SafePlants

Ilama (Annona diversifolia)

The ilama (Annona diversifolia) is a tropical fruit tree native to Central America. The name "ilama" is derived from Spanish, and it refers both to the fruit and the tree on which it grows.

Considerations for Pets

• The ilama tree produces a large fruit, sometimes exceeding 6 inches in length.
• The fruit has a thick rind.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Annona diversifolia Safford
• Common Names: Ilama, Tree of the Ilama, Anona blanca
• Family: Annonaceae (implied from the genus Annona)
• Synonyms: Annona daversifolia (likely a typo in the original text)

Distribution and Habitat

• The ilama is found in tropical Central America.
• It is also grown in southern Florida in the United States.

Morphological Characteristics

• The fruit is large, sometimes over 6 inches long, and similar in shape and size to the cherimoya.
• The rind is thick.
• Fruits come in diverse shapes like cone, heart, and ovular.
• Fruit colors are green and pink.
• The flesh color is white and pink.
• Diversifolia means "diverse leaves," indicating that the plant has leaves of different shapes.

Quirky Facts

• The name "Ilama" is also used in a slang context to describe "an obnoxious person, usually intelligent, who lacks a good sense of humor."