Asimina triloba Prolific - Paw Paw

The Asimina Prolific is a variety of pawpaw tree that is vigorous, highly productive, and quick to bear fruit, capable of fruiting after two or three years of cultivation. The bush produces medium-sized fruits, weighing an average of 200 grams, with pale yellow skin and flesh. They have a pleasant fragrance, with a slight hint of coconut. The taste and texture of its pawpaws also resemble those of mango, banana, with a touch of pineapple, without its acidity. This variety, of American origin, is not self-fertile; to obtain fruit, the presence of another pawpaw tree nearby is essential. Still relatively uncommon in our gardens and orchards, the pawpaw tree displays a distinctly tropical appearance, contradicted by its hardy temperament and perfect adaptation to our temperate, even continental, climates.

The Asimina triloba is a plant belonging to the annonaceae family, which includes tropical fruit trees such as custard apples, soursop, cinnamon apples, cherimoya, and ylang-ylang. All these species are fairly primitive flowering plants, similar to magnolias. The pawpaw tree is native to the United States and southeastern Canada. It grows naturally in alluvial deposits along rivers, as well as on sandy and muddy riverbanks, particularly in the Mississippi and Ohio River basins. While becoming quite rare in the wild, the pawpaw tree is increasingly planted in North American parks and gardens. However, large-scale cultivation as an orchard tree is not feasible due to profitability reasons, as the plant does not lend itself well to mechanized cultivation and fruit harvesting. However, it is an excellent fruit tree, as well as an ornamental tree, for private gardens.

The 'Prolific' variety was selected by Corwin Davis in Bellevue, Michigan, between 1980 and 1990. It is interesting for its productivity, quick fruiting, and excellent fruit quality. If left unpruned, the tree will reach about 5 meters (16 feet) in height and 3 meters (10 feet) in width, with a conical to pyramidal habit, the crown being supported by a straight, thick trunk covered with gray bark. In the garden, with regular pruning, this tree can grow to a height of 3 meters (10 feet) and a width of 2 to 2.50 meters (7 to 8 feet). Its growth is quite slow, especially during the first few years, as the pawpaw tree initially develops its root system. The foliage, with an exotic appearance, is deciduous. The large leaves, measuring 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12in) in length, are alternate, rather drooping, and elongated oval in shape. They appear fairly late in spring, after flowering. Their shape somewhat resembles chestnut leaves. Green in summer, they turn a lovely yellow colour in autumn before browning and falling.

The Asimina Prolific is not self-fertile; it is essential to plant at least two trees to facilitate pollination. This is ensured by insects (common flies, dung flies, or beetles). The rounded floral buds appear at the axils of the leaves as early as summer and will open in the following spring, around April, just before the emergence of new leaves. They are bell-shaped flowers, 5 cm (2in) in diameter, with 6 petals, ranging in color from purple to brownish. They appear singly or in small clusters on the branches.

Pawpaws are large oval berries that can measure up to 20 cm (8in). The skin is greenish-yellow when ripe and contains firm, creamy pulp, with a texture resembling that of an avocado. The pulp is usually yellow and contains very few large black seeds (up to a maximum of 3% of the total weight of the fruit). The taste and texture of pawpaw resemble mango, pineapple, and banana, sometimes with a slight vanilla aroma. The fruits are harvested when they become soft to the touch and are about to fall. The harvest takes place over a period of about twenty days, around September. Once picked, the fruits can be stored for a few days at room temperature or one to two weeks in the refrigerator. Peel the fruits and remove the seeds before consuming them. You can eat them fresh or make ice creams, sorbets, juices, or compotes. Pawpaws are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as amino acids and trace elements.

This small deciduous tree is very hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). However, it is sensitive to hot summers and arid soils. It thrives in cool, loose, fertile, and well-drained soil. Suitable climates are oceanic or continental, experiencing relatively warm but humid summers and cold winters, which are essential for inducing flowering.

Properties:

The leaves of the pawpaw tree contain naturally occurring substances with proven insecticidal properties, particularly against nematodes. Therefore, it can be beneficial to use dead leaves as mulch around sensitive plants.