Cherimoya Flower
Annona cherimola Mill.
Cherimoya flowers are small, fragrant, greenish-yellow blooms with a protogynous dichogamous flowering habit. These unique flowers require hand pollination and produce the highly prized cherimoya fruit, often called "the most delicious fruit known to man."
Annonaceae (Custard Apple family)
Late spring to early summer (after leaf drop), blooms appear on new growth
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: sugar apple flowers and sapodilla flowers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Native to the Andean highlands, cherimoya has been cultivated since pre-Columbian times by indigenous peoples. The Spanish introduced it to the rest of the world in the 16th century. Mark Twain famously called cherimoya "the most delicious fruit known to man." The flower's unique pollination requirement symbolizes patience and careful attention, while the resulting fruit represents the reward for dedicated cultivation. In California, where commercial production thrives, the tree represents successful adaptation of Andean crops to Mediterranean climates.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun with protection from hot afternoon sun and dry winds
Water
Moderate; avoid waterlogged soil; tolerates brief dry periods
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy loam, Decomposed granite, pH 5-8
Expert Growing Tips
Flowers exhibit protogynous dichogamy (stigma receptive before pollen is ready), requiring hand pollination
Collect pollen in late afternoon/evening, store cool, apply to receptive stigmas in morning
Trees typically fruit 3-5 years from planting
Fruit ripens 5-8 months after pollination
Requires 50-100 hours of winter chilling for best production
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Fruit tree in subtropical gardens
- Exotic specimen tree
- Container plant in cooler climates
- Espalier in Mediterranean gardens
- Educational plantings for unusual flowering habits
Traditional Uses
- Fruit pulp rich in vitamins and minerals
- High in antioxidants and phytonutrients
- Fruit aids digestion and provides dietary fiber
- Seeds, leaves, and limbs contain toxic alkaloids and should not be consumed
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cherimoya Flower
Why do cherimoya flowers need hand pollination?
Cherimoya flowers have protogynous dichogamy, meaning the female stigma is receptive in the morning before the male pollen is ready later in the day. This prevents self-pollination and requires manual transfer of pollen.
When do cherimoya trees flower?
Cherimoya trees flower in late spring to early summer, after they drop their leaves. Flowers bloom on new growth and must be hand-pollinated for fruit production.
What does a cherimoya flower look like?
Cherimoya flowers are 1-2 inches long, pendulous, with three fleshy petals. They have a greenish-yellow to brown exterior with a white interior and hang from new branch growth.
How long after flowering does cherimoya fruit ripen?
After successful pollination, cherimoya fruit takes 5-8 months to ripen. In California, fruit typically ripens from November to June depending on when the flowers were pollinated.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Sugar Apple Flower
Annona squamosa L.
Sugar apple flowers are small, fragrant, greenish-yellow blooms with protogynous flowering (female parts mature before male). These specialized flowers require pollination by nitidulid beetles and produce the beloved sweet, custard-like fruit.
Sapodilla Flower
Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen
The sapodilla flower is a small, bell-shaped, cream-colored blossom that appears year-round on the sapodilla tree. These fragrant flowers produce sweet brown fruits and were historically important for chicle, the original chewing gum base.
Persimmon Blossom
Diospyros virginiana (American Persimmon)
Persimmon blossoms are small, fragrant flowers that appear in late spring on this native American fruit tree. They symbolize transformation, prosperity, and seasonal change.