Hortiforum

General Info – American Paw Paw, Pawpaw, Indian Banana

With a creamy flesh packed with tropical flavours, the North American Paw Paw presents a unique delicacy for temperate gardeners.
Fruit
The curved oblong fruits of the North American Paw Paw typically form in unassuming clusters of 2 to 5 fruits but are a delightful treat once noticed. Botanically classified as berries, fruits vary in size from 3 to 15 cm and can weigh between 200-400g, containing sizable bean-shaped black seeds. Initially with a thin, green skin, immature fruits gradually ripen, acquiring a subtle yellow tint, yet largely retaining their green hue, effectively camouflaging them from pests like birds provided there is sufficient foliage (otherwise bagging/netting will work). However, hidden within the fruits lies a deliciously sweet and fragrant yellow pulp, possesing a custard-like texture and evoking flavors similar to those of Soursop, Banana, Pineapple and Mango. While Paw Paws don’t fare well at room temperature, rarely keeping for more than a week, refrigeration can extend their shelf life significantly, up to a month. Paw Paw have long been consumed by Native Americans and quickly came to be appreciated by American settlers. The luscious pulp is superb scooped out and and it lends itself splendidly to various desserts and dishes, often used as a replacement for Bananas. They are perfect in Ice Cream, Smoothies, Pies, Pancakes or using gluts to make Paw Paw Bread. Cultivars have been developed in North America although sourcing them in Australia may prove to be quite challenging.
Cultivation
The North American pawpaw is indigenous to the temperate climate of eastern North America despite belonging to the predominantly tropical Annonaceae family and struggles to flower in low-chill subtropical regions where many of its relatives such as the Cherimoya and Sweetsop thrive (other relatives include the tropical Soursop and Rollinia). In the wild, Paw Paw thrive in the understory of floodplains and gullies, where the soil remains consistently moist and fertile, withstanding occasional flooding. Correspondingly, Paw Paw are best grown in fertile, well-draining but moist, slightly acidic loam soils. Partial shade or filtered sunlight through the first years is ideal (to mimic the understory), before allowing plants to mature into full sun exposure. Avoid conditions such as dry soils, drought and strong, buffeting winds. Cross pollination is required (self-pollination is rare) and flower buds emerge on one year old wood.
Appearance
The lush, slightly drooping, large oval leaves of the pawpaw lend it a distinctive appearance. In Autumn, foliage turns to an attractive yellow hue before falling from the tree. Paw Paw have distinct, dark crimson flowers which emerge in Spring prior to foliage, similar in nature to many of the Rosaceae family such as Cherry. While they may not possess the same visual allure as those of Prunus species, they boast a unique appearance and emit a strong, yeasty scent designed to attract beetles and flies for pollination. A small tree, Paw Paw reach mature heights between 5-10m, with a pyramidal canopy. Paw Paw have a problematic tendency to produce suckers and may require vigilant management to prevent plants from spreading. Natively they produce dense thickets or patches of plants due to their suckering nature.
Despite its somewhat demanding nature, the North American pawpaw offers a highly rewarding experience for gardeners, bringing the irresistible taste of the tropics to temperate gardens.

Plant Profile/Properties