Green nondescript winged fragrant flowers are borne in spring followed by large green heart shaped knobbly fruit. Creamy white juicy flesh which is soft, delicate and has the taste and consistency of custard. Enclosed in the flesh are large black seeds, they come away easily. The fruit has a delightful fruity fragrance, sweet flavour.
Habit - Forms a small upright tree approximately 5 m high. The olive-green leaves are large (20cm in length) and oval in shape. The undersides of the leaves are soft and velvety. Performs well in cooler climates.
Size - Tree that will reach a height of 5 to 6m.
Pollination - Hand pollination is advisable to ensure good crops. However my cherimoya in Katikati carried 10 fruit on it in its 3rd year without a helping hand from myself. Hand pollination is very simple so do not panic – with a small artist paint brush remove the pollen and anthers (little flower stalks within the flower) from wide open flowers mid afternoon Collect in a small container. During the late afternoon apply to flowers just opening by removing one petal and brushing the pollen in and around the ovary (conical shape at the base of the flower). The removed petal now marks the flower has been pollinated.
Harvest - August to October. Fruiting will begin 3 to 4 years from planting. At maturity pick fruit and ripen at room temperature. Fruit are ripe when it develops its fragrance and softens just a little to touch. Also shows a slight change in colour. The fruit will be ready to eat 5-10 days after picking. Fruit will spoil quickly.