Asiminia triloba
A profile of the Hardy Pawpaw.
Philip (Big Leaves) Bell, 22 Marbury Road, Lacey Green, Wilmslow,
Cheshire, U.K.
Chamaerops No. 6, published online 23-10-2002
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For those like myself, who enjoy the unusual, here
is a plant deserving wider recognition in temperate Europe.
The American Pawpaw, or Hardy Pawpaw, Asiminia triloba,
is no relation to the Carica species, but belongs to another group
of tropical fruits, the Annonaceae, or Custard Apples. It is also
known as the Custard Banana or Poor Man's Banana, and was eaten
by the North American Indians and the early settlers in that country.
It is a small deciduous tree or large shrub found
in the south east of the United States. It grows to 3.5 metres in
height and its leaves are 20-30cms in length and up to 15cms in
width. It will grow in almost any soil, but should be planted in
a sunny position. It is also a good subject for pot culture. This
method will allow some control of flower and fruit setting and protection
during periods of inclement weather.
The 5cm diameter flowers are produced either singly,
or in clusters of two or three, in spring before the leaves emerge.
At first the petals are green but they turn dark red and eventually
become purple.
The fruit matures in autumn. They are cylindrical
and between 7.5 and 15cms long and when fully developed they are
green with a heavy bloom. The pulp is initially greenish-white with
an offensive foetid odour and taste but as they ripen, the skins
turn brownish-black and the pulp changes to a creamy white or yellow
(resembling custard in texture and colour) and is succulent and
rich.
No special pruning is required except in the early
years in order that a conveniently sized and shaped bush is produced.
Propagation is by seed in spring at a temperature
of about 20°C or by layering. Air layering may be the best method
since it transplants poorly.
Chiltern Seeds (Cumbria, U.K.) have supplies of
the seed, and supermarkets sometimes have the fresh fruit on the
shelves, a good source of fresh seed, and tasty, too!
Chiltern Seeds are also offering seed of the Mountain
Papaya or Chamburro (Carica stipulata), the Common Pawpaw (Carica
papaya), and the Toronchi (Carica chrysopetala). These South American
species are worth adding to any listing of exotics.
Architectural Plants carries Caricapubescens another
of the Mountain Pawpaws.

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