Bullock’s-heart (Annona reticulata, Sp. Pl.: 537 (1753))

Family: Annonaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 537 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Annona

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Mexico to NE. Venezuela

Description

Bullock’s-heart, scientifically known as Annona reticulata, is a notable species within the Annonaceae family. First described in 1753, this tree has its roots traced back to the authoritative works of the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often cited as “L.” in scientific literature. Originating from Mexico and extending its habitat to Northeast Venezuela, Bullock’s-heart thrives in tropical climates where it can best showcase its unique biological attributes and environmental interactions.

This medium-sized deciduous tree typically grows to a height of 8 to 12 meters, sporting a broad, rounded canopy. Its leaves are dark green, oblong, and possess a glossy sheen, contributing to the plant’s lush appearance. The flowers of Annona reticulata are fragrant and exhibit a creamy yellow hue with a hint of blush on their petals, attracting various pollinators.

One of the most striking features of Bullock’s-heart is its fruit. The heart-shaped, scaly-textured fruit measures 7 to 12 centimeters in diameter and transitions from green to a reddish-brown shade upon ripening. Its flesh is a creamy white or pale yellow, sweet, and mildly fragrant, making it a delectable treat in its native range. This fruit is not only consumed fresh but is also used in traditional culinary preparations, owing to its pleasing flavor and texture.

In terms of cultivation, Bullock’s-heart is favored for its ease of growth in suitable climates. It is typically propagated through seeds, which germinate readily, and the tree requires minimal maintenance once established. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate slight drought conditions, although regular watering can enhance fruit production.

Culturally, Annona reticulata holds value in various regions where it is native. Beyond its edible fruits, the tree is often planted for its shade and ornamental appeal. Some communities also ascribe medicinal properties to different parts of the plant, using its leaves, bark, and seeds in traditional remedies.

In conclusion, Bullock’s-heart, or Annona reticulata, is a compelling species that enriches both the ecological and cultural landscapes of its native regions. This tree stands out not only for its desirable fruit but also for its resilience and ecological adaptability, making it an integral part of the tropical flora from Mexico to Northeast Venezuela.

Common Names

Deu: netzannone, ochsenherz
Fra: annone réticulée, cachiman, coeur de boeuf, corossol reticulé
Spa: anona corazón, anonillo, corazón de buey, mamán
Por: anoneira, araticum-coração-de-boi, condessa, coração-de-boi, fruta-conde, fruta-de-condessa, pinha
Eng: bullock’s heart, bullock’s-heart, custard apple, custard-apple, ox-heart
Swe: nätannona
En: Bullock’s-heart, Custard-apple, Ox-heart, Custard apple, Wild sweetsop, Binuwa, माकःफ्वंसि, शरीफा, Bullock’s heart, Corazón, Sweetsop, Anona corazon, Bullock-heart, Jamaica apple, Maman
Ar: القشطة الهندي
Hy: Եղնասիրտ
Zh: 牛心梨, 牛心番荔枝
Cs: Láhevník síťovaný
Nl: Custardappel
Eo: Reteta anono
Fi: Käpyannoona
Fr: Coeur de boeuf, Cachiman, Corossol reticulé, Annone réticulée, Anone réticulée, Cachimantier, Cœur de bœuf
De: Netzannone, Ochsenherz, Custardapfel, Ochsenherzapfel
Gu: રામફળ
Ht: Kachiman
Hi: शरीफा
Ga: Úll custaird
Kn: ರಾಮಫಲ
Rw: Umutima w’imfizi
Ko: 커스터드애플
Ln: Mundengé
Lt: Akytoji anona
Ms: Nona kapri
Ml: ആത്ത
Mr: रामफळ
Or: ରାମଫଳ
Pa: ਸੀਤਾਫਲ
Fa: آنونا رتیکولاتا
Pl: Flaszowiec siatkowaty
Pt: Anoneira, Coração-de-boi, Araticum-coração-de-boi, Condessa, Fruta-conde, Fruta-de-condessa, Pinha, Graviola, Coraco de boi, Coração de boi, Fruto da condessa, Milolo
Pt-br: Biribá, Fruta-de-condessa, Fruta-do-conde
Ru: Кремовое яблоко
Sa: लवनीयम्
Sd: سيتا ڦل
Es: Anona corazón, Anonillo, Corazón de buey, Mamán, Anona, Anón, Sho (cabécar), Gshos-rit-Kra (brunca), Uisiro (guatuso), Anona colorado, Anona de cuba, Anona pelón, Anón manteca, Mamón
Su: Manowa
Sv: Nätannona
Ty: Tapotapo hutu pua’atoro
Zh-tw: 牛心梨
Te: సీతాఫలం
Th: น้อยโหน่ง
Zh-hant: 牛心番荔枝
Vi: Lục bát

Synonyms

• Annona humboldtiana (Kunth)
• Annona humboldtii (Dunal)
• Annona excelsa (Kunth)
• Annona lutescens (Saff.)
• Annona primigenia (Standl. & Steyerm.)
• Annona reticulata var. primigenia ((Standl. & Steyerm.) Lundell)
• Annona riparia (Kunth)
• Annona laevis (Kunth)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Christmas I. (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Vanuatu (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Villalobos Jovel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2019 by Valérie Neyraud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Monteiro Andreiane (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 1, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2022 by karine_garnier (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2019 by Jean-Paul Bourgeais (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2019 by Álvarez Leonardo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by Prasanta Hembram (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2020 by Iqbal Arief Saputra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2018 by José Martí Rosales Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Michael Bienke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 12, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5407123)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:72295-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Annona reticulata L.)

Specifications

Growth