| 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.
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.