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pawpaw
Scientific Name: Asimina triloba
Family: Annonaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: NJ (pawpaw), NY (pawpaw)
Common Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
The term "Pawpaw" can refer to several different things, including a chain of restaurants, a brand of multi-use balms, and even towns. However, in the botanical context, Pawpaw most often refers to Asimina triloba, a fruit-bearing tree native to eastern North America.
Considerations for Pets
- While the text does not explicitly mention toxicity, it describes the Pawpaw fruit as having seeds. The potential risks associated with fruit seeds should be considered.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions the Pawpaw fruit contains seeds. Monitor children to ensure they do not ingest seeds.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Asimina triloba
- Common Names: Pawpaw, Common Pawpaw, Paw Paw, Papaw, Red Indian Banana
- Family: Annonaceae (Custard Apple family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the temperate woodlands of the eastern United States.
- Grows wild in 26 states.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- A small, tropical-looking tree, seldom taller than 25 feet.
- In cooler climates, it can form an attractive multi-stemmed plant.
- The fruit has yellow-green skin and soft, orange flesh with a creamy, custard-like texture.
Quirky Facts
- The fruit's flavor is described as a mix of mango, banana, and citrus, despite being a temperate fruit.
- Thomas Jefferson once prized the Pawpaw.
- The American Indian is credited with spreading the Pawpaw across the eastern U.S.
Ecological Role
- The tree thrives when grown in full sun.
Traditional Uses
- Botanist and surgeon T.P. Lucas believed the papaw was the finest natural medicine.
Further Information
- Kentucky State University Pawpaw Research Program