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Abstract
Considering the ilama crop (Annona diversifolia Saf.) as a sustainable alternative for fruit-growing in the dry tropics, its phenological and anatomical characterization was performed in situ, and also a dormancy evaluation under controlled conditions. Ilama is a semi-deciduous species with a discontinuous annual phenological cycle with an active growth stage and a dormancy one. The cycle begins in March-April with the appearance of reproductive and vegetative buds, the floral opening takes place in March-May, it bears fruit for five months (May-September); the growth of branches, buds and leaves begins in the spring and ends in summer. The temperature is the prevailing factor in defoliation, apparently the drought only exerts a helping effect when accelerating the senescence of the leaf; and it presents morphological and physiological characteristics similar to species adapted to live in habitats with high solar radiation and moisture limitations.