Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal: Description, Origin, Common Names, and Uses
Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal, also known as the Soncoya or purple ilama, is a small tree species that belongs to the Annonaceae family. This tree species is native to Central and South America and is commonly found in tropical rainforests. They grow in areas with well-drained soil and at an elevation of 0-1000 meters.
Appearance
The leaves of Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal are oval in shape, measuring around 15cm in length. The tree species can grow up to 10m in height and has pale grey bark, which is smooth when young, but becomes rough and cracked with age. The fruit of the tree is roughly 10cm in diameter and has a purple-brown coloration. The fruit is covered in a hard, bumpy skin and has a yellow-green flesh with large seeds.
Common Names
The Soncoya or Purple Ilama is also known by a variety of other names, including anona rosada, cocona de montaña, and cabeza de negro. In Guatemala, they are referred to as Ateshte, in Colombia, as Guanábana agria, and in Ecuador, they are known as churumate.
Uses
The fruit of Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal is edible and has a sweet and creamy taste. The fruit is often used in ice creams, as a filling for desserts, or consumed fresh. In traditional medicine, the roots and bark of the tree have been used to treat stomach disorders, while the leaves and fruit are known for their antimicrobial properties.
The wood of the tree species is also used for making small items such as utensils or handles for tools. Because of its durability, it is also used in the construction of houses and fences in the areas where it is native.
In conclusion, Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal is a tropical tree species that is not only appreciated for its delicious fruit but also for its durable wood and medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade will lead to stunted growth and poor fruit production. It is best to plant the tree in areas where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
A temperature range of 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) is ideal for the growth of Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal. The tree can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 40°C (104°F). However, temperatures below 10°C (50°F) may result in frost damage, while extremely high temperatures can cause sunburn and drying of the leaves.
Soil Requirements
Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. The tree cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, so it is essential to ensure proper drainage if planting in heavy clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
The Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal, commonly known as the Soncoya or Ilama, requires a warm and tropical climate for its growth. It prefers sandy-loam soils, rich in organic matter with good drainage and a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant thrives under full sunlight and can grow up to 50 feet in height. It is generally propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting.
Watering Needs
The Soncoya plant needs regular watering to sustain its growth and produce quality fruit. It is advised to water the plant deeply, at least two to three times a week, during the dry season. However, excessive watering can cause root rot and harm the plant’s growth. Adequate drainage must be ensured in the soil to prevent waterlogging. During the rainy season, the plant may require less frequent watering, depending on the amount of rainfall.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for the Soncoya plant’s growth, fruit quality, and yield. A balanced N-P-K fertilizer with additional micronutrients like boron, zinc, and magnesium should be applied during the growing season. Fertilizer application should be done in three split doses, with the first application during the early-growing season, the second application during the vegetative stage, and the third application at the beginning of the fruit-bearing stage.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape, size and ensuring better fruit production. It is recommended to prune the plant after every harvest or during the early-growing season. The pruning should be done selectively, removing any dead, diseased, or broken branches. The plant should be pruned in a way that ensures better air and light penetration into the canopy. Training and shaping the plant can also be done using pruning methods to improve the overall growth and yield.
Propagation of Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal
The propagation of Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal is primarily done vegetatively through grafting and stem cutting methods. These methods have been proven to be effective in producing high-quality and disease-resistant plants.
Grafting Method
Grafting is the most commonly used propagation method for Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal. This method involves taking a small scion from a mature and healthy tree and grafting it onto a young rootstock. The rootstock should be chosen for its desirable characteristics such as vigor, pest/disease resistance, and compatibility with the scion.
The best time to graft is during the beginning of the growing season when the sap is flowing. The scion should be about the size of a pencil and should contain one to three buds. The rootstock should be about the same diameter as the scion.
The graft union should be wrapped in grafting tape and kept in a warm, humid environment until the union is formed. The tape should be removed once the union is formed, and the plant should be grown under ideal conditions.
Stem Cutting Method
Another propagation method for Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal is stem cutting. This method involves taking a stem or branch from a mature tree and rooting it to create a new plant.
The best time to take cuttings is during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. The cutting should be about 6-8 inches long and should contain at least two nodes. The bottom node should be stripped of leaves and dipped in rooting hormone.
The cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots form. Once roots are established, the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management of Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal
Annona purpurea Mocino & Sesse ex Dunal, commonly known as Soncoya or Ilama, is a tropical plant that belongs to the Annonaceae family. This plant is known to have numerous medicinal and nutritional properties.
Common Diseases
The plant Annona purpurea is prone to various diseases and disorders that can cause severe damage to the plant. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf blight, fruit rot, and stem cankers. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune the infected part of the plant and apply fungicides that contain copper.
Root Rot
Root Rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant and can cause wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides that contain copper.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that can cause white powdery spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune the infected part of the plant and apply fungicides that contain sulfur.
Common Pests
In addition to diseases, Annona purpurea is also prone to pests and insects that can cause severe damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include:
Fruit Fly
Fruit Fly is a common pest that affects the fruit of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use pheromone traps and apply insecticides that contain spinosad.
Scale Insects
Scale Insects are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to prune the infected part of the plant and apply insecticides that contain neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider Mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to prune the infected part of the plant and apply insecticides that contain neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant is essential to detect any signs of diseases and pests and take proper management measures before they cause severe damage to the plant.
