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Annona cherimola, Mill. (A. tripétala, Ait.). Chirimoya. Cherimoya. Cherimoyer. Cherimolla. Tree, 15- 25 ft. high, with young growth fulvous tomentose: Lvs. persistently velvety-tomentose beneath, sparsely pubescent above, ovate to ovate-lanceolate or obovate, sometimes elliptical, obtuse at the apex or obtusely acuminate, usually rounded at the base: fls. fragrant, extra-axillary, often opposite a If. at the base of a branchlet, usually solitary but sometimes 2 or 3 on short nodding tomentose peduncles, the exterior petals oblong-linear, not exceeding 1¼ in. length, keeled on the inside and excavated at the base, greenish yellow or rufous on the outside and clothed with velvety tomentum, pale yellow or whitish within and marked with a purple spot at the base; inner petals very small, squamose, ovate or triangular, usually flesh-colored or purple and keeled on the outside: fr. variable in shape and appearance, sometimes conoid or heart-shaped, with surface bearing protuberances; sometimes spheroid or ovoid with the surface covered with concave or squamose U-shaped aréoles, each bearing a small wart or tubercle; and sometimes quite smooth or with the surface having the appearance of putty marked by fingerprints; pulp white, edible, pleasantly acidulous, easily separable from the seeds; seeds usually obovate, obliquely truncate, somewhat compressed, with a thin membranous brown testa which is usually more or less wrinkled or pitted, owing to the wrinkled surface of the inclosed endosperm. Andes of Peru and adjacent regions, but naturalized at a very early date in Mex. and Cent. Amer. Successfully intro. into S. Calif., Canary Isls., Madeira, the mts. of India, and Hawaii. Essentially a subtropical plant which does not yield good result» in low tropical countries.—Frs. of exquisite flavor are produced on the island of Madeira, where the trees are trained on trellises and are taking the place of grapes in the economy of the island. Excellent results have also been secured in S. Calif. See Cherimoya.
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{{Plantbox
{{Plantbox
| name = Annona cherimola
| name = Annona cherimola
| species = A. cherimola
| species = A. cherimola
}}
}}
Growth Habit: The cherimoya is a fairly fairly dense, fast-growing, evergreen [[tree]], briefly deciduous in California from February through April. The tree can reach 30 feet or more, but is fairly easily restrained. Young trees "harp," forming opposite branches as a natural espalier. These can be trained against a surface, or pruned off to form a regular free-standing trunk. Growth is in one long flush, beginning in April. The roots commence as taproot, but the slow-growing root system is rather weak, superficial, and ungreedy. Young plants need staking.
Growth Habit: The cherimoya is a fairly fairly dense, fast-growing, evergreen [[tree]], briefly deciduous in California from February through April. The tree can reach 30 feet or more, but is fairly easily restrained. Young trees "harp," forming opposite branches as a natural espalier. These can be trained against a surface, or pruned off to form a regular free-standing trunk. Growth is in one long flush, beginning in April. The roots commence as taproot, but the slow-growing root system is rather weak, superficial, and ungreedy. Young plants need staking.
Foliage: The attractive leaves are single and alternate, 2 to 8 inches long and up to 4 inches wide. They are dark green on top and velvety green on the bottom, with prominent veins. New growth is recurved, like a fiddle-neck. Axillary buds are hidden beneath fleshy leaf petioles.
Foliage: The attractive leaves are single and alternate, 2 to 8 inches long and up to 4 inches wide. They are dark green on top and velvety green on the bottom, with prominent veins. New growth is recurved, like a fiddle-neck. Axillary buds are hidden beneath fleshy leaf petioles.
