Flag Pawpaw Fruit plant (Asimina Obovate)

Flag Pawpaw (Asimina Obovata):

Common Name: Flag Pawpaw, Big flower Pawpaw, Scrub Pawpaw, Papaw

Botanical Name: Asimina Obovata

General Information:

Shrub or small tree in the custard apple family.

Native to Florida, found in open sandy hammocks and dry woods.

Showy white flowers in late winter to early summer.

Large green edible fruit follows the flowers.

Fruit is sweet and custard-like, suitable for baking, pie filling, or eating raw.

Fruits fall early and must be harvested from the ground to ripen later.

More suitable for subtropical climates.

Health Benefits:

Contains acetogenins in twigs, bark, and leaves.

Acetogenins lower the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cells.

ATP is a cell's source of energy and can promote tumor growth.

Some studies suggest potential anti-cancer effects, but more research is needed.

Pawpaw extracts have been found to kill head lice.

Herbal shampoo with pawpaw extracts showed effectiveness in a small study.

16 out of 21 people successfully eliminated head lice and nits.

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3 to 4 Years.

Maintenance Required: Moderate.