Annona stenophylla facts for kids

Annona stenophylla is a type of plant that belongs to the Annonaceae family. You can find it growing naturally in Tanzania and Zambia. Two German scientists, Adolf Engler and Ludwig Diels, were the first to describe this plant officially. They gave it the name stenophylla because of its narrow leaves. The name comes from Greek words meaning "narrow" (stenós) and "leaf (phúllon).

About the Annona stenophylla Plant

This plant is a small bush, usually growing between 0.3 and 1 meter (about 1 to 3 feet) tall.

Leaves of the Plant

Its leaves are thin and narrow. They can be 4 to 18 centimeters long and 1 to 6 centimeters wide. The very tip of a leaf might be pointed, rounded, or have a small dip. The top side of the leaves is smooth and a bluish-green color. The underside is lighter and covered with many fine hairs. Each leaf has 5 to 7 orange or red veins branching out from the main vein. The leaf stems, called petioles, are short, from 0.8 to 10 millimeters long, and have a small groove.

Flowers of the Plant

The flowers grow one by one on hairy stalks that are 0.8 to 2.5 centimeters long. These stalks grow from the side of the plant's main stem. The flowers have small, triangular sepals, which are like tiny leaves that protect the bud. These sepals are hairy on the outside and smooth on the inside.

The flowers have two rows of petals. The outer petals are thick, tough, and green. They are oval or triangular, about 0.8 to 1 centimeter long and wide. They are slightly cupped and have a shallow point at the tip. The outer surface of these petals is covered in dense, fine hairs. The inner petals are narrower and oblong, about 6 to 10 millimeters long and 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters wide. These inner petals are smooth and hairless.

Inside the flower, the stamens (which produce pollen) are 1.5 to 2 millimeters long. The carpels (which contain the seeds) are cylindrical, 1 to 1.5 millimeters long, and hairless.

Fruit and Seeds

The fruit of Annona stenophylla grows on hairy stalks that are 1.5 to 4 centimeters long. The fruit itself is dark yellow, round or oval, and about 1.7 to 3 centimeters across. It is smooth and has a cool network pattern on its skin. Inside, there are many brown, oval, flat seeds. Each seed is about 7 to 9 millimeters long and 3 to 4 millimeters wide, with a special growth called a caruncle at one end.

How the Plant Reproduces

The pollen of Annona stenophylla, which helps the plant reproduce, is released in groups of four.

Where Annona stenophylla Grows

This plant likes to grow in sandy soil. It has been found in areas that are high up, usually between 1200 and 1500 meters (about 3,900 to 4,900 feet) above sea level.

Uses of Annona stenophylla

This plant has some interesting uses, especially in traditional practices.

Traditional Medicine

In Zimbabwe, people use a paste made from the roots of Annona stenophylla in traditional medicine. It is used to help treat some infections and also as a way to keep snakes away. Scientists have also found that certain substances taken from the root bark might help lower blood sugar levels, and they are studying this for conditions like diabetes.

Edible Fruit

The ripe fruit of Annona stenophylla is safe to eat. The soft inside part, called the pulp, is sweet and tastes good. People enjoy eating the fruit fresh, and it can also be pressed to make juice.