Annona mucosa, commonly known as Wild Sweetsop, is an evergreen tree native to the rainforests and seasonally flooded areas of the Tropical Americas, including Brazil, the Amazon Basin, and the Caribbean. It thrives in humid, warm climates and is often found in lowland areas that experience periodic flooding. This species can reach a height of 4–15 m (13–49 ft) and is known for its rapid growth, with the ability to bear fruit from seed within 3 years. The Wild Sweetsop has large, oblong leaves that can grow up to 35 cm long, providing a lush, green canopy.

The tree produces cream and yellow flowers during the summer and fall, which are followed by large, conical or round fruits. These fruits are green when unripe, ripening to yellow, and are covered with soft spines or protuberances. Despite their unappealing appearance when handled, the fruits are highly valued for their soft, sweet pulp with a flavor reminiscent of lemon meringue pie. The Wild Sweetsop is cultivated on a small scale due to its short shelf life and delicate fruit, which limits commercial distribution. However, it is popular for homestead cultivation in tropical areas, where it is often eaten fresh or used in cooking and winemaking. Propagation is typically by seeds, which can remain viable for up to 2 years when stored properly, though air-layering and grafting are also used to preserve specific cultivars.

In cultivation, Wild Sweetsop does best in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they offer slow to fast drainage. While it is not commonly used in formal landscaping, it can be an attractive addition to tropical home gardens and orchards. Gardeners should be aware that the tree may require protection from strong winds and cold temperatures, as it is not frost-tolerant.CC BY-SA 4.0