No images found for this plant ID: 2406.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "2406" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

wild custard-apple

Scientific Name: Annona senegalensis

Family: Annonaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Annona senegalensis: The African Custard-Apple

Annona senegalensis, commonly known as African custard-apple, wild custard apple, or wild ssop, is a flowering plant species belonging to the custard apple family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces fruits and seeds. Seeds were last available in June 2015.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces fruits and seeds. Seeds were last available in June 2015.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Annona senegalensis
  • Family: Annonaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Annona arenaria
    • Annona chrysophylla
    • Annona porpetac
    • Annona senegalensis Auct. non Pers. (often cited for Annona chrysophylla Boj.)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (e.g., Annona senegalensis subsp. senegalensis)

Common Names

  • African Custard-apple
  • Wild Custard Apple
  • Wild Ssop
  • Annone
  • Pomme cannelle du Senegal
  • Jumbukungo
  • Sinkungo
  • Mchekwa
  • Mkonokono
  • Mtomoko
  • Mutopetope
  • Muroro (Shona)
  • Ububese (Ndebele)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to West, East, and Southern Africa, as well as Madagascar, the Comores, and Cape Verde Islands.
  • Within Southern Africa, it is recorded from Botswana.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Described as a large shrub or small tree.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Centuries ago, ancestors in some regions used to offer sacrifices (nsembe) at the Wild Custard Apple Tree, locally known as Mpoza.

Related Species

  • Annona montana (Mountain Ssop) is sometimes confused with or shares common names with Annona senegalensis.
  • Annona squamosa (Sugar Apple or Sweetsop) is another species in the same genus.
  • Annona chrysophylla is a synonym of Annona senegalensis.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for garden tips and ideas.