| Monkey Banana | |
| Porcelia macrocarpa |
A strange and rare Annona relative with vaguely banana-appearing fruits that have minimal but tasty pulp. Fruits form in radiating clusters much like a clump of banana's. Skin is yellow-brown, with thin white flesh surrounding several large seeds.
Description: A medium sized tree from 15-45 feet. Has long, somewhat skinny leaves to 6" long. Large, bulbous flowers are white. Fruits in 4-6 years from seed.
Hardiness: Frost hardy to 25F.
Growing Environment: Grows best in wet, humid climates. Will tolerate some cool temperatures but should generally be kept in a freeze-free environment.
Propagation: By seeds. Seeds are very slow to germinate, taking from 4-12 months germination time.
Uses: Pulp is said to tasty and is eaten fresh.
Native Range: Native to semi-deciduous Atlantic forests from Minas Gerais to Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Very rare in the wild and not cultivated.