Cuneate pawpaw (Asimina cuneata)

Pawpaw Paw Paws
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Asimina cuneata: The Net-Leaved Pawpaw of Florida

Flourishing in the sandy pine flatwoods of the Florida peninsula, Asimina cuneata plays a crucial role in its local fire-dependent ecosystem. This dwarf deciduous shrub grows in nutrient-poor soils under full sun. It produces attractive white flowers in early spring.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ magnoliids
  • ∟ order Magnoliales
  • ∟ family Annonaceae (Custard apple family)
  • ∟ subfamily Annonoideae
  • ∟ genus Asimina (Pawpaw)
  • ∟ species Asimina cuneata (Cuneate pawpaw)

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Morphology

This dwarf shrub rarely exceeds one meter in height, forming small clumps from a woody rootstock. The leaves are leathery, wedge-shaped (cuneate), and have prominent net-like veins on their undersides.

Its white to cream-colored flowers grow singly or in small clusters. The petals are oblong and spread wide open to expose the inner reproductive organs. The fruits are fragrant, yellowish-green berries containing large seeds.

Flowering season

Spring

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Jul
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Oct
Name
Dec

Applications

The primary value of this species lies in its contribution to native habitats and wildlife. It is not cultivated for agricultural use due to its small fruit size.

  • Acts as a food source for gopher tortoises and other native wildlife
  • Hosts the larvae of the beautiful zebra swallowtail butterfly
  • Aids in stabilizing loose sandy soils in coastal plains

Interesting facts

The leaves of this species release a strong, turpentine-like aroma when crushed, which helps deter herbivores. Like many other scrub plants in Florida, it depends on periodic fires to clear competing vegetation and stimulate new growth from its underground stems.

Geography of distribution

  • Florida

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)

Technical Information

External Databases: POWO, Tropicos

See also

Common Pawpaw

Common Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

Asimina triloba, commonly known as the pawpaw, is a small deciduous tree native to North …

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