Order: Magnoliales
Family: Annonaceae
General Overview: Annona muricata, also known as soursop, is a small evergreen tree belonging to the Annonaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America, but is now widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world.
Morphological Features: Annona muricata is a compact, evergreen tree with a potential height reaching approximately 30 feet. The young branches exhibit a hairy texture. The leaves, ranging from oblong to oval, measure 8 to 16 centimeters in length and 3 to 7 centimeters in width. They are characterized by a glossy dark green upper surface devoid of hairs, while the lower surface is paler and either minutely hairy or hairless. Flower stalks (peduncles), measuring 2 to 5 millimeters in length, are woody and appear opposite to the leaves or as an extra near the leaf stalk. Each peduncle typically bears one or two flowers, occasionally a third. Individual flower stalks (pedicels) are stout and woody, ranging from minutely hairy to hairless, with lengths of 15 to 20 millimeters and small bractlets densely hairy closer to the base. The petals are thick and yellowish, with outer petals broadly ovate and measuring 2.8 to 3.3 centimeters by 2.1 to 2.5 centimeters. They taper to a point with a heart-shaped base, covered externally with long, slender, soft hairs and finely matted with soft hairs internally. Inner petals, oval-shaped, overlap and measure approximately 2.5 to 2.8 centimeters by 2 centimeters, sharply angled and tapering at the base. Sepals are thick and do not overlap. The fruits, dark green and prickly, are ovoid and can reach lengths of up to 30 centimeters. They possess moderately firm flesh that is juicy, acidic, whitish, and aromatic. The ovaries are covered with dense reddish-brown hairs, and the pollen is shed as permanent tetrads.
Biological Characteristics: Soursop is rich in vitamins, but also contains the neurotoxin annonacin. Its fruit, leaves, and seeds have long been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including as a sedative, antispasmodic, and antiparasitic. More recently, research has focused on its potential to treat cancer, as compounds extracted from Annona muricata have shown promising results in treating cancerous cells. Overall, soursop is a versatile plant with a wide range of traditional medicinal uses and potential therapeutic benefits. Its unique appearance and flavor also make it a popular ingredient in cuisine.
