English/ Common name- Lakshman phal, Soursop
Local name- ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಣಫಲ
Botanical name- SourSop Graviola Guanabana Annona muricata
Appearance- A bushy tree that stands at about 6 meters in height, can be distinguished by its broad, oblong leaves and its heart-shaped green fruit which has thorns on its outer skin. It is often said to resemble a custard apple as it has creamy pulp fruit inside with blackish-brown seeds. Also, many say that it tastes like a combination of pineapple and strawberry. Apart from the fruit, the tree itself – its leaves, stem, flowers, etc. have amazing natural compounds and medicinal benefits to cure many diseases.
Origin- Commonly known as soursop or Lakshman Phal in India, this fruit is a native of Brazil.
Conditions required for growth- Lakshmana phal is normally fairly low maintenance and quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Very little pruning is required once the initial shaping is attained, pruning of only dead or diseased limbs, which should be done once harvest is over.
Uses- Its leaves are sold and consumed in Indonesia as herbal medicine. The leaves are usually boiled to make tea. It is believed to have medicinal benefits such as preventing cancer and anti-inflammation.
Common remedies:
- To treat itchy skin (Part of the tree used - Fruit ) : In order to use soursop on the skin, take 3-4 spoons of soursop pulp. Add one spoon of honey and one spoon of yogurt to it. Mix them together and apply them to the affected site. Massage for some time and wash off with lukewarm water.
