Pawpaw

Profile

Family

Annonaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

4.8 m

Spread

4 m

Growth

very slow

Lifespan

50 years

First yield

after 5 years

Hardiness

zone 6–9

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Silt

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very wet

pH

5.5 – 7.5

Synonyms

Indianer-banane, Paw-paw, Pawpaw

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Edible fruits can be consumed raw or cooked, varying in quality with flavors ranging from exquisite banana pudding to unpleasant. White fruits are said to have a mild taste and ripen later than the orange ones. They are commonly used in various sweet dishes like preserves, pies, and ice cream. The fruit drops from the tree in autumn and is stored until fully ripe, although some individuals may have digestive issues after consuming it.

Other uses: A fiber from the inner bark is utilized for creating durable ropes and cords. The seed possesses insecticidal qualities, while a yellow dye is derived from the ripe pulp. The wood is light, soft, weak, spongy, and coarse-grained, weighing 24 pounds per cubic foot, but it is not utilized for commercial purposes.

Growing

Thrives in rich, moist, loamy soil and a sunny spot. The papaya tree produces a tasty fruit with commercial potential, commonly found in local markets in America. Fruit-bearing starts 4-6 years from seed, with each tree yielding up to 30 kilos. Various named varieties exist. Mature fruit, ripening only after a long, hot summer, is seldom seen. Flowers grow in the leaf axils of the previous year's wood. Avoid disturbing roots of established plants; it's best to plant them in a permanent spot early on. Young plants may need protection for the initial year or two. Crushing the leaves releases a strong, unpleasant odor. These plants are resistant to pests and diseases.

Propagation

Seeds should be sown immediately after they have ripened in a cool environment. They usually sprout within 1-3 months at a temperature of 15°C. Stored seeds need stratification due to their embryo odor and impermeable seed coat, which can delay germination for up to 18 months. Dried seeds lose viability rapidly. Once the seedlings reach a suitable size, transfer them to individual pots and keep them in a greenhouse for at least the initial winter. If planting them outside, move them to their permanent spot in early summer once they are over 15 cm tall. Providing some protection from the cold during their first outdoor winter is advisable. Propagation through layering.

Notable

Special features: forms root runners (+for propagation); sensitive to dry winds and cool and humid summers; when young, place in a shady and protected location, then place in a warm and sunny location if possible. Seed-grown plants may have unpleasant-tasting fruits; grafted varieties are sometimes self-fertile, e.g., 'Sunflower'; hand pollination (brush) helpful; max. 40 kg/shrub.

Origin & habitat

An understory tree species for forests in deep, fertile, moist soil in river valleys and depressions, often found in thickets.

Thickets and sparse woodlands in the low-lying areas and elevated terrain.

Related plants