Araticum (Annona crassiflora) | seeds, 3 pcs.

SUPER RARE

• Latin name: Annona crassiflora
• Danish names: Cerrado-annona, araticum
• English names: Marolo, araticum

Annona crassiflora is an exciting and very rare Annona species from Brazil's cerrado – a unique landscape of savanna, shrubland, and scattered trees that differs significantly from the tropical rainforests many other Annona species originate from. Here, plants are naturally exposed to drought, intense sun, and periodic wildfires, which has shaped the species' robust growth habit.

The species is known locally as araticum or marolo and is considered one of the most characteristic fruit trees in the cerrado. The fruits are large, round, and aromatic with a sweet flesh that many describe as a blend of tropical fruits with notes of pineapple, banana, and vanilla.

The plant develops as a small tree or large shrub with sturdy branches and thick, slightly leathery leaves. Compared to better-known species like Annona muricata (graviola), Annona squamosa (sugar apple), and Annona cherimola (cherimoya), Annona crassiflora remains rare in cultivation and is particularly interesting to collectors of unusual fruit trees.

If you are interested in exotic fruit trees, you can also explore our other selection of Annona species, including graviola, cherimoya, and other exciting tropical fruit plants.

Cultivation and requirements

Annona crassiflora thrives best in full sun and prefers:

• Well-drained, preferably slightly sandy soil
• Moderate watering
• Warm and airy conditions

A well-drained potting mix with mineral content is ideal. During the growing season, you can supplement with a mild, organic fertilizer to support healthy growth.

The species is not frost-tolerant and in Denmark is best grown as a container plant, which can be kept outdoors during the summer and overwintered in a bright, frost-free location. The temperature should ideally be kept above 12–15 °C.

Unlike several rainforest species, Annona crassiflora is naturally adapted to well-drained and sometimes dry conditions. Compared to, for example, Annona glabra, which grows in swampy areas, it therefore prefers significantly drier soil.

Growing from seed

Annona crassiflora seeds germinate best under warm conditions. For best results, we recommend:

• Soaking in lukewarm water for 24 hours
• Optional light scarification (nicking) of the seed before soaking
• Sowing in a well-drained soil mix
• Temperature of 22–28 °C
• Keeping the soil slightly moist, but not wet

Germination typically occurs within 3–8 weeks, but can be irregular and take significantly longer. Young plants grow moderately and gradually develop their sturdy leaves and deep root system.

Utility and collector value

Annona crassiflora is grown as a fruit, ornamental, and collector plant. The species is particularly interesting because it represents a completely different type of Annona than the classic rainforest species while producing large, aromatic fruits.

For collectors of tropical fruit trees, the cerrado origin is a major part of the plant's appeal. The combination of rarity, robustness, and adaptation to one of South America's most distinctive ecosystems makes the species something quite special.

Annona crassiflora is an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wishes to grow a rare and exciting Annona species entirely from seed – an exotic fruit tree with a unique origin and high collector value.