CHERIMOYA or CHERIMOYER (Anon Cherimola), a sub-tropical fruit of the custard-apple family (Anonaceae), sometimes called Peruvian custard-apple. It is probably native to the mountains of Ecuador and Peru whence several centuries ago it spread by cultivation to Mexico, Central America and the West Indies; later to the Hawaiian islands, Mediterranean coun tries, Africa, India and Polynesia, and recently to the southern United States. It succeeds best in a comparatively cool and dry summer climate, and in the tropics must he grown at considerable elevation. It does well in protected foot-hill regions of California and also in southern Florida where there is little frost. The fruits are roundish to oblong conical, greyish-brown or nearly black, three to five pounds or more in weight, with the skin either smooth or with warty tubercles on the surface. The flesh is soft, sweet, rich and deliciously flavoured. Propagating is done by shield budding or cleft grafting on seedling stocks two years old, and stocks of other species of Anona are sometimes used. Mature trees are from 15 to 20 ft. high.