Asimina triloba Wells - Pawpaw

The Wells Pawpaw is a variety that produces medium-sized fruits with a taste of mango and banana. Slow-growing and suitable for small gardens, it is a small fruit tree with a tropical appearance but hardy. It prefers sunny exposures in cool, acidic to neutral soil. As this variety is not self-fertile, it is necessary to plant two specimens to obtain a harvest.

The Pawpaw is the only representative in temperate climates of the tropical Annonaceae family. Nine species are present in the United States, with Asimina triloba being the hardiest of all (reaching as far south as Canada). It is a small tree that grows slowly, well-branched and bushy in appearance, reaching a height of 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) and a width of 2.50 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) over time. Its foliage generally has an oval or even pyramidal shape, on a relatively short trunk, sometimes even branching from the ground.

The Asimina triloba 'Wells' was selected in nature by David Wells, an American, in Salem, Indiana. This variety produces small fruits (approximately 180g), with green skin and orange flesh, of very good taste quality. The production takes place in September-October. Its nickname "northern mango" comes from the evocative shape of the fruits, whose skin remains green at ripeness, while the sweet flesh reminds one of the taste of mango and banana (which has also led to it being marketed as Indian banana or poor man's banana). The fruits contain about ten large black seeds and are harvested when the flesh becomes tender. They should be picked without force, and can even be collected from the ground. They should be consumed quickly (they only keep for a few days at room temperature) or stored in the fridge (maximum 2 weeks). With a delicious taste, the pawpaw also has high nutritional value (it is particularly rich in vitamins A and C). Americans consume it raw or prepared as juice, sorbet, cake, etc.

The large narrow leaves, about 25 cm (10in) long, hang lazily towards the ground, giving it a characteristic appearance reminiscent of tropical areas. In autumn, they take on a bright yellow colour, just slightly paler than that of the Ginkgo, the maidenhair tree. The pawpaw is therefore worth planting for its beautiful autumn colouration as well. Its 6-petal flowers form bell-shaped blooms in a beautiful burgundy-purple colour in April-May, but their modest size (3-4 cm (1-2in)) and often isolated distribution on the branches offer limited appeal. This variety can reach a height and width of 5 meters (16 feet), forming a small tree with an exotic appearance.

Asimina triloba 'Wells' will find its place in an urban garden, possibly near a wall to shelter it from strong winds. Its slow growth should not be forgotten, so it needs to be given enough space for its future development. It is also important to plant it in pairs to allow for cross-pollination and obtain fruits. Although primarily a fruit species, its ornamental interest encourages it to be associated with other decorative plants. It can be integrated into an exotic-looking garden, combined with hardy palms such as the rare needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), which also grows slowly, or the dwarf Chusan palm (Trachycarpus wagnerianus), which has more compact leaves than the species. Another fruit tree with foliage reminiscent of southern regions, the persimmon (Diospyros), will also be a good companion for this Pawpaw, as will the hardy citrus, Poncirus trifoliata. And to make the most of its autumn colours, it can be paired with plants that turn orange or red as winter approaches, such as Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' or Nandina domestica 'Fire Power'.