Soursop
Scientific name: Annona muricata
POWO Status: Tree
IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern
GPS Location: 17° 42′ 58.44″ N, 64° 49′ 45.62″ W
Observations:
Phenological Markers – Soursop (Annona muricata)
Common Name: Soursop
Scientific Name: Annona muricata L.
Family: Annonaceae
Origin: Native to tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean
Form: Small to medium-sized evergreen tree, typically 4–8 meters in height with spreading branches
Annual Phenological Cycle
| Phenophase | Typical Timing (St. Croix – Lowland Tropical) | Field Notes |
| Leaf Flush | March – June | New leaves are soft, bright green, and slightly glossy; often coincide with early rains. |
| Flowering | April – September (intermittent) | Large, waxy, pale yellow-green flowers appear singly or in pairs on branches or trunk. |
| Fruit Development | June – December (sometimes year-round) | Large, spiny, heart-shaped fruits mature over 3–5 months; yield may occur 1–2 times per year. |
| Fruit Harvest | August – January | Fruits are ready when slightly soft to the touch; highly perishable when ripe. |
| Leaf Drop (Partial) | January – March | Some leaf thinning in dry season, but generally evergreen. |
| Dormancy | None | Growth may slow slightly during dry spells but remains active year-round. |
Identification Notes
- Leaves are alternate, oblong, and aromatic when crushed.
- Flowers can emerge directly from old wood (cauliflorous habit).
- Fruits are green, spiny, and weigh up to 5 kg; pulp is white, fibrous, and aromatic with black seeds.
- Valued for both culinary and traditional medicinal uses.
- Grows best in warm, humid climates with good rainfall and well-drained soils.