Annona PURPUREA

Annona PURPUREA - Soncoya, Purple annona, Annona purpurea.

Annona is a branched tree or shrub in the Annonaceae family. It unites 120 species in tropical America and 10 in Africa, several of which are widely cultivated as fruit trees.

This woody plant, up to 3-8 m (10-26 ft) in height, has alternate leaves of elliptical or oblong shape. Flowers are solitary or in racemes, greenish-yellow in color. Juicy fruits in certain species are edible.

Annona purpurea is a small deciduous tree 6 to 10 m (20 to 33 ft) in height with a short trunk and distichous oblong leaves, 20-30 cm (8-12 in) long and 10-14 cm (4-5.5 in) wide. The fruit has an oblong or nearly spherical shape, with a diameter of 15-20 cm (6-8 in). On the outside, it is covered with hard conical protuberances. Inside, it contains yellow or orange fragrant fibrous pulp with numerous dark brown oblong seeds.

Before sowing, the seeds are scarified by slightly nicking the coat. Then, they are soaked in a warm, moist environment for 24 hours. They are buried to a depth of 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 in) and germinated in a warm place under film. Under favorable conditions, scarified seeds germinate in 3-5 weeks. Non-scarified seeds take 3-4 months, with a significantly lower germination percentage.

A second germination option: seeds are nicked and soaked in warm water for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the water is changed and they are left in warm water for another 24 hours. Then they are planted in a soil mix consisting of 1 part peat or coco coir and 1/4 part sand and 1/4 part perlite. Plant to a depth of 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in). Germinating seeds under film is best.

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Under indoor conditions, it is grown in a warm, bright room, preferably near a south-facing window. The plant enjoys sunny lighting shielded from direct rays of the sun. It tolerates drafts poorly. In summer, it can be taken outdoors to the garden or onto a balcony. The optimal growing temperature is 18-25 °C (64-77 °F). During winter dormancy, it is lowered to 10-14 °C (50-57 °F).

A small tree 30-70 cm (12-28 in) high should be planted in a spacious tub. Ready-made cactus soil or a mixture of ordinary garden soil with sand is used as the medium. Watering is moderate after a dry crust forms on the soil surface. Overwatering causes root rot. Houseplant fertilizers are applied once a month. In winter, watering is carried out rarely in small portions, and feeding is discontinued completely.

Pollination must be done by hand using a soft brush. Pollen is collected in the evening, placed overnight on the bottom shelf of a refrigerator, and pollination itself is carried out early in the morning. Fruit ripening takes place in late autumn. Mature fruits acquire a light brownish tint and become slightly soft to the touch. Harvested fruits should be stored at a temperature of around 12 °C (54 °F).