Plant Profile: Junglesop

Apparently it’s the favorite fruit of bonobos, which is a fact I bring up more than I probably should.

The Basics

Junglesop, Anonidium mannii, is a fruit tree in the family Annonaceae — the same family as soursop and rollinia.

Origin and Habitat

Native to the jungles of West and Central Africa.

What It Looks Like

Produces the biggest fruit in the entire Annonaceae family, bigger than rollinia or soursop, sometimes reaching 30 pounds a fruit.

Uses and Flavor

Haven’t gotten fruit from ours yet, so no firsthand tasting notes, but the sheer size alone makes it stand out from its more familiar cousins.

Growing It Here

Got this one from Joe. Planted it next to a rollinia that had an accident and never quite recovered, hoping this one does better in that spot.

Pests and Diseases to Watch For

Nothing to report yet.

Kenta’s Take

Any tree whose fruit can hit 30 pounds and doubles as a bonobo’s favorite snack has earned a permanent place in my rotation of fun facts to share with visitors.