Annona conica seeds, Conical-fruited Custard Apple

Annona conica seeds, rare Conical-fruited Custard Apple

Annona conica belongs to the family of the Annonaceae. It is native to Equador, where it is endemic what means that it only occurs in this area. Due to that fact A. conica is an endangered species because its habitat vanishes with the cutting down of the rainforest.
Annona conica grows as a tree or shrub in dry forests depending on the environmental conditions. A. conica can reach a height of about 5 m. The leaves are similar to those of Annona cherimola, they are simple, 15 cm long and 10 cm wide. The venation is clearly visible. The flowers are whitish or yellow consisting of only 3 petals which are fleshy and stable. The flowers have long flower stalks.
The fruits are yellow and get orange when ripe. They are long and roundish. The seeds are surrounded by a white pulp. The ripe fruits can be eaten, the unripe fruits are poisonous.

Cultivation from seeds
The seeds of Annona conica should be put into warm water for 6 to 12 hours before planting. After that they can be put 1 cm deep into the substrate. The substrate should be kept moist. At a temperature of about 25 to 30 °C germination occurs after some time. Germination can occur just after 4 weeks, but it can also take up to 23 weeks.