Family: Annonaceae
Annona montana is a tree species native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It can grow up to twelve meters in height and has a dense, rounded canopy. Its leaves are large, leathery, and dark green with an oblong shape. The flowers are small, yellow-green, and have a distinct fragrance. The tree produces large, spiny fruits that resemble those of Annona muricata, commonly known as soursop. The fruit is edible, with a soft, fibrous pulp that has a mildly sweet flavor, though it is not as widely consumed as other Annona species. Annona montana is valued for its potential medicinal properties, particularly in traditional herbal medicine, where various parts of the tree are used for their purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
While it is not as well-known as some of its relatives, it has been introduced to other tropical regions and can be found growing in cultivation or possibly naturalized in certain areas. It is currently reported to be cultivated, but not naturalized or invasive in the Hawaiian Islands.
High Risk Traits:
- Grows and can spread in regions with tropical climates
- Ambiguous reports of naturalization
- Other Annona species are invasive
- Tolerates many soil types (not limited by substrate)
- Reproduces by seed
- Can flower after two years
- Seeds dispersed by animals, water and through intentional cultivation
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasive or negative impacts where cultivated
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Not reported to be toxic
- Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Relatively large seeds unlikely to be accidentally spread
- Although dispersed by birds and bats, the Hawaiian Islands may lack dispersers capable of consuming or transporting the large seeds
- Recalcitrant seeds lose viability quickly and will not form a persistent seed bank
- Herbicides provide effective control of related invasive Annona species, and would likely be similarly effective if needed to control Annona montana
