Cherimoya 'Bayes' aka Custard Apple, is a very attractive, small tree with graceful, large, oval, olive green leaves which droop down. Grows to 3m tall by 4m wide. Use as a specimen in the garden, or espalier against a wall. Fragrant, green winged flowers, followed by large, green, heart-shaped, knobbly fruit with a scale-patterned skin. The fruit is sweet and creamy with a tangy flavour similar to pears. Use the fruit chilled, fresh, in a fruit salad or mixed in a milkshake or ice cream. Cherimoyas are high in vitamin C and iron. Harvest September to November. Plant in a deep, rich, well drained soil. Protect from wind and frosts while young. Cherimoyas do well in areas with high humidity. Prune late winter/spring and train to a vase shape. Pinch back in summer to produce fruiting laterals. Feed in spring and autumn. Protect from frost and wind.
