Annona purpurea, commonly known as Soncoya, is a semi-deciduous tree native to tropical deciduous forests and lowland areas in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It typically grows to a height and width of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters). The Soncoya has a rounded canopy with large, leathery leaves that provide dense shade. Its flowers are large, with a combination of purple and pink hues, blooming in the summer and are moderately showy. The tree is also notable for its large, spiky, brownish-green fruit with a strong aroma and custard-like flesh.

The Soncoya tree is valued for its unique fruit, which is eaten fresh and used in traditional medicine. It is also planted as an ornamental due to its tropical appearance and shade-providing canopy. In cultivation, it requires a warm climate and does best in full sun to part shade. It prefers medium water and well-drained soils, but it is tolerant of various soil types. While not widely available, it can be grown from seed or cuttings. Potential problems include limited cold tolerance and susceptibility to pests such as scales and mealybugs. It is not typically invasive outside its native range but should be monitored in suitable climates.CC BY-SA 4.0