Anonaceous

/ænəˈneɪʃəs/ adjective

Definition

Belonging to or characteristic of the Annonaceae family, which includes tropical fruit trees like custard apples, soursops, and cherimoya.

Etymology

From the genus 'Annona' (from a Taíno or Caribbean indigenous word) + Latin '-aceous' meaning 'of the nature of.' The family name itself comes from West Indian names for the custard apple tree.

Kelly Says

The Annonaceae family shows how tropical fruits spread globally—custard apples came from the Caribbean, while the cherimoya is from South America, yet they're all in one plant family! These fruits are also unusual because they can self-pollinate, unlike many tropical plants.

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