Family: Annonaceae

Annona mucosa (wild sweetsop, anona) is a tropical fruit tree native to South America, particularly the Amazon region. It belongs to the custard apple family (Annonaceae) and is closely related to other cultivated Annona species like cherimoya and soursop. The tree produces large, yellow fruits with a sweet, creamy pulp that is eaten fresh or used in desserts and drinks. It is occasionally cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas for its fruit and as a garden ornamental.

In Hawaiʻi, Annona mucosa is grown in some home gardens, but it has not been reported as naturalized or invasive. Unlike certain other members of the genus that have spread into wild areas, this species appears to remain contained to cultivation. While it provides value as a unique fruit crop, there is currently no evidence of it posing ecological risks in the Hawaiian Islands.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Fast-growing and reproductive in 3 years
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds (Possibly pigs, rats, and mongoose in Hawaii)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not known to be naturalized or invasive
  
• May only grow in low, humid, tropical conditions
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Self-incompatible (will not self-pollinate and set seeds)
  
• Fruits and seeds relatively large and unlikely to be spread accidentally