The genus <i>Annona</i>: Botanical characteristics, horticultural requirements and uses
Freddy Leal, Robert E. Paull
Abstract
Abstract An overview of the genus Annona in the Family Annonaceae is provided in this review. The mainly neotropical family of trees and lianas has numerous commercial fruits that are eaten fresh, processed, or used as popular medicines. The family has 109 recognized genera and from 2,300 to 2,500 species. The taxonomy, morphology, and cytology of Annona spp. are discussed. The genus Annona has the most fruits of commercial importance, including the cherimoya ( A. cherimola Mill.), soursop ( A. muricata L.), sugar apple ( A. squamosa L.), ilama ( A. diversifolia Saff.), pond apple ( A. glabra L.), biriba ( A. mucosa Jacq. formerly Rollinia deliciosa Saff.), and hybrids such as the atemoya ( A. squamosa × A. cherimola ).