Pawpaw Asimina triloba (F)
ABOUT
The Asimina triloba, commonly known as the pawpaw, is a deciduous plant distinctive for its large, broad leaves and unique fruits. Each leaf is elongated, with a smooth margin, and appears lush green on the upper side while the underside is paler. In spring, the pawpaw produces inconspicuous flowers that are often purple or maroon in color, with six petals arranged in a bell-like structure. Following flowering, the plant develops fruits that are oblong and somewhat resemble large greenish-brown beans. These fruits contain multiple seeds inside their creamy, custardy flesh, which is notably high in nutrients and has a tropical flavor often likened to a blend of banana, mango, and melon.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Annonaceae.
Synonyms
Pawpaw, Common Pawpaw, Indiana Banana, American Custard Apple, Poor Man's Banana, Michigan Banana, Prairie Banana, Wild Banana.
Common names
Annona triloba, Porcelia triloba, Uvaria triloba.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Asimina triloba is pawpaw. Pawpaw fruit is edible and not toxic to humans when ripe; however, consuming unripe pawpaw fruit, leaves, stems, or seeds can lead to toxicity because they contain compounds like acetogenins. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the neurotoxic effects might cause drowsiness, difficulty walking, and even paralysis.
To pets
Pawpaw, the common name for Asimina triloba, can be toxic to pets if they ingest unripe fruit, leaves, stems, or seeds. These parts of the plant contain acetogenins, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets. In severe cases, it could lead to more serious neurological symptoms like seizures or muscle weakness. It's best to keep pets away from the plant to avoid the possibility of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
15-30 feet (4.6-9.1 meters)
Spread
15-30 feet (4.6-9.1 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruit: Asimina triloba, commonly known as the pawpaw, produces large edible fruits with a sweet, custard-like flavor that can be eaten fresh or used in desserts and baking.
- Wildlife Habitat: The pawpaw provides food for various wildlife, including birds and mammals, which feed on its fruit.
- Shade Tolerant: Pawpaw trees can grow in shady conditions where other fruit trees may not thrive, making them suitable for forest understories or shaded areas in gardens.
- Ornamental Value: With its broad, lush leaves and attractive fruit, the pawpaw tree adds aesthetic value to landscaping projects.
- Native Species: As a native North American species, the pawpaw is well adapted to local climates and ecosystems, supporting biodiversity.
- Pollinator Support: The flowers of the pawpaw tree attract various pollinators, including certain species of flies and beetles.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Asimina triloba, commonly known as pawpaw, contains compounds with antioxidant properties that help to neutralize free radicals in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant's extracts have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
- Cancer research: Some studies have identified acetogenins in pawpaw that may have anti-cancer properties, though this is not yet fully understood or clinically proven.
- Antiparasitic: Traditionally, the seeds of pawpaw have been used for their antiparasitic properties against head lice.
- Antimicrobial: Pawpaw has shown some antimicrobial activity in preliminary research, indicating potential for treating infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The fruit pulp of Pawpaw can be used to make a custard-like dessert or ice cream, due to its creamy texture and sweet flavor.
- Pawpaw leaves can be used as a natural insecticide when crushed and used in a spray solution to deter pests in gardens.
- The wood of Pawpaw trees, being light and spongy, can be used for making crafts or small items, such as picture frames or boxes.
- Pawpaw fruits can be fermented to make a tropical-flavored pawpaw wine, which is a niche product for homebrew enthusiasts.
- The fiber from Pawpaw bark has historically been used by indigenous people to make fishing nets and ropes.
- Pawpaw seeds, when dried and strung together, can create a decorative necklace or used in arts and crafts projects.
- The strong scent of Pawpaw flowers can be used as a trap crop for deterring pests away from other plants in a permaculture garden.
- Pawpaw leaves could potentially be used as compost or green manure, adding nutrients back into the soil when they decompose.
