Pawpaw- Pygmy (Asimina pygmaea)(Florida Native)

Asimina pygmaea The pygmy pawpaw, also known as the dwarf pawpaw and gopher-berry, is a native shrub that grows around 2 feet tall with flowers varying in white, red, and green colors. The perennial plant is known for its small fruit that tastes somewhat like a banana yelled at a mango. There is some evidence that eating high quantities of fruit can be unhealthy. Do your own research. The pawpaw develops a deep taproot and prefers as little root disturbance as possible. Best to plant them as young as possible. Native to Florida, the shrub loves our well draining sandy soil, and is adapted to regular fires and long periods of drought. A. pygmaea loves full sun but can be grown in dappled light to partial shade. In fact, if transplanting, part shade is preferred to full sun until established. The gopher-berry attracts multiple pollinators and is the larval host for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly and the pawpaw sphinx moth. It is a favorite food for one of our favorite animals, the gophe