Azimina "Autumn Surprise" is a medium-sized deciduous tree, reaching a height of 4 to 8 meters and having a wide pyramidal crown. The bark is smooth gray-brown, and young shoots are covered with soft fuzz. Leaves have an oblong-lanceolate shape, tapering to a thick petiole and coming to a point at the tip; they are light green, smooth on top, and slightly glossy underneath. Leaf dimensions vary from 22 to 25 cm in length and from 7 to 12 cm in width.
In April-May, bell-shaped flowers of a brownish-purple hue open on last year's shoots, attracting the gardener's attention. The fruits are cylindrical berries with twisted ends, reaching 7-9 cm in length and 4-5 cm in width, weighing from 60 to 200 grams. As they ripen, they change from dark green to pale yellow, and then become brown. Inside the berries is a tender light yellow, orange, or creamy pulp with a strawberry aroma and a taste reminiscent of a mix of mango, banana, and pineapple. The berries contain 10-12 dark brown seeds about 2.5 cm long.
The tree grows moderately fast: in the first two to three years, the annual growth is approximately 10 cm, then it accelerates to 20 cm. For successful development, it requires light and heat (from +16 to +26 degrees) for at least six months of the year. When planting, it is recommended to use a pit about 70 cm in diameter with drainage at the bottom and a top covering of a mixture of manure, sand, soil, and compost. The distance between trees should be at least 4 meters. Fruits ripen in mid-September-October, and yield can reach up to 20 kg from a ten-year-old tree. The tree is resistant to diseases and pests, easy to care for, but in the first year it is advisable to provide protection from strong frosts and excessive wind.
"Autumn Surprise" is widely used as a decorative plant in gardens thanks to its beautiful crown and bright fruits. Fruits can be eaten fresh, used in cooking as a banana substitute, and applied in medicine and cosmetology for their beneficial properties for digestion and overall health. Storing the berries is convenient: they will retain freshness for 10-14 days at room temperature and up to 12 months in a freezer.
