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ANNONA MURICATA L - GUANABANA.
Common namesNangka blanda, soursop, guanabana, graviola, prickly custard apple, durian benggala, zuurzak. Family Annonaceae (Annona family). Overview Soursop belongs to the genus Annonaceae and comprises about 150 species. It is a small tree of tropical South America, no more than 20 feet tall; the leaves are leathery, very dark and shiny green. They have a pungent odor when crushed. The tree has larger yellow flowers. Guanabana fruit is oblong or somewhat curved with a length of 13 inch and a weight of up to 8 pound. The fruit has 40 - to 100 black seeds. The creamy, aromatic pulp is used in ice cream and as a juice: it is rich in vitamin B and C. Nangka blanda has a musky, sub - to acid flavor. Pharmacology There are phytochemicals in the leaves, seeds and stem of the guanabana which are cytotoxic against various types of cancer cells. There is ongoing cancer-research on this plant concerning the specific phytochemicals that are demonstrating the strongest anticancer and antiviral properties. It seems that in contrast with chemotherapy, that indiscriminately seeks and destroys all actively reproducing cells, graviola selectively target enemy cells. It leaves all healthy and normal cells undisturbed. Soursop has an important place in traditional- and alternative medicine in Central- and South America. Applications are analgesic and antispasmodic. Visit our: CHOLESTEROL -, DIABETES - , APPLICATION AND DOSAGE-, TINCTURE - and HYPERTENSION pages. Suriname's traditional medicine Tea of the leaves is used against edgy nerves, hypertension with nervousness. Also used against flu and fevers. Fresh leaves are used against sleeplessness (insomnia). Hardiness USDA zone 9B - 11. Propagation Seeds and cuttings. Due to recalcitrant nature of the seeds, they have a short viable life, can not be dried well and can not withstand low temperatures. Culture Full sun / light shade, tolerant of poor soil. Plant in frost free areas or spots. Graviola is a tropical plant so it is susceptible to cold damage; damage on the foliage appears at 38° F.; serious tree damage will occur at 25° F. for mature trees. |