Pond Apple (Annona glabra): Wetland Native

Pond apple, also called alligator apple, is a semi-evergreen tree native to swamps and wetlands of the Americas and West Africa. It tolerates flooding and salt, making it unique among fruit trees.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This tree grows 30–40 feet tall with a narrow crown. Leaves are simple, alternate, leathery, with a distinct midrib. Flowers are pale yellow, solitary. Fruit is large, greenish-yellow, apple-shaped, with many seeds embedded in a pungent, yellow pulp. The wood is lightweight and used for floats.

Cultivation and Uses

Pond apple thrives in full sun to partial shade and wet, even flooded, soils. It is used for wetland restoration, as a rootstock for other Annonas, and the fruit is eaten by wildlife (and occasionally humans, though flavor is acquired). It can be invasive in some tropical wetlands outside its native range.

Ecological Role

Provides food and habitat in swamp ecosystems; seeds dispersed by water and animals.