Annonengewächse Standardsorte

Season Overview

Description

General information The Annonaceae, a diverse plant family within the magnolia family (Magnoliales), comprises more than 110 genera and over 2,220 species. They are also known as the "bottle tree family". Formerly classified as separate families, the Hornschuchiaceae and Monodoraceae now belong to the comprehensive Annonaceae group. Known for their fragrant characteristics, this family is primarily home to tropical trees and shrubs as well as various liana species. The best-known representatives of the plant family include the cinnamon apple (Annona squamosa) and Cananga odorata, from which ylang-ylang oil is extracted. This plant family offers a rich botanical diversity that is valued in the culinary world and in cosmetics. Distribution Annonaceae grow predominantly in tropical climates. Characteristic representatives such as Anaxagorea can be found in regions from South and Central America to the Caribbean and Mexico to parts of Asia, including the Malay Archipelago. Other species, such as Cananga, are found in tropical regions of Asia as far as Australia. The Annonaceae family adapts remarkably to a variety of tropical habitats, from humid rainforests and mountainous woodlands to coastal regions. How do Annonaceae plants grow? The Annonaceae family presents a remarkable diversity of growth forms that includes trees, shrubs and lianas. While many species of Annonaceae are considered evergreen and retain their leaves all year round, there are also species that are deciduous and lose their leaves in certain seasons. Leaves Annonaceae are known for their characteristic leaves, which are usually a vivid green and characterized by pinnate veins. These veins extend from the central main vein to the edges of the leaves, giving the leaves a distinctive appearance. In addition, some leaves of this family are characterized by a special dot pattern. Flowers The flowers of the Annonaceae family are characterized by their subtle beauty, typically in shades of cream, yellow, white or a delicate green. Their elongated axis, on which the stamens sit in a spiral arrangement, gives them a unique structure. The perianth of the annonaceae consists of three layers: The lowest part resembles a calyx, while the two upper layers together form the corolla. Fruits The annonaceae produce aggregate fruits. Each of these fruits consists of up to eight berries, rarely more. Each of these berries contains several seeds, sometimes only one. Each seed is surrounded by a soft covering called an aril. Inside the seed is an oily tissue, known as endosperm, which is crucial for nourishing the seedling. The pulp of Annonaceae aggregate fruits is typically soft and has a pulpy consistency. Some of these fruits, such as those of the spiny annon (Annona muricata), reach considerable sizes of up to four kilograms. How are annonaceae plants used? The Annonaceae family enriches the culinary world with exotic fruits such as the cherimoya in Asia, Africa and South America. Annonaceae also provide aromatic ingredients for the cosmetics industry. A highlight among the edible fruits is the cinnamon apple, which is characterized by its unmistakable taste. The fruits of some species from this family, such as the cane pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) and the burro pepper (Xylopia aromatica), are also used as pepper substitutes.

Growing tips

Choice of location

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Dark germinator

Germination temperature

20 - 25 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

250 cm

Row spacing

350 cm

Seeding depth

2.5 cm