(Annona glabra)
Pond apple fruit, © James Cook University.
Status of pond apple in Tasmania
Pond apple is a
declared weed in Tasmania under the Tasmanian Biosecurity Act 2019 and associated Regulations. 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.
See also
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