Asimina triloba Mango - Pawpaw

The Asimina Mango is a vigorous variety of pawpaw tree that produces large fruits with yellow-orange flesh that is less firm than most other varieties, but sweet and very flavorful. The taste of its pawpaws resembles that of a mango, with a hint of banana and a touch of pineapple, without its acidity. This variety, originating from America, is not self-fertile; the presence of another pawpaw tree nearby is essential to obtain fruits. Still relatively uncommon in our gardens and orchards, the pawpaw tree displays a distinctly tropical appearance that contradicts its hardy nature and perfect adaptation to our temperate and 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 of these species are relatively primitive flowering plants, similar to magnolias. The pawpaw tree is native to the United States and southeastern Canada. It grows spontaneously in alluvial deposits along rivers, as well as on sandy and muddy riverbanks, particularly in the Mississippi and Ohio River basins. While becoming increasingly rare in the wild, the pawpaw tree is being planted more and more in North American parks and gardens. However, large-scale cultivation as an orchard tree is not very feasible due to profitability reasons, as the plant is not well-suited for mechanized cultivation and fruit harvesting. It is, however, an excellent fruit tree and ornamental plant for private gardens.

The 'Mango' variety was selected in 1970 from a wild plant in Tifton, Georgia, by Major C. Collins. It is notable for its vigorous growth and large fruits with yellow-orange pulp. The tree will reach approximately 8-10m (26-33ft) in height and 3-5m (10-16ft) in width, with a conical to pyramidal shape and a crown supported by a straight, thick trunk covered in gray bark. In the garden, with regular pruning, this tree can grow to about 3m (10ft) in height and 2-2.50m (7-8ft) in width. Its growth is quite slow, especially during the first few years, as the pawpaw tree first develops its root system. The foliage, with its exotic appearance, is deciduous. The large leaves, measuring 15-30cm (6-12in) in length, are alternate, pendulous, and elongated oval in shape. They appear quite late in spring, after flowering. Their shape somewhat resembles chestnut leaves. Green in summer, they turn a beautiful yellow color in autumn before browning and falling.

The Asimina Mango is not self-fertile: it is essential to plant at least two trees to facilitate pollination. This is ensured by insects such as 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. These are bell-shaped flowers, measuring 5cm (2in) in diameter, with 6 petals ranging from purple to brownish. They appear singly or in small clusters on the branches.

Pawpaws are large oval berries that can measure up to 20cm (8in). The skin is green-yellow when ripe and contains firm, creamy pulp with a texture similar to that of an avocado. The pulp is usually yellow and contains very few large black seeds (up to 3% of the total weight of the fruit). The taste and texture of the pawpaw resemble a combination of mango, pineapple, and banana, sometimes with a slight hint of vanilla. The fruits should be harvested when they become soft to the touch and ready to fall. The harvest lasts for 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. They can be eaten fresh or used to make ice cream, 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 dry soils. It thrives in cool, loose, fertile, and deep, but well-drained soil. Suitable climates are oceanic or continental, with relatively warm yet humid summers and cold winters, which are essential for flowering induction.

Properties:

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