The mango-size fruits continue the tropical connection with texture reminiscent of papaya and a flavor like banana. Indeed, the rest of its relatives, the Annonaceae, Custard Tree family, live in the tropics. This small tree demonstrates its tropical heritage with large glossy leaves and dramatic purple flowers. Amazingly, there is a native Kansan that can join in the tropical romp, Asimina triloba, the Pawpaw tree. My zone six heart longs for the heat of the tropical twelve so I create my “Tropics of Kansas” each summer with Cannas, Caladiums, and Castor Beans. Zone envy is a common affliction among northern gardeners. NABA member Lenora Larson has graciously allowed us to reprint it here. It originally appeared in Vol 13: No.1, Spring 2008. The following article originally appeared in Butterfly Gardener, a NABA publication for members.
