Pawpaw

This is the first in a new feature for our blog! As I spend more and more time in the field, it makes sense to share some pictures and information on the plants that I have been encountering, specifically around my research sites. I mean, doesn't it make good sense to blog about plants in Florida?....I thought so, too. We'll try for a plant a week.



Pawpaw is one of those distinctly southern plants. Actually, it is part of huge family that is most abundant in the tropics. Many species have large fleshy fruits and so they are extremely important for wildlife. Here in the southeast, there are just less than 10 species that one might commonly refer to as pawpaw, custard apple, or squirrel banana.



The one pictured above/below is called netted pawpaw and is only found in Florida and Georgia. It has been blooming like crazy the last few weeks at my research sites. This pawpaw is common in flatwoods and has relatively large blooms with aromatic leaves that I'm told can be made into a pleasant tea. We'll have to see about that!



Better get used to seeing sausage thumbs next to pretty flowers!

Looks like this one got robbed, which is to say that some insect munched through the lower part of the petals to get the nectar reward without pollinating it. The nerve!!

Mark, if you're reading this, happy belated birthday!