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dwarf pawpaw

Scientific Name: Asimina pygmea

Family: Annonaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Pawpaw (Asimina spp.)

This page provides information on various species within the American plant genus Asimina, commonly known as pawpaws. It focuses especially on dwarf pawpaw varieties.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that pawpaws, specifically the Dwarf Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora), have a long taproot. If your pet is prone to digging, be aware that disturbing the root system of a young pawpaw could harm the plant.
  • The plants attract Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies, which could also attract the attention of pets that like to chase or eat insects.

Considerations for Children

  • Some pawpaw varieties have small fruits. As with any plant producing small fruits, consider whether these could pose a potential choking hazard for young children.

Scientific Names & Common Names

  • Genus: Asimina
  • Common Name: Pawpaw
  • Species mentioned:
    • Asimina pygmaea (Dwarf Pawpaw)
    • Asimina obovata
    • Asimina parviflora (Small-flowered Pawpaw, Small-fruited Pawpaw, Dwarf Pawpaw)
    • Asimina triloba (Common Pawpaw)
    • Asimina angustifolia
    • Asimina incarna (Flag Pawpaw)
    • Asimina longifolia
    • Asimina reticulata (Netted Pawpaw)
    • Asimina tetramera
  • Other Names: Possum-simmon, Small Custard-apple, Custard-banana

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Annonaceae (Custard Apple Family)
  • Asimina pygmaea is attributed to "(W. Bartram) Dunal."
  • Synonyms for Asimina pygmaea include "dwarf pawpaw."
  • Asimina parviflora is attributed to "(Michx.) Dunal."

Distribution and Habitat

  • Pawpaws are native to North America, particularly the eastern United States.
  • The Dwarf Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora) has a wide but scattered distribution throughout the dry, oak-hickory forests of the Falls Lake State area.
  • Several pawpaw species, especially dwarf varieties, are native to Florida and Georgia.
  • Pawpaws in pinelands are found "south of the Alatamaha River" in Georgia.
  • Dwarf Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora) is the only species found in southwestern and extreme southern Alabama.
  • The dwarf form is native to the sandy and sandy loam soils of much of the southeast US.
  • Asimina parviflora grows in shade and prefers sub-xeric soil moisture.

Morphological Characteristics & Growth Habits

  • Florida pawpaws tend to be shrubs, and often dwarf varieties.
  • The Paw Paw is a fast-growing tree and can commence bearing fruit within 12 months.
  • The Dwarf Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora) typically grows to be a small shrub.
  • Dwarf Pawpaws generally produce 3-5' of growth.
  • Dwarf Pawpaw (Asimina pygmaea) has closely spaced, overlapping leaves with pointed tips, 2.5 - 3 inches long.
  • The plant is a perennial shrub that grows to about 20 inches tall, with large, drooping, pink maroon flowers.
  • Pawpaw trees can be male, female, or bisexual.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Pawpaw trees attract Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies.
  • Pawpaw trees are noted to resist deer.

Quirky Facts

  • Pawpaws are described as having tropical-like fruits.
  • Some pawpaws are referred to as "dwarf papaya," especially in Thailand.
  • The text references a "dwarf red pawpaw," suggesting the existence of varieties with unique fruit colorations.
  • The Dwarf Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora) is also known as "possum-simmon."

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Dave's Garden website
  • Wikimedia Commons