Cherimoya (Annona cherimola), tree in a 9 inch deep pot, organic

Family: Custard Apple (Annonaceae)

Hardy to Zones 9 to 12, otherwise grown as a potted tree and brought in for the winter

(Masterpiece of Nature) Perennial broad leaved tree to 16 feet, native to Central America and widely cultivated in South America, Mexico, Southern California, Gulf Coast and Florida. The spreading arms of the trees begin low on the trunk, for all purposes evergreen but sometimes briefly deciduous. Warm days and cool nights are relished, so the trees are often grown at altitude in the tropics.  The fruits are large, weighing as much as one pound apiece, and a mature tree of 5 or more years of age will normally bear 30 fruits or more per season.  Hand-pollination increases fruit production.  The flesh of the ripe fruits is cream-colored and creamy textured, sweet and delicious. This is considered by many to be the finest tasting fruit on Earth. The seeds are smooth, hard and inedible, neurotoxic if eaten in quantity.  So do not eat the seeds.  However, the ground seeds are used as an insecticide.  Traditional usage (TWM): fruits are digestive, nutritive, antioxidant.  Significant source of vitamin B6.  Trees do well in pots, preferring moderately rich, moist soil and a sunny exposure.  The trees will tolerate both clay soils and alkaline soils.  Plant trees at least 15 feet apart.

Potted tree in a 9-inch-deep pot, certified organically grown