Is soursop the same as Annona? Unpacking the Annona Genus

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

Botanical classification shows that soursop, or Annona muricata, is a single species, while Annona represents an entire genus of fruit-bearing trees, meaning soursop is a type of Annona and not the same thing entirely. This relationship is similar to how a golden retriever is a specific type of dog.

Quick Summary

Soursop is a specific species of tropical fruit, scientifically known as Annona muricata. The name Annona refers to the broader genus that includes many different species, such as sugar apple and cherimoya, all belonging to the custard apple family.

Key Points

Soursop is a specific species: Soursop is the fruit of Annona muricata, one particular species within the Annona genus.
Annona is a broad genus: The name Annona refers to the entire genus, which includes soursop along with many other distinct tropical fruits like cherimoya and sugar apple.
Not all Annona fruits are the same: While in the same genus, different Annona species have unique appearances, flavors, and textures.
Botanical name is key: The scientific name Annona muricata is used to specifically identify soursop, avoiding confusion with other members of the genus.
Genus and species clarification: The relationship is hierarchical: soursop is a species (muricata) that is part of the genus (Annona), which is in the custard apple family (Annonaceae).

Understanding the Annona Genus

To understand the relationship between soursop and Annona, it's crucial to grasp the basics of botanical classification. Think of it as a hierarchical family tree. At the highest level is the family, in this case, Annonaceae, also known as the custard apple family. Below that is the genus, which for soursop is Annona. Finally, the most specific level is the species, which is muricata. Therefore, the full botanical name for soursop is Annona muricata.

The genus Annona is quite large and diverse, containing numerous species that all share certain botanical characteristics. These species are found primarily in the tropical regions of the Americas and are celebrated for their delicious, edible fruits. However, each species has its own unique qualities, from flavor and texture to appearance and native range. Some of the most well-known members of the Annona genus include:

Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa): Known for its sweet, custardy pulp and knobby, segmented skin.
Cherimoya (Annona cherimola): Often called the "ice cream fruit," with a smooth skin and a tropical blend of flavors.
Custard Apple (Annona reticulata): Distinguished by its reddish-brown, smooth or slightly bumpy skin and sweet, granular flesh.
Pond Apple (Annona glabra): Typically smaller and less sought after for consumption than other Annona fruits.

The Unique Attributes of Soursop (Annona muricata)

Soursop is a particularly distinct member of the Annona genus. Its most recognizable feature is its large, oval-shaped fruit with soft, prickly green skin. The fruit can be quite large, with some specimens weighing up to 22 pounds. The inside reveals a juicy, white, fibrous pulp and numerous black, inedible seeds. Its flavor profile is a complex mix of sweet and tart, reminiscent of a combination of pineapple, strawberries, and citrus, with a creamy banana-like texture.

Soursop is also known by several other common names across different regions, such as graviola, guanábana, and guyabano. These regional names often lead to confusion, but they all refer to the same species, Annona muricata.

Comparison Table: Soursop vs. Other Annona Species


Feature	Soursop (Annona muricata)	Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa)	Cherimoya (Annona cherimola)
Appearance	Large, heart-shaped, prickly green skin	Small, knobby, segmented green skin	Heart-shaped or conical with smooth, bumpy skin
Flavor	Sweet-tart with hints of citrus and strawberry	Very sweet, custardy flavor	Sweet, tropical, often compared to banana, pineapple, and peach
Texture	Juicy, fibrous, and creamy	Granular, custardy pulp	Smooth and custard-like
Native Region	Tropical Americas & Caribbean	Tropical Americas	Andes mountains of South America
Seeds	Numerous, black, smooth, and toxic	Numerous, glossy, dark brown/black	Numerous, black, smooth, and toxic

The Importance of Correct Botanical Identification

Using the correct botanical name, Annona muricata, is vital for clarity and scientific accuracy. When someone refers to simply "Annona," they could be talking about any of the dozens of species within the genus. This is particularly important for consumers, researchers, and traditional medicine practitioners.

Nutritional Differences: Each Annona species has a different nutritional profile and phytochemical composition. For instance, while soursop contains the compound annonacin, its concentration and presence vary across the genus.
Medicinal Properties: Different parts of various Annona species have been used in traditional medicine for different purposes. Misidentification could lead to ineffective or even harmful treatments.
Agricultural Practices: Cultivation requirements, including climate tolerance, pest resistance, and yield, differ significantly between Annona species. A farmer needs to know the specific species to ensure a successful crop.

Conclusion: A Genus of Variety, a Species of Distinction

In conclusion, the answer to the question "Is soursop the same as Annona?" is no. Soursop is a singular, distinct species, Annona muricata, that belongs to the much larger Annona genus. The genus Annona encompasses many different tropical fruits, each with its own unique characteristics. Understanding this distinction clarifies the botanical relationship and helps prevent confusion about the fruits' properties, uses, and cultivation. It highlights the incredible diversity found within the custard apple family and the unique identity of the popular soursop fruit.

For further reading on the botanical details and pharmacological activities of Annona muricata, a review published in the National Institutes of Health's PubMed Central offers extensive scientific information. Pharmacological Activities of Soursop (Annona muricata Lin.)

Frequently Asked Questions

The scientific name for soursop is Annona muricata. The common name, soursop, refers specifically to this species of fruit.

Soursop (Annona muricata) and cherimoya (Annona cherimola) are different species within the same Annona genus. They differ in appearance, flavor profile, and texture; soursop is spiky and has a sweet-tart taste, while cherimoya is smoother and sweeter.

While many Annona fruits are edible, it is important to exercise caution. The seeds and other parts of many Annona plants, including soursop, contain annonacin, a neurotoxic compound. The fruit pulp of soursop is generally considered safe when eaten in moderation, but seeds should be removed.

The Annona genus, which includes soursop, belongs to the Annonaceae family, commonly known as the custard apple family.

Yes, graviola is another common name for soursop, or Annona muricata. They are the same fruit, and the name used often depends on the geographic location.

Yes, soursop has numerous regional names. These include guanábana (Latin America) and guyabano (Philippines), but all refer to the species Annona muricata.

The seeds and leaves of many Annona plants, including soursop, contain neurotoxic compounds like annonacin. While the ripe fruit pulp of some species is safe for moderate consumption, seeds should be avoided, and herbal remedies from the leaves should be used with caution and medical supervision.