Latin name - Atemoya x reticulata

Temoylata is yet another exciting hybridization of two Annona species, the atemoya and the custard apple. (Atemoya x reticulata).  Since the atemoya is itself already a hybrid, the Temoylata would be considered a complex hybrid, containing genetics from 3 distinct Annona fruits: Cherimoya x Sugar Apple x Custard Apple.  To those who aren’t seasoned botanists and may be uneasy with the terminology, don’t be alarmed!  Hybridization is a natural process of plant breeding which commonly occurs through insect activity.  Bees or other pollinating insects move pollen from one flower to another, and if viable seeds are formed within the resulting fruit, a hybrid has been created.  Humans can also help create hybrids by planting desirable parent trees close together, transferring pollen from one to another, and evaluating their offspring.  If hybridization produces a new and unique fruit with good qualities, it’s a success!

Strap yourself in, the fruit nerd-ing has only just begun:  

The specific Temoylata that we grow is more commonly known by the names “Red Geffner” and “Red Atemoya”, although these are slight misnomers since it’s not an atemoya.  

The shortest and most accurate way to refer to it is by its field number “47-18”.  How enticing!

Temoylata 47-18 was a product of Annona expert Har Mahdeem’s hybridization efforts in the mid-90’s, under the Zill breeding projects.  Its two parents are the ‘Geffner’ atemoya and ‘San Pablo’ custard apple.  47-18 is the field planting number– this hybrid was never given a formal name or used commercially by Zill.  We are not quite sure why, as the tree has many desirable qualities:  it grows vigorously in South FL’s climate,  is precocious, and the fruit is impressive both visually and in flavor.  Somehow the tree fell into obscurity, but thanks to a handful of collectors who obtained budwood, the 47-18 Temoylata has survived and is now gaining popularity.  We found out about it several years ago when Miami Fruit began selling the fruit under the name “Red Atemoya”, for upwards of $170 for a single fruit!  

Needless to say, the Temoylata is an interesting part of our Annona collection and stands as a stunning example of the possibilities of fruit breeding, particularly within the Annona family. 

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Size: 8-10’ wide x 12-15’ tall, with pruning

Sun Requirements:  Full sun

Cold Hardy: 28 degrees

Harvest Season:  Late summer

Watering requirements: Fairly drought tolerant once established

Food Forest Layer: Canopy, Understory