SafePlants

Ssop: A Tropical Fruit with Many Names

Ssop refers to the fruit of Annona muricata, a tropical evergreen tree. This fruit is known by a variety of common names, reflecting its widespread cultivation and use.

Common Names:

• Ssop
• Guanabana
• Graviola
• Custard apple
• Cherimoya
• Brazilian paw paw

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Annona muricata
• Family: Annonaceae (custard-apple family)
• Synonyms: Guanabana, Graviola, Guyabano, Guayabano, Guanabano, Babana, Corossol, Corossol pineux, Corossolier, Durian Benggala, Guanavana, Nangka Blanda, Nangka Londa, S Sop, Toge-Banreisi

Considerations for Pets

• The fruit is described as spiny, and the tree bears prickly fruit.
• Seeds and leaves have been traditionally used for health remedies.

Considerations for Children

• The fruit is described as spiny, and the tree bears prickly fruit.
• Seeds and leaves have been traditionally used for health remedies.

Distribution and Habitat

Ssop is native to tropical regions of the Americas. Specifically, it originates from:

• Mexico
• Cuba
• Central America
• The Caribbean islands of Hispaniola
• Northern parts of South America

Morphological Characteristics

• The ssop tree is a broadleaf, flowering, evergreen tree that reaches a height of 25 to 30 feet (7.5-9 m).
• It is low-branching and bushy, but slender with upturned limbs.
• The fruit is large, spiny, and green with a sweet, white flesh. The fruit has fleshy spines.

Uses and Claims

The sweet flesh of the ssop fruit is used as the basis for several beverages, ice creams, and other sweet foods. Traditionally, various parts of the tree, including the fruit, seeds, and leaves, have been used for a variety of ailments.

There are claims, not supported by human studies, that ssop extract can slow the spread of cancer or make traditional cancer therapies work better. Some studies suggest graviola extracts can kill some types of liver and breast cancer cells in laboratory settings.

Quirky Facts

• The taste of the ssop fruit pulp is described as having tones of fruit candy and smooth cream.