Bigflower Pawpaw Asimina obovata 10 Seeds

Asimina obovata, commonly known as the bigflower pawpaw, is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the Annonaceae family, native to the sandy pinelands, scrub, and coastal hammocks of Florida. This distinctive species is notable for its large, showy flowers and its adaptation to nutrient-poor, well-drained soils of the southeastern coastal plain. Typically reaching heights of 6 to 15 feet, Asimina obovata develops an upright, open form with smooth gray bark and large, obovate leaves that are bright green and slightly leathery, giving the plant a lush tropical appearance. In spring, before or as the new leaves emerge, it produces striking, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers tinged with purple or maroon at the base of the petals. These blooms are among the largest of any pawpaw species and emit a slightly fruity scent that attracts beetles and flies—the plant’s primary pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers give rise to elongated, fleshy fruits that ripen to a yellowish-green color and contain several large brown seeds surrounded by soft, aromatic pulp, which is edible and enjoyed by wildlife such as raccoons and foxes. Asimina obovata is an important component of Florida’s native ecosystems, serving as a host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly (Eurytides marcellus), whose larvae feed exclusively on pawpaw leaves. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this species is drought-tolerant once established and plays a vital role in supporting pollinators and maintaining biodiversity in Florida’s sandy upland habitats.