Athapazham Green (Sugar -apple)

The Green (Sugar-apple) plant, also known as Annona squamosa, is a small, tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is commonly cultivated for its delicious, sweet fruit, which is also known as sugar-apple or sweetsop. Here is a more detailed description of the Green (Sugar-apple) plant:

Description:

• Size: The Green (Sugar-apple) tree is a small to medium-sized tree that usually grows to a height of 3-8 meters (10-26 feet), although some varieties may grow taller.
• Leaves: The leaves of the Green (Sugar-apple) plant are simple, alternate, and dark green in color. They are oval or elliptical in shape with a smooth margin and a glossy texture. The leaves are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves during the dry season or in colder climates.
• Flowers: The flowers of the Green (Sugar-apple) plant are small and greenish-yellow in color. They are fragrant and usually appear singly or in clusters on the branches and trunk of the tree. The flowers are pollinated by insects, especially beetles and flies.
• Fruits: The fruit of the Green (Sugar-apple) plant is the highlight of the tree. It is a compound fruit made up of multiple segments or carpels, each containing a creamy, custard-like pulp with embedded black seeds. The fruit is usually heart-shaped or conical in appearance, with a scaly or knobby skin that is green when immature and turns yellowish or brownish when ripe.
• Bark: The bark of the Green (Sugar-apple) plant is smooth, light gray to brown in color, and may have shallow furrows or cracks as the tree ages.

Cultivation:

• Climate: The Green (Sugar-apple) plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, where temperatures do not drop below freezing. It prefers well-drained, loamy soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey.
• Propagation: The Green (Sugar-apple) plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds are typically extracted from ripe fruits and sown in well-draining soil. Germination can take a few weeks to a few months. Cuttings can be taken from mature trees and rooted in a rooting medium.
• Care: The Green (Sugar-apple) plant requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, and benefits from occasional fertilization. Pruning can be done to shape the tree and remove dead or diseased branches. It is a relatively low-maintenance tree once established.
• Harvesting: The fruits of the Green (Sugar-apple) plant are usually harvested when they are fully ripe and the skin turns yellowish or brownish. They are typically handpicked from the tree, as they do not ripen well after being harvested. The fruit is best consumed fresh, and the seeds are usually removed before eating due to their toxicity.

Uses:

• Culinary: The fruit of the Green (Sugar-apple) plant is highly prized for its sweet, custard-like pulp, which is eaten fresh. The pulp can be scooped out and eaten directly, or used in smoothies, desserts, ice creams, or other culinary preparations. The flavor of the fruit is often described as a mix of flavors, including sweet, tangy, and creamy, with hints of pineapple, banana, and vanilla.
• Medicinal: The Green (Sugar-apple) plant has been used in traditional medicine for its potential medicinal properties. Different parts of the plant, including the leaves, bark, and seeds, have been used for various purposes, such as treating diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and wounds. However, it’s