Custard apple is a plant common in India It is also found in Central America, Peru, Brazil, Mexico and West Indies.In south east Asia this tree is very common.
This tree is a member of Annonaceae plant family.
This is a deciduous tree. It grows to a height of 3 to5 meters, with light-black, rough, longitudinally fissured bark.The leaves are elliptic-oblong oroblong lanceolate, rarely obovate and petiolate. The flowers are solitary or 2-3 fascicled, axillary or leaf opposed. The fruits are 5-10 cms. across, globose or cordate-ovoid with projecting areoles.The flowering season is April to August.
Usage:
In Ayurveda the fruits are used for treatment of anemia, and vomiting. The seeds are used EXTERNALLY for the treatment of Lice infestation on the human body (also known as pediculosis).
Chemical compounds obtained:
Amorphous alkaloids, a & b - pinine, resin, squaosin are obtained from this plant.
________________________________________
Gujarati: Shitafal
Marathi: Shitafal
Bengali: Aataa, Aatha
Tamil: Sitapallam
Telugu: Shitafal