The cherimoya grows in the form of a small tree, usually about 15 or 20 feet high. The flowers are remarkably uniform, but vary somewhat in size. They are often solitary or in two's or three's, while those of the bullock's heart (Annona reticulata) and the sugar-apple (A. squamosa) are usually clustered. The leaves are always velvety on the lower surface. The following varieties, based upon the form of the fruit, are recognized:
The cherimoya grows in the form of a small tree, usually about 15 or 20 feet high. The flowers are remarkably uniform, but vary somewhat in size. They are often solitary or in two's or three's, while those of the bullock's heart (Annona reticulata) and the sugar-apple (A. squamosa) are usually clustered. The leaves are always velvety on the lower surface. The following varieties, based upon the form of the fruit, are recognized:
(1) Finger-printed cherimoya (forma impressa), known in Costa Rica as "anona de dedos pintados.” This form was the first to be figured (Feuillee, Pl. med. Journ. Obs. 3: append. 24, pl. 17, 1725). The fruit, conoid or subglobose in shape, has a smooth surface covered with concave U-shaped areoles resembling finger-prints in soft wax or putty. It is one of the best varieties, with sweet juicy pulp of good flavor, and with relatively few seeds.
(1) Finger-printed cherimoya (forma impressa), known in Costa Rica as "anona de dedos pintados.” This form was the first to be figured (Feuillee, Pl. med. Journ. Obs. 3: append. 24, pl. 17, 1725). The fruit, conoid or subglobose in shape, has a smooth surface covered with concave U-shaped areoles resembling finger-prints in soft wax or putty. It is one of the best varieties, with sweet juicy pulp of good flavor, and with relatively few seeds.
(2) Smooth cherimoya (forma laevis), called in South America "chirimoya lisa" and in the market of Mexico City, "anon." Fig. 903. It is this form which is so often mistaken for Annona glabra and A. reticulata on account of the general appearance of the fruit and the common name "anon”, which is also applied to the fruit of the last-named species. This is one of the finest of all the cherimoyas.
(2) Smooth cherimoya (forma laevis), called in South America "chirimoya lisa" and in the market of Mexico City, "anon." Fig. 903. It is this form which is so often mistaken for Annona glabra and A. reticulata on account of the general appearance of the fruit and the common name "anon”, which is also applied to the fruit of the last-named species. This is one of the finest of all the cherimoyas.
(3) Tuberculate cherimoya (forma tuberculata). Fig. 904. One of the commonest forms, in which the fruit is heart-shaped and bears small wart-like tubercles near the rounded apex of each areole. To this group belongs the "golden russet" cherimoya grown in the orchard of C. P. Taft at Orange, California. It is the form most frequently found in the Peruvian markets and is represented in prehistoric pottery from the graves of that country.
(3) Tuberculate cherimoya (forma tuberculata). Fig. 904. One of the commonest forms, in which the fruit is heart-shaped and bears small wart-like tubercles near the rounded apex of each areole. To this group belongs the "golden russet" cherimoya grown in the orchard of C. P. Taft at Orange, California. It is the form most frequently found in the Peruvian markets and is represented in prehistoric pottery from the graves of that country.
(4) Mammillate cherimoya (forma mamillata). called in South America, "chirimoya de tetillas”. This is the form successfully established on the ranch of Charles F. O'Brien, in the mountains of Santa Monica, southern California. It is also the common form of the Nilgiri Hills of India, and is one of the best forms grown on the Island of Madeira.
(4) Mammillate cherimoya (forma mamillata). called in South America, "chirimoya de tetillas”. This is the form successfully established on the ranch of Charles F. O'Brien, in the mountains of Santa Monica, southern California. It is also the common form of the Nilgiri Hills of India, and is one of the best forms grown on the Island of Madeira.
(5) Umbonate cherimoya (forma umbonata), called "chirimoya de puas" and "anona picuda" in Latin America. In this form the skin of the fruit is comparatively thick, the pulp more acid than in other forms, and the seeds more numerous. It has the flavor of pineapple and is one of the best for producing cooling drinks and sherbets. The fruit is oblong-conical in shape, with the base more or less umbilicate and the surface studded with protuberances, each of which corresponds to a component carpel. To this form should be referred the "Horton" cherimoya, grown in the vicinity of Pasadena, California.
