Annona squamosa

Family: Annonaceae

Common name: Custard apple

Annona squamosa, commonly known as the sugar apple, is a small, semi-deciduous tree that grows up to 8 meters in height. It has a well-branched structure with light brown bark and visible scars along the branches. The tree’s leaves are simple, alternate, and pale green, occurring singly along the branches.
The flowers are usually solitary, greenish-yellow, or sometimes in short clusters. The flower structure features three green outer petals, which are purplish at the base, and three inner petals, which are either reduced to minute scales or completely absent. The stamens are numerous, white, and crowded together, while each pistil develops into a separate tubercle (small rounded, wart-like protuberance), which eventually matures into the aggregate fruit.

In traditional medicine, the leaves of Annona squamosa are used to make a decoction for treating dysentery and urinary tract infections. The plant is known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-ulcer properties. The leaves are applied for treating wounds.
The fruit of the sugar apple is edible, typically eaten raw or added to milk and ice cream for flavor. It is prized for its sweet, creamy texture and is often enjoyed as a refreshing treat.