Wild Custard Apple – 5 Seeds

Wild Custard Apple (Annona senegalensis) is a multi-stemmed, deciduous African fruit tree, growing to a height of between 2m – 11m. The bark is grey-silver, smooth to cracked with age and small branches are hairy, which become smooth as they mature. The leaves are simple, oblong to ovate. Flowering takes place in spring to early summer. The flowers are small and fleshy, about 30 mm in diameter, with pale yellow petals and 3 sepals that are free and smaller than the petals. The flowers are pollinated by various species of beetle and hand pollination can also be used when grown as a crop. The fruit is fleshy, amber, lumpy, oval-shaped and has a pineapple-like aroma.

Different parts of the plant have various uses. Leaves, flowers, and fruits are edible. The flowers are used in cooking and the leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Traditionally the plant also has many medicinal uses, such as in the treatment of viral infections, gastritis, yellow fever, malaria and more.

Common names: wild custard apple, African custard apple (Eng.), wildesuikerappel (Afr.), umphofu (Zul.), umtelembu (Swa.), muyembe (Tso.), muembe (Ven.)

Growing Wild Custard Apple

Indoor Sowing: Spring and Summer.

Direct Sowing: Spring and Summer.

• Scarify the seeds and then soak the seeds in water for about 2 days.
• Fill a pot with a mixture of river sand and well draining potting mix.
• Plant the seed in the pot and cover with the soil mixture.
• Water the soil mixture well and keep soil moist.
• Place the pot in a warm area that receives indirect light.
• Optimal germination temperature is between 25-28°C.
• Germination can take 30 days or longer.