Custard apple: niche analysis

 

Image from HappyEarth

Custard apple

vars. Pink's mammoth, African pride

Hybrid of Annona squamosa and Annona cherimola

Habits: tropical and subtropical Americas; valleys; semi-deciduous

Needs, tolerances & susceptibilities: water - medium, regular watering while fruiting; drainage - good; sun - full; pollination - beetles, but many varieties self-pollinating; not fussy on soil types; wind sensitive

Characteristics & behaviours: form - tree/shrub; height - 3-5m, prunable; root structure - shallow; growth rate - fast

Design functions: shade

Products: food - fruit; animal food - poultry; harvest time - autumn to spring; fibre - timber, fuel

Ecological functions: soil improvement - carbon; wildlife habitat/food - small animals; invertebrate host/food - beetles

Resources: https://www.custardapple.com.au/about-custard-apples
https://www.daleysfruit.com.au/my/841/  

Integration notes: varieties available at Ladybird Nursery; placement along South fence to screen from neighbours and provide shade for ginger, turmeric, and galangal against midday and afternoon summer sun; irrigation from water catchments #3 and #4 overflow, draining to rear of site; flanked by other trees, fence and shed to protect from wind.