Asimina

Asimina is a genus of shrubs and small trees native to eastern North America, belonging to the custard apple family. These plants are known for their aromatic leaves and flowers. The most well-known species is Asimina triloba, commonly called the pawpaw.12

The pawpaw tree or shrub can grow up to 12 meters (40 feet) tall and produces the largest tree-borne fruit native to North America. This fruit, also called a pawpaw, can be 8 to 18 cm (3 to 7 inches) long, with a flavor reminiscent of bananas and mangoes. Historically used by Native Americans and early settlers, the pawpaw fruit has a short shelf-life and is easily bruised, leading to a decline in commercial interest until a resurgence in the 21st century. Other species within the Asimina genus are also shrubby North American plants.2