Asimina triloba 'Select Seed' (Selected Common Pawpaw, Pawpaw, Custard Apple)

Asimina triloba 'Select Seed' (Selected Common Pawpaw) is a cultivar of the Common Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). This cultivar is known for its quality fruit and is selected from seeds of particularly desirable pawpaw trees. 

Fruit Quality: The Selected Common Pawpaw is chosen for its exceptional fruit quality. Like other pawpaw varieties, it typically produces fruit with a creamy texture and a sweet, tropical flavor reminiscent of banana, mango, and melon.

Appearance: Selected Common Pawpaw shares the general appearance of the Asimina triloba species. It is a small deciduous tree that typically grows to heights of about 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters) tall. It has large, tropical-looking leaves that are clustered at the ends of branches. The flowers are maroon or purple, and the fruits are large, greenish-yellow, and have a custard-like texture and sweet flavor when ripe.

Flowers: The flowers of the Selected Common Pawpaw are similar to those of the Common Pawpaw. They are typically purplish-brown to maroon in color and emit a foul odor that attracts flies, which are the primary pollinators of the flowers.

Fruit Ripening: The fruit of the Selected Common Pawpaw typically ripens in late summer to early autumn, depending on the local climate. Unripe fruit is green and turns yellow or brown as it ripens. It is important to harvest the fruit when fully ripe for the best flavor.

Cultural and Culinary Uses: The fruit of the Selected Common Pawpaw is primarily enjoyed fresh due to its outstanding flavor. It can also be used in various culinary applications, including desserts, smoothies, and jams.

Propagation: Like other pawpaw cultivars, the Selected Common Pawpaw can be propagated from seeds. However, to maintain the desirable traits of this selected cultivar, it is often grafted onto rootstock from known parent trees.

Wildlife: Pawpaw fruit, including that of the Selected Common Pawpaw, is a valuable food source for wildlife, including raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and birds.

Conservation: While the Selected Common Pawpaw is not considered an endangered cultivar, it is important to conserve and protect native woodlands and wild populations of Common Pawpaw, as they are the source of genetic diversity for future breeding and cultivation efforts.

The Selected Common Pawpaw is valued for its exceptional fruit quality, making it a sought-after choice for enthusiasts and home gardeners who appreciate the unique and delicious flavor of pawpaw fruit. Grafting onto known parent trees helps maintain the desirable traits of this selected cultivar, ensuring consistent fruit quality.