Annona squamosa
Family : Annonaceae
Common Name : Custard apple, Sugar apple
Hindi Name : Seetaphal, Sharifa
Tamil Name : Sitappalam
Malayalam : Sitappalam, Attaccakka
Tree Characteristics :
The tree is cultivated almost all over India, but mainly in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Assam and Orissa. A small tree above 6 m height. Flowering Season - March to July, April to July; Fruiting Season - September to October; August to November.
Nursery Practice :
Freshly collected seeds are immersed in boiling water which is allowed to cool overnight. Seeds are soaked in 1% sodium nitrate for 24 h before sowing in raised beds. 50 ppm GA3 and 100 ppm GA3 treatments give 75% and 44% germination respectively. Seed Rate - 400 to 500 seeds/kg; Germination Percent – 70 to 80; Method of propogation is by seeds. (Since, it is considered one of the important tropical fruits, more information and research in Horticulture).
Economic Use:
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Fruit is pulpy, tasty and having rich nutrient value.
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The seed powder mixed with mung seed in a ratio of 0.5:2 is used as an insecticide. Powdered seeds and leaves are used as vermicides and to kill lice on cattle and worms in sores. Custard apple is a delicious table fruit with pleasant aroma. It is also used in ice cream and other milk products.
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The roots are powerful purgative and are useful in mental depression and spinal disorders. They are useful in anaemia, burning sensation, vomiting, cough, malignant tomours, and for strengthening muscles.
