ANONACEAE CUSTARD APPLE FAMILY 
COMMON PAWPAW 
Asimina triloba Dunal 
The Custard Apple family is mostly tropical and its 
only member in this climate is the Common Pawpaw. 
Apparently there are two varieties of Pawpaw, one with 
white pulp and one 
with yellow. The yel- \ 
low pulp is regarded as 
the more palatable and 
possibly this form may 
be so improved under 
cultivation that the 
fruits will be of eco- 
nomic importance. 
The Common Pawpaw 
does not extend much 
north of Illinois but does 
grow in southern Michi- 
gan, east to New Jersey 
and south to Florida and 
Texas. It is a tall shrub 
or small tree 10-40 feet 
high, frequenting rich soil 
on the banks of streams. 
The dark purple or maroon flowers may be 
looked for from the last of April to the early part 
of June. There are 3 sepals which are rather small 
and densely hairy. The 6 floral parts shown are 
petals, the 3 outer much larger than the inner. Stamens are 
numerous and packed into a globular mass. There are usually 
not more than 4 pistils. 
The fruits, which mature in September and October, are 
classed as fleshy berries but they are 3-6 inches long and 1-2 
inches in diameter, yellowish green or brownish when ripe and 
containing numerous large flat seeds arranged in 2 rows. 
The pools are clear as glass 
Between the white cups of the lily flowers; 
The currants are like jewelled fairy bowers; 
A dazzling insect worries the heart of a rose, 
Where a delicate fern a filmy shadow throws, 
And airy as bubbles the thousands of bees 
Over the young grape clusters swarm as they please. 
Midsummer Blooms Within Our Quiet Garden Ways— 
EMILE VERHAEREN 
113 
