Pond apple (Annona glabra) | seeds, 5 pcs.

• Latin name: Annona glabra
• Danish names: Abeæble, sumpæble
  
• English names: Pond apple, alligator apple, swamp apple, bobwood, monkey apple
  

Annona glabra is a tropical tree from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean, where it typically grows in humid areas such as swamps, riverbanks, and coastal zones. The species differs from many other Annona species due to its ability to thrive in very wet conditions, which makes it botanically particularly interesting.

The tree develops a dense crown with oval, glossy green leaves and a relatively compact growth habit. The greenish-yellow flowers are followed by round to slightly irregular fruits, which in appearance resemble other annona fruits, but are often less sweet and more mild in flavor than, for example, Annona muricata or Annona squamosa.

In nature, the plant plays an important role in wetlands, where it tolerates periods of flooding and high soil moisture.

Cultivation and requirements

Annona glabra thrives best in full sun to light partial shade and prefers:

• moisture-retentive, yet well-drained soil
• even to high water supply
• warm and stable temperatures

Unlike many other tropical fruit trees, this species tolerates very moist soil and can even stand with its roots in water for periods. It is therefore well-suited for cultivation in pots, where the soil is kept evenly moist.

A nutrient-rich potting soil can be used, and during the growing season, it can be supplemented with a mild, organic fertilizer to support growth.

The plant is not frost-tolerant and is grown in Denmark as a potted plant that can be outdoors during the summer and must be overwintered in a bright, frost-free location. The temperature should preferably be kept above 12–15 °C.

Cultivation from seeds

Seeds of Annona glabra germinate best under warm and humid conditions. For the best result, we recommend:

• soaking in lukewarm water for 24 hours
• sowing in a light, moisture-retentive soil mixture
• temperature of 22–28 °C
• keeping the soil constantly moist, but not oxygen-depleted

Germination typically occurs within 2–6 weeks. The young plants grow relatively quickly under good conditions and develop their characteristic leaves early on.

Utility and collector value

Annona glabra is primarily grown as a collector's and ornamental plant, where its ability to thrive in humid conditions makes it quite unique among tropical trees.

Although the fruits are edible, they are not among the most commonly used in the kitchen, and the plant is therefore most often grown for its botanical interest and its different growth environment.

For plant enthusiasts, it is an exciting opportunity to grow a different type of annona that stands out from the more well-known fruit species in the genus.

Annona glabra is an obvious choice for the curious grower who wants to experiment with tropical plants from seeds – a unique species with adaptation to wet conditions and high collector value.