Asimina triloba - Pawpaw

The Asimina triloba, or Paw Paw, is a small tropical-looking tree perfectly adapted to temperate climates, enjoying hot summers and cold winters. Fruit production begins when the plant reaches 2 to 2.50 m (7 to 8ft), around 3 to 6 years old. These fruits are edible, appearing alone or in groups on the branches.

Asimines are large oval berries measuring up to 15 cm (6in). The skin is green-yellow when ripe and contains a creamy pulp, usually yellow, dotted with large black seeds. The taste and texture of the asimine resemble both mango and banana. The fruits are harvested when ripe when they become soft to the touch and ready to fall. The harvest lasts for about twenty days, around September. Once harvested, the fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days at room temperature or one to two weeks. Peel the fruits and remove the seeds before consuming. You can eat them fresh or make ice cream, sorbets, juice or compotes. Asimine is rich in vitamins A and C, amino acids, and trace elements.

Little known, the Trilobed Asimina is a shrub native to the United States and Canada and belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is not self-fertile, so it is recommended to plant at least two plants to facilitate pollination. This is carried out by insects (common flies, dung flies or beetles). The rounded floral buds appear at the axil of the leaves from summer and will open in the following spring, around April, just before the appearance of new leaves. They are bell-shaped flowers, 5 cm (2in) in diameter, with six purple petals. They appear alone or in small clusters on the branches.

The Asimina develops a pyramidal habit and can be trained in a goblet shape to facilitate harvesting. At maturity, it can reach a height of 5 to 10 m (16 to 33ft) with a width of about 3 to 5 m (10 to 16ft). In the garden, with regular pruning, this tree can grow to a height of 3 m (10ft) with a width of 2 to 2.50 m (7 to 8ft). Its growth is slow, especially during the first few years as the Asimina first develops its root system. This small deciduous tree is very hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F). Its leaves are alternate, trailing, and have an elongated oval shape. They are green in summer, turning a beautiful yellow colour in autumn before browning and falling.