Pond Apple

(Annona glabra)
Pond apple, photo: James Cook University
Image: Pond apple fruit, © James Cook University.

Status of pond apple in Tasmania
  • Pond apple is a declared weed in Tasmania under the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999. The importation, sale and distribution of pond apple are prohibited in Tasmania.
  • Pond apple is also a Weed of National Significance (WONS).

What does pond apple look like?

  • Pond apple is a semi deciduous woody tree, generally 3 to 6 m tall, but growing to 15 m. Several stems may grow and fuse together giving the appearance of a single trunk. The leaves are paler underneath, alternate up the stem, and have a prominent mid-rib. The flowers are creamy white to light yellow.
  • The fruit is edible, similar to a custard apple, mango-shaped, and contains 140 pumpkin-like seeds.
  • Spread is via seed. Seed is spread in water and by animals eating the fruits and dispersing the seed.

Impacts of pond apple

  • Pond apple is a serious environmental weed in tropical wetlands and rainforests.

Where does pond apple occur

  • Pond apple is a native of North, Central and South America and West Africa. In Australia, pond apple has naturalised in Queensland.
  • Pond apple does not occur in Tasmania.

What you need to do

  • If you locate pond apple anywhere in Tasmania, or if you find a plant that you think could be pond apple, immediately contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 to report this weed.

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