Iñaki Hormaza, Arnold Arboretum Research Associate and Professor, Mayora Research Station of the Spanish Council for Scientific Research, will be discussing the cherimoya, a potentially sustainable fruit tree originating in the Andes, and his project which unites conservation, research, and production methods. In Central America, the cherimoya is called the Anona and in English speaking countries it is sometimes referred to as the “custard apple” or “sugar apple.” It should be a wonderful evening linking research to the lives of small scale farmers in Central and South America. The cherimoya holds potential as a sustainable crop for the countries of that region and beyond. A wealth of genetic diversity, excellent organoleptic qualities (sensory food appeal), and high nutrition content make this fruit a potential component of Andean food security. Iñaki Hormaza, a visiting plant biologist at the Arboretum, is coordinating a project to capitalize on the species’ potential and will talk about his work that unites conservation, research, and production methods. The program will take place Wednesday, August 10, beginning at 7 pm at Weld Hill, 1300 Centre Street, Boston. Registration is requested by alling Amie Evans at 617-384-5241, or emailing her at amieevans@fas.harvard.edu. Photo by Axel Kratel.
