Asimina longifolia
Kral
Slimleaf pawpaw
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Ronald Myers, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Ronald Myers, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Samuel M, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaAsimina longifolia, the slim-leaf pawpaw or polecat-bush, is a shrub in the custard apple family. It is native to the Southeastern United States where it is found on the coastal plain. There are two named varieties: A. longifolia var. longifolia - Only found in Florida and Georgia. A. longifolia var. spatulata - Found from southern Alabama to southern South Carolina. It is unclear if the two varieties should be considered distinct species. This group is in need of further taxonomic study.
Description
A shrub. It grows 1.5 m tall. The shoots can be erect or spreading. The leaves are narrowly oval or spoon shaped. They are 5-15 cm long. The edges of the leaves can be turned back. The flowers occur in the axils and occur singly. They hang down. They have a scent. The inner petals are erect and red and the outer petals are purple underneath. The fruit are yellow to green berries 4-10 cm long. The seeds are brown and shiny.
Edible Uses
The fruit is edible.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows best in dry sandy locations.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Notes
There are 7 or 8 Asimina species.
Synonyms
References (1)
- Brittonia 12:265. 1960
