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.
Annonaceae (Custard Apple family)
Throughout the year in tropics; flowers bloom on new growth
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: sapodilla flowers and cherimoya flowers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Sugar apple has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the tropical Americas and was spread by Spanish traders to Asia via the Manila galleons in the 16th century. It is now widely grown in India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines, where it's deeply embedded in local food culture. The flower's unique pollination by beetles symbolizes nature's intricate relationships. In the Philippines, the fruit is spread by fruit bats, demonstrating the tree's ecological importance. The name "sugar apple" perfectly captures the fruit's intensely sweet, custard-like flavor, and the flowers represent the promise of this treasured treat.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; young trees benefit from 50% shade initially
Water
Moderate; drought-tolerant once established; needs moisture during fruit set and growing season
Soil
Well-drained, Rocky, Sandy, Loamy, Tolerates various soil types
Expert Growing Tips
Flowers are female in morning (stigma receptive), male later in day (pollen release)
Natural pollinators are nitidulid beetles (sap beetles) attracted to strong, sweet odor
Hand pollination increases fruit set: collect pollen afternoon, apply next morning
Trees begin fruiting at 3-4 years old
Seeds, leaves, bark, and roots are toxic; only eat the white pulp
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Fruit tree in tropical home gardens
- Specimen tree in edible landscapes
- Container growing (ideal for small spaces)
- Ornamental foliage and flowers
- Attracts specialized pollinators (nitidulid beetles)
Traditional Uses
- Fruit high in calories, vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants
- Young fruits boiled for diarrhea treatment (high tannin)
- Flower and fruit infusion for pulmonary complaints
- Seeds contain antimicrobial and cytotoxic compounds
- Seeds crushed as diuretic (traditional medicine)
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sugar Apple Flower
How are sugar apple flowers pollinated?
Sugar apple flowers are pollinated by nitidulid beetles (sap beetles) attracted to the flower's strong, sweet odor. The flowers are female in the morning and male later, requiring cross-pollination.
Can you hand-pollinate sugar apple flowers?
Yes, hand pollination increases fruit set. Collect pollen from male flowers (afternoon) when petals are wide open, then brush onto receptive female flowers (morning) the next day.
When do sugar apple trees bloom?
In tropical regions, sugar apple trees can flower throughout the year. Flowering and fruiting are most abundant during the onset of rains and continue for several months.
What's the difference between sugar apple and cherimoya flowers?
Both are Annona species with similar flower structures, but sugar apple (A. squamosa) tolerates hot, humid lowlands better, while cherimoya (A. cherimola) prefers cooler highland climates.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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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.
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."
Starfruit Flower
Averrhoa carambola L.
Starfruit flowers are small, delicate pink to lavender blossoms that appear before the iconic star-shaped fruit. Native to Southeast Asia, these fragrant flowers attract pollinators and symbolize tropical abundance and exotic beauty.