Chincuya Tree (Soncoya)

About the Chincuya Tree (Soncoya)

Chincuya, also called soncoya, is a native Mexican relative of the custard apple and soursop. Its large, round fruit is covered in blunt, pyramid-like points and ripens to a brownish colour, revealing fibrous, bright-orange pulp with a sweet, aromatic flavour often compared to mango and papaya. Traditionally enjoyed in southern Mexico and Central America, it is rarely seen in markets today, which makes it a special tree for anyone who values regional fruits. The tree drops its leaves briefly in the dry season and thrives in warm lowlands. Grown on our farms in Yucatán and Chiapas and shipped via DHL.

How to Care for It

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil; it tolerates poor and limestone soils common in the Yucatán. Water regularly while young and during fruit development; it handles a dry season once established. Feed with compost and a balanced fertiliser at the start of the rains. Protect from frost. Prune lightly to shape and remove dead wood while the tree is leafless.

Grow fruit most people have never tasted. Our exotic fruit trees, from Monthong durian and Emperor lychee to jaboticaba, achachairú and red finger lime, are raised on our farms in Yucatán and Chiapas and shipped by DHL across Mexico. Most love heat and humidity; several do beautifully in large pots.

Growing Profile

Botanical name

Annona purpurea

Family

Annonaceae

Native to

Southern Mexico to northern South America

Mature height

6–10 m

Plant spacing

7 m

Years to first fruit

3–5 years

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Cold tolerance

down to 2 °C

Best climates

Humid tropics, Dry tropics

Grows in a pot

Best in the ground

Ships from

Our farms in Yucatán & Chiapas