The slender leaves are hairless, straight and pointed at the apex (in some varieties wrinkled), 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long and 2–7 cm (1–3 in) wide. The yellow-green flowers are generally in clusters of three or four 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) diameter, with three long outer petals and three very small inner ones. Its pollen is shed as permanent tetrads.
The fruits vary in shape, heart-shaped, spherical, oblong or irregular. The size ranges from 7–12 cm (3–4+1⁄2 in), depending on the cultivar. When ripe, the fruit is brown or yellowish, with red highlights and a varying degree of reticulation, depending again on the variety. The flesh varies from juicy and very aromatic to hard with a repulsive taste. The flavor is sweet and pleasant, akin to the taste of ‘traditional’ custard.
