Asimina

Asimina is a genus of small trees or shrubs in the family Annonaceae, native to eastern North America. The genus is most famous for Asimina triloba, commonly known as the pawpaw. Pawpaw trees are deciduous and typically grow to a height of 15 to 30 feet. They are characterized by their large, simple leaves and their unique, tropical-scented flowers that appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. The flowers are typically a deep maroon or purple color.

The fruit of the pawpaw is a large, oblong berry, often described as having a flavor reminiscent of a banana, mango, and cantaloupe combined. It is one of the largest edible fruits native to North America. Pawpaw fruits ripen in late summer to early autumn and are soft and easily bruised, making them difficult to transport long distances. Native Americans historically utilized the fruit for food and its bark for fibers.

The genus Asimina contains several other species, though they are less well-known and often have smaller fruits. These species are found in different parts of the eastern United States and are generally less cold-hardy than Asimina triloba. The pawpaw has gained increasing interest in recent years due to its unique fruit and its potential as a native, underutilized crop. It is also a host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly.