Pond Apple (Annona glabra)

Pond Apple is a rare wild Soursop relative, also known as Alligator Apple, Swamp Apple, Corkwood, Bobwood, and Monkey Apple. It grows wild in the Everglades and swampland. The unique heart-shaped golden yellow fruit has a delicious sweet aroma and a mild flavor.

The Pond Apple (Annona glabra) is a unique and distinctive tropical tree native to the American subtropics and tropics. This versatile plant is renowned for its adaptability to wetland habitats, making it a prominent feature in freshwater and brackish swamp ecosystems. Here is a detailed description of this fascinating plant:

Pond Apples typically grow as small to medium-sized trees, reaching heights of 15 to 40 feet (4.5 to 12 meters). They have a relatively short, often crooked trunk with a dense, irregular canopy. The leaves are simple, oblong, and glossy, measuring 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) in length. They are dark green on the upper side and lighter green beneath. Pond Apple trees produce fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers with three fleshy petals. These flowers are generally inconspicuous and appear in clusters in the leaf axils.

The fruit of the Pond Apple is the most distinctive feature. It resembles a lumpy, greenish-yellow apple with a tough, leathery skin covered in warty protuberances. The fruit is typically 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in diameter and contains numerous seeds embedded in a sweet, custard-like pulp. The aroma of the ripe fruit is often described as a mix of pineapple and banana.

Pond Apples are primarily found in wetland areas, including swamps, marshes, and along riverbanks.  They are native to subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas, ranging from Florida in the United States down through the Caribbean and into South America.
These trees thrive in wet, waterlogged soils, and are often seen growing partially submerged in standing water.

Pond Apples serve as an essential component of wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects.
The fruit is a valuable food source for various species and is particularly cherished by alligators, which is why it is sometimes referred to as "Alligator Apple."

While not commonly cultivated for food, Pond Apples are occasionally harvested for their sweet, custard-like pulp, which can be eaten fresh or used in desserts and beverages.
The wood of the Pond Apple tree is used in some local applications, such as for making posts and small items.

Pond Apples are generally not considered threatened or endangered. However, the destruction of wetland habitats due to urban development and drainage can pose a threat to their populations.