



