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Plant Informational Database

Ilama

Annona diversifolia

a.k.a. Anona blanca

Large fruit, sometimes over 6" long, having similarities in both shape and size to the cherimoya. The rind tends to be either green or pink-purple, with white or pinkish flesh respectively. Some varieties have deep red flesh. Flavor is said to be excellent in many varieties, rivaling that of the cherimoya and sugar apple.

Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Ilama. Please visit our seed store to view current selections.

Description

Small tree, usually only to 25ft. Ilama fruits perish within days of harvest and the fruit transports very poorly, hence its relative obscurity to much of the world.

Hardiness

Ilama's are only mildly hardy, surviving brief temperature drops to 30-32F.

Growing Environment

It grows best in climates having a dry season, followed by heavy rainfall.

Propagation

By seed, although seeds often go dormant for several months, after which time germination rates are poor. Grafting is often employed to propagate better varieties.

Uses

The fruit is almost always eaten raw, out of hand.

Native Range

Native to Southern Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Related Species

Annonaceae  
Annona cacans
Araticum Cagao
Annona cherimola
Cherimoya
Annona cherimola x squamosa
Atemoya
Annona cornifolia
Annona cornifolia
Annona crassiflora
Marolo
Annona diversifolia
Ilama
Annona glabra
Pond Apple
Annona montana
Mountain Soursop
Annona muricata
Soursop
Annona paludosa
Annona paludosa
Annona purpurea
Soncoya
Annona reticulata
Custard Apple
Annona salzmannii
Beach Sugar Apple
Annona scleroderma
Poshe-te
Annona senegalensis
Wild Custard Apple
Annona sericea
Annona sericea
Annona squamosa
Sugar Apple
Anonidium mannii
Junglesop
Asiminia triloba
Pawpaw
Cananga odorata
Ylang Ylang
Duguetia lanceolata
Pindaiba
Monodora myristica
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