(5) Umbonate cherimoya (forma umbonata), called "chirimoya de puas" and "anona picuda" in Latin America. In this form the skin of the fruit is comparatively thick, the pulp more acid than in other forms, and the seeds more numerous. It has the flavor of pineapple and is one of the best for producing cooling drinks and sherbets. The fruit is oblong-conical in shape, with the base more or less umbilicate and the surface studded with protuberances, each of which corresponds to a component carpel. To this form should be referred the "Horton" cherimoya, grown in the vicinity of Pasadena, California.
Very recently there has been received from Florida an interesting fruit borne by a hybrid, the result of pollinating the stigmas of a cherimoya with the pollen of Annona squamosa. The leaves of this plant are very broad, resembling those of A. Cherimola in shape, but glabrous like those of A. squamosa. The fruit resembles that of A. Cherimola in form, but with the protuberences very distinct and covered with a glaucous bloom like that of A. squamosa. The seeds are distinct from both species, larger than those of A. squamosa, and much darker colored than those of A. Cherimola; and the pulp is very juicy, with the fine slightly acidulous flavor of the cherimoya.
Very recently there has been received from Florida an interesting fruit borne by a hybrid, the result of pollinating the stigmas of a cherimoya with the pollen of Annona squamosa. The leaves of this plant are very broad, resembling those of A. Cherimola in shape, but glabrous like those of A. squamosa. The fruit resembles that of A. Cherimola in form, but with the protuberences very distinct and covered with a glaucous bloom like that of A. squamosa. The seeds are distinct from both species, larger than those of A. squamosa, and much darker colored than those of A. Cherimola; and the pulp is very juicy, with the fine slightly acidulous flavor of the cherimoya.
===Propagation===
===Propagation===
Since there are no recognized [[rootstock]]s for cherimoyas, seedlings are universally utilized. Seeds from the White cultivar (Dr. White) are thought by some to produce superior rootstocks, however there does not appear to be a great deal of objective data to support this position. Seeds remain viable for two to three years if kept dry and protected from weevil and fungi. With 70° F bottom heat, seed will germinate in about 21 days, but will require about 40 days under normal ambient growing conditions. Seedlings should be transplanted to deep containers (approximately 18") when they are 3" tall to promote development of the tap root. In frost-free areas, it is recommended that seedlings for spring grafting be planted in their ultimate location in the fall and grafted in the ground the following spring.
Since there are no recognized [[rootstock]]s for cherimoyas, seedlings are universally utilized. Seeds from the White cultivar (Dr. White) are thought by some to produce superior rootstocks, however there does not appear to be a great deal of objective data to support this position. Seeds remain viable for two to three years if kept dry and protected from weevil and fungi. With 70° F bottom heat, seed will germinate in about 21 days, but will require about 40 days under normal ambient growing conditions. Seedlings should be transplanted to deep containers (approximately 18") when they are 3" tall to promote development of the tap root. In frost-free areas, it is recommended that seedlings for spring grafting be planted in their ultimate location in the fall and grafted in the ground the following spring.
[[Graft]]ing is most successful in [[January]] through [[May]] provided previous years leaves have not been shed from the potential scionwood. During this period no scion preparation is required other than removal of leaves. All normal grafting techniques appear to be equally successful. However in topworking, nurse branches are desirable if not essential for success. To bud, collect budwood in July store refrigerated for 10 days in plastic. Petioles will drop exposing dormant buds. Bud at once using chip bud technique and wrap well against dehydration. Grafted plants will bear in two to three years.
[[Graft]]ing is most successful in [[January]] through [[May]] provided previous years leaves have not been shed from the potential scionwood. During this period no scion preparation is required other than removal of leaves. All normal grafting techniques appear to be equally successful. However in topworking, nurse branches are desirable if not essential for success. To bud, collect budwood in July store refrigerated for 10 days in plastic. Petioles will drop exposing dormant buds. Bud at once using chip bud technique and wrap well against dehydration. Grafted plants will bear in two to three years.