- When Pawpaw trees are planted in a landscape, they can provide shade due to their large leaves and dense canopy.
- The flowers of the Pawpaw tree can be used in educational settings for studying pollination and the role of carrion-flies in the plant's reproductive process.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe pawpaw is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe pawpaw is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Provision - Asimina triloba, commonly known as the Pawpaw, is a fruitful plant, representing abundance as it provides a bounty of edible fruit.
- Resilience - Pawpaw trees are tough and adaptable, symbolizing the ability to withstand difficult conditions and to thrive in a variety of environments.
- Rarity - Because they are not commonly found in every region, the Pawpaw can symbolize uniqueness and the value of rare traits or commodities.
- Native significance - As a plant native to North America, Pawpaw may symbolize the natural heritage and the indigenous traditions of the land.
- Forgotten beauty - Pawpaws are not widely recognized despite their appealing qualities, representing overlooked beauty or forgotten treasures.
WaterThe common Pawpaw tree requires watering once a week, providing roughly 1 to 2 gallons of water each time, depending on the weather and soil conditions. During the growing season, increase watering frequency to support the plant's needs, especially if there are extended periods of dry weather. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Young trees may require more frequent watering to establish a strong root system.
LightPawpaw trees thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, but they can also tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates. An ideal location is one where the tree is shielded from harsh, afternoon sun which can sometimes be too intense for the plant.
TemperaturePawpaw trees are adapted to a temperate climate and can withstand a range of temperatures, generally from a low of about -20°F to a high of 100°F. They perform optimally at temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Frost can damage young leaves and flowers, so it's important to plant in a location protected from late seasonal frosts.
PruningThe Pawpaw tree should be pruned to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the tree for optimal growth, typically during late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can also help increase light penetration and air circulation throughout the canopy, which can improve fruit yield. Generally, pruning should be done every few years, but it can vary depending on the tree's health and growth pattern.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) prefers a fertile, well-drained soil mix, high in organic matter. Ideal soil pH for Pawpaw is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and additional perlite or sand for drainage composes the best soil for Pawpaw trees.
RepottingPawpaw (Asimina triloba) trees are deep-rooted and do not need frequent repotting. Repot young trees every 2-3 years to encourage growth. Mature Pawpaw trees seldom require repotting and can be left undisturbed unless pot-bound.
Humidity & MistingPawpaw (Asimina triloba) thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 80%. These trees are adaptable to outdoor conditions where this humidity range is typical in their native woodland habitats.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Pawpaw in bright indirect light, with high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Pawpaw in partial shade, fertile soil, mulch, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common pawpaw (Asimina triloba) starts its life as a seed, often dispersed by animals, which requires stratification through a cold winter period to germinate. Upon germination in spring, it develops a deep taproot and begins to grow as a small shrub, with large, tropical-like leaves. As it matures into a small tree, pawpaw plants may take several years to flower, developing dark purple flowers that are pollinated by flies and beetles. After successful pollination, the flowers give way to large, edible fruits with a custardy texture, which typically ripen by late summer or early fall. The pawpaw tree becomes fully mature at around 4-8 years and can live for around 25 years, continuing to produce fruit annually once mature. Throughout its life, it thrives in understory conditions or forest edges, with a preference for well-drained, fertile soil, and it can spread by root suckers to form small groves.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Asimina triloba, commonly known as the pawpaw, can be propagated by seeds or by grafting. Seed propagation is the most popular method among enthusiasts for growing new pawpaw trees. This process involves collecting ripe pawpaw fruits in the fall and extracting the seeds. The seeds require a period of cold stratification, where they must be kept in moist sand or peat moss at temperatures of about 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7-4.4 degrees Celsius) for 70 to 100 days to break dormancy. After stratification, seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the ground during spring. The seeds should be planted about an inch (2.54 cm) deep in soil that is rich, moist, and well-draining. Seedling growth is slow, and it can take several years for a pawpaw tree propagated by seed to produce fruit.