| |
Asimina triloba Papaw Deciduous shrub (1 Page of 5) The Asimina triloba plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - New Jersey to Florida, west to Texas and Nebraska. It is a member of the Annonaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Papaw. Some home gardeners know the variety as Annona triloba. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Asimina triloba Common Name: Papaw Family: Annonaceae Author: (L.)Dunal. Known Hazards: The seed is poisonous[106].
The leaves can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222]. Other reports say that handling the fruit can cause dermatitis[200, 227]. Mature Height: 4.5 Mature Width: 4 Habitat: An understorey tree of woodlands, growing in deep rich moist soils of river valleys and bottomlands, often forming dense thickets[229].
Cultivation Notes: Prefers a rich loamy soil with plenty of moisture and a sunny position[1, 134, 160].
Plants are hardy to about -20°c according to one report[184], whilst another says that they are hardy to -35°c when fully dormant[160].
The papaw produces a delicious edible fruit which is a potentially commercial crop[61]. The wild-collected fruit is often sold in local markets in America[82]. The tree commences bearing in 4 - 6 years from seed and yields up to 30 kilos per tree[160]. There are some named varieties[183]. The mature fruit is rarely seen in Britain[182], only ripening after a long hot summer[200]. A small tree growing against a south-facing wall at Bristol Botanic Gardens had a small crop of immature fruit in early September 1996 (following the hot summer of 1995) - this was the first time it had been seen to bear fruit[K].
Flowers are formed in the leaf axils of wood produced the previous summer[82, 229].
Established plants resent root disturbance, the best plants are obtained by planting them out into their permanent positions as young as possible though young plants should be given some protection for their first year or two[200].
The leaves emit a heavy unpleasant odour when crushed[82, 229].
Plants are untroubled by pests or diseases[160].
For further Asimina triloba gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

| |