Annona glabra also known as the pond apple or alligator apple is a tropical tree home to the Annonaceae family. These tropical trees are native to Florida and can be seen in other places such as the Caribbean, West Africa and both Central and South America. They can grow up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Apples from these trees can be consumed by humans but are very bitter and often not enjoyed by humans. However Native Indians and settlers to the everglades consumed it often. The seeds of these apples are poisonous to humans however and should be avoided. The Apples from these trees are also a diuretic food for humans. The powder of the seeds have also been known to blind people if gotten to the eyes. To learn more about the pond apple tree here in the Everglades click here and book an airboat tour now and see it in person.
Image of Pond Apple Tree within the Everglades National Park
These trees can be seen all over today while at the Everglades National Park. These trees were once considered invasive but instead were decided to be kept since there were pros to them. After studies revealed that Alligators contained pond apples in their stomach contents. Alligators and other animals such as raccoons, birds and squirrels. Although humans may not like pond apples that much, alligators use these apples that hang low over the water as a source of food and nutrients and is why these pond apple trees are kept in the Everglades and not removed. If needed these alligators can also propel themselves out of the water to grab apples off these trees in case of none floating or being low to the water surface.
Image of an Alligator within the Everglades National Park
The pond apple tree has health benefits and culinary uses. Each part of the tree the stem, bark, leaves and seeds each contribute in their own way to help with health issues both. The fruit is also used as a culinary item and can be used in multiple ways to find out ways in how click here to find out.
I did not realize that these trees were once considered to be invasive. When walking through the Everglades, these apples seemed to be everywhere. What I found to be most interesting was when you stood in one spot and remained very quiet, you could hear the apples falling into the water. The plopping noise that they make was never ending if you just stopped to listen for it.
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