The Ted Grisez Arboretum at Jamestown Audubon has a Pawpaw Patch! I’ve written about it before – the year I learned what a Pawpaw is and actually tasted one. Yesterday I took a stroll through the arboretum and found it blooming. I was surprised by the flower whose petals remind me of Red Trillium.
It was late September when Sarah and I found the fruit…
…which we ate.
It is absolutely delicious with a smooth texture and flavors that make you think of banana and kiwi and mango. It is described in some articles as the only “temperate tropical fruit” – a native to North America.
Range Map:
We are at the northern-most part of its range. It seems to be doing well in the arboretum. It spreads by underground roots which is how a tree becomes a patch!
Jennifer, after 30 years of marriage, you are still teaching me things. That’s a good sign! However, this whole pawpaw thing must fall under the category of “I hope it tastes better than it looks!” (Pretty flower though.)
I used to eat pawpaws when I lived in Virginia. They grow along the Bull Run (which is a river) at the Manassas Battlefield Park, site of the famous Civil War battle. I used to go to that park a couple of times per month.
I really like that flower. It’s interesting that they come north in just that little sliver of New York. Must be that the great lakes keep it warm enough. I’ll never see it here in New Hampshire, that’s for sure.
A lovely flower for what looks to be a yummy treat!