Common Pawpaw
Asimina triloba
Asimina triloba, commonly known as the pawpaw, is a small deciduous tree native to North …
Bigflower pawpaw (Asimina obovata)
flag pawpaw
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Asimina obovata (Bigflower Pawpaw): Botanical Characteristics
Flourishing in the dry woods and open sandy hammocks of Florida, Asimina obovata stands out with its striking floral displays. This woody plant adapts well to the state's specialized coastal and inland scrub ecosystems.
The species provides crucial ecological support to local wildlife, offering both sustenance and habitat. Its impressive blooms and distinct growth pattern make it a notable component of the Southeastern United States flora.
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 obovata (Bigflower pawpaw)
Morphology
This species displays several remarkable morphological traits.
- Habit: It grows as a heavily branched evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 2 to 5 meters.
- Leaves: The leathery leaves are oblong to obovate, growing between 4 and 10 centimeters in length with pinnate venation.
- Flowers: Producing some of the largest flowers in its genus, the blooms can measure up to 10 centimeters across. They feature showy white to yellowish-white outer petals and smaller, curved inner petals.
- Fruit: Following pollination, large green edible berries develop, reaching 5 to 9 centimeters in length.
Flowering season
Late winter to early summer
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec
Applications
The plant possesses both historical and ecological utility.
- Foraging: The large green fruits are edible and serve as a reliable food source for local wildlife.
- Habitat: It is occasionally utilized in native plant landscaping to support endemic insect populations and restore natural habitats.
Interesting facts
The bigflower pawpaw plays a vital role in its natural habitat.
- It serves as a critical host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly and the pawpaw sphinx moth.
- Similar to its botanical relatives, its pollen is uniquely shed as permanent tetrads.
- The specific epithet obovata refers to the inverted egg-like shape of its leaves.
Geography of distribution
- United States
Sources
- Flora of North America
- GBIF
- Tropicos
- World Flora Online (WFO)
See also
Smallflower Pawpaw
Asimina parviflora
Asimina parviflora, commonly known as the smallflower pawpaw, is a dwarf shrub native to the …
Netted pawpaw
Asimina reticulata
A flowering shrub endemic to Florida, featuring leathery leaves and fragrant flowers.
Dwarf pawpaw
Asimina pygmaea
A small, intriguing shrub native to Florida and Georgia, known for its deep crimson flowers …