*'''Nata''' - Origin George Emerich, Fallbrook, Calif., 1983. From Ecuadorian seed. Tree vigorous, bears quickly, flowers profuse, tendency to self-pollinating. Fruits smooth, light green, conical, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 pounds. Skin thin, tender. Flavor has good sweet-acid balance.
*'''Nata''' - Origin George Emerich, Fallbrook, Calif., 1983. From Ecuadorian seed. Tree vigorous, bears quickly, flowers profuse, tendency to self-pollinating. Fruits smooth, light green, conical, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 pounds. Skin thin, tender. Flavor has good sweet-acid balance.
*'''Ott''' - Origin William Ott, La Habra Heights, Calif., 1936. Plant patent #656. Seed from Mexico, D.F. Tree strong growing. Fruit medium, heart shaped tuberculate, flesh yellow, seedy, very sweet. Matures early.
*'''Ott''' - Origin William Ott, La Habra Heights, Calif., 1936. Plant patent #656. Seed from Mexico, D.F. Tree strong growing. Fruit medium, heart shaped tuberculate, flesh yellow, seedy, very sweet. Matures early.
*'''Pierce''' (syns. Knight, Escondido White, Ryerson, Thomson-Spain, & Bayott) - Believed to be from a group of scions imported from Mexico in the 1930's by a Mr. Knight of Orange. Dr. H. F. Pierce planted a grove in Goleta in that period made up largely of trees produced by Knight. This cultivar was Dr. Pierce's favorite and was named "Pierce" by him. Tree is vigorous with large dark green leaves. Fruit is medium sized elongated conically shaped with very smooth skin and a high sugar content.
*'''Pierce''' (syns. Knight, Escondido White, Ryerson, Thomson-Spain, & Bayott) - Believed to be from a group of scions imported from Mexico in the 1930's by a Mr. Knight of Orange. Dr. H. F. Pierce planted a grove in Goleta in that period made up largely of trees produced by Knight. This cultivar was Dr. Pierce's favorite and was named "Pierce" by him. Tree is vigorous with large dark green leaves. Fruit is medium sized elongated conically shaped with very smooth skin and a high sugar content.
*'''Sabor''' - Origin James Neitzel, San Diego, Calif., 1979. Sibling of "Big Sister". Fruit mammillated, varies in size, not usually large. Among the best in flavor.
*'''Sabor''' - Origin James Neitzel, San Diego, Calif., 1979. Sibling of "Big Sister". Fruit mammillated, varies in size, not usually large. Among the best in flavor.
*'''Whaley''' - Origin Hollywood, Calif., 1924. Tree moderately vigorous. Fruit medium to large elongated conical, tuberculate, light green, flavor good. Seed enclosed in an obtrusive sac of flesh.
*'''Whaley''' - Origin Hollywood, Calif., 1924. Tree moderately vigorous. Fruit medium to large elongated conical, tuberculate, light green, flavor good. Seed enclosed in an obtrusive sac of flesh.
*'''White (syn. Dr.White)''' - Origin J. H. MacPherson, Lemon Grove, Calif., 1928. Tree open, unkempt; to 35 feet, needs forming. A commercial favorite at Carpinteria. Best near coast. Fruit large, to 4 pounds, conical, with superficial small lumps (umbonate). Flesh juicy, flavor weak, suggesting mango-papaya.
*'''White (syn. Dr.White)''' - Origin J. H. MacPherson, Lemon Grove, Calif., 1928. Tree open, unkempt; to 35 feet, needs forming. A commercial favorite at Carpinteria. Best near coast. Fruit large, to 4 pounds, conical, with superficial small lumps (umbonate). Flesh juicy, flavor weak, suggesting mango-papaya.