Description

General aspect and origins - Asimina triloba, also known as paw paw or sometimes the poor man's banana, is a small tree that is native to the USA. It is a close relative to the tropical genus Annona which contains the custard apple, the Atemoya, ... However, paw paw is a very hardy tree with a decidious foliage. It can reach up to 20 ft (6 m) tall, and bears large edible fruits.
Leaves - Paw paw has a decidious foliage. Leaves are large, and are up to 8 in (20 cm) long. In summer, the foliage, which is slightly drooping, has an exotic aspect, and in automn, leaves take a beautiful golden color.
Flowers - Flowers are maroon-purple, and appear in spring. They are about 2 in (5 cm) wide. As paw paw trees are usually not self-fertile, at least two different trees should be grown to ensure a good crop.
Fruits - The paw paw is a large fruit from temperate climates. It can be up to 6 in (15 cm) long, and looks like a mango. Its green skin turns yellow-green when ripe. Although paw paw is still considered as a wild fruit in the USA, there were many selections grown in the begining of the XXth century. As a result, there are many cultivars of paw paw available, with superior fruit quality.

Culture

Paw paw is a very frost hardy tree, that may survive frosts down to -15°F (-25°C) and lower. This tree can thus be grown in USDA zones 5 and warmer.
Soil - Paw paw prefers a neutral to slightly acidic, deep, fertile ground.

Propagation

Paw paw can be propagated by seeds. It may take months, if not years, before the seeds sprout. Cuttings, layering or sucker transplantation are said to be difficult.
A ripe paw paw fruit contains 10 to 15 dark and rounded seeds, which are about half an inch (1.25 cm) long.

Pests and diseases

Paw paw is not very susceptible to diseases or pests.