Pawpaw (Common Pawpaw, Custard Apple, Indiana Banana)
Asimina triloba · Annonaceae (Custard Apple family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Oblovate to obovate-lanceolate with an acute to acuminate tip
Margin
Entire (smooth)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent, raised midrib and distinctly prominent secondary lateral veins running out to the margins
Key Features
Exceedingly large, simple, alternate leaves with an obovate shape and smooth margins; prominent pinnate venation; twigs with a foul odor when crushed; velvety, dark brown, naked winter leaf buds; and smooth, dark gray bark with light warts or blotches
Description
It features a distinct tropical appearance, contrasting sharply with traditional temperate forest trees. The leaves are remarkably large, drooping slightly from the branches, and emit a slightly pungent or unpleasant odor when crushed.
Habitat
Understory tree found in rich, moist bottomland forests, floodplains, along streams, and in shaded ravines with well-drained, slightly acidic soils
Native Range
Native to the eastern, southern, and midwestern United States, extending from New York west to southeastern Nebraska, and south to Florida and eastern Texas