ABSTRACT
Papaws occur in deciduous forests, usually in deep, moist, rich soil along streams, rivers, and especially river flats. The plants are tolerant of shade and characteristically constitute part of the undergrowth in forests. In the main part of its range in the United States, the pawpaw is also found in unshaded, relatively dry sites. It has been suggested that the frequent proximity to water is related to the fact that the fruits are buoyant and the seeds are distributed by floating fruits. Pawpaw fruit is very sweet, pleasant, unique, and attractive, and indeed has been declared to be one of the five most delicious fruits in the world. The taste is reminiscent of papaya with pineapple overtones and hints of banana and mango. When cut open, the aroma from the fruits fills a whole room. The pawpaw is an extraordinarily attractive fruit, but one that requires considerable breeding and research before it can be produced and marketed profitably.
