NORTH AMERICAN PAW PAW
By Scott Bauer, USDA (USDA ARS Image Number K7575-8) Public domain (Photo Credits)Botanical Name: Asimina triloba
Description
The pawpaw is the only temperate member of the tropical Annonaceae family. It is a small, deciduous tree that may attain 5 to 10 m in height. In the forest understory, trees often exist in clumps or thickets. This may result from root suckering or seedlings developing from fruits that dropped to the ground from an original seedling tree. In sunny locations, trees typically assume a pyramidal habit, straight trunk and lush, dark green, long, drooping leaves that turn gold and brown in colour during the fall. Flowers emerge before leaves in mid spring. The blossoms occur singly on previous year's wood and may reach up to 5 cm in diameter. Flowers are strongly protogynous, self-incompatible and require cross pollination although some trees may be self-compatible it is a good idea to plant two or more trees for cross pollination. Fruits are typically 3 to 15 cm long, 3 to 10 cm wide and weigh from 200 to 400 g. They may be borne singly or in clusters which resemble the "hands" of a banana plant (Musa spp.). This highly aromatic, climacteric fruit has a ripe taste that resembles a creamy mixture of banana, mango, and pineapple. Shelf-life of a tree-ripened fruit stored at room temperature is 2 to 3 days. With refrigeration, fruit can be held up to 3 weeks while maintaining good eating quality. Within the fruit, there are two rows of large, brown, bean shaped, laterally compressed seeds that may be up to 3 cm long.
| Image | Price | Avail. | Propagation | Size | Buy Options |
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$32.95 | 0 | Seedling | Large |
In Production
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$19.75 | 0 | Seedling | Medium |
Seeking Propagation Material
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Plant Information or Specifications
Preferred Climate
Warm Temperate, Subtropical
Learn About Climate Zones
Seedling
Learn About Propagation Methods
Max Height (when in the ground with good conditions)
2-5m
Plants required to Pollinate
2 compatible plants (Pollination Required)
Learn about Pollination
Can it Handle Frosts?
Yes
Amount of leaves in Winter?
No Leaves (Deciduous)
Quarantine Restrictions to these Areas
WA
Fruiting/Harvest Months
April, May, June
Customer Comments on North American Paw Paw
Tree Information on growing, planting, pruning, maintenance, ripening, taste, pick or bonsai tips. But mainly how to grow a North American Paw Paw Share Your Advice or ask questions on our Forum
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