Asimina triloba.
Botanical name:
Asimina triloba Dun. Annonaceae. Papaw.
Middle and southern United States. All parts of the tree have a rank smell, and the fruit is relished by few except negroes. Vasey says the fruit, about four inches long, when ripe has a rich, luscious taste. "The pulp of the fruit," says Flint, "resembles egg-custard in consistence and appearance. It has the same creamy feeling in the mouth and unites the taste of eggs, cream, sugar and spice. It is a natural custard, too lucious for the relish of most people. The fruit is nutritious and a great resource to the savages."
Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World, 1919, was edited by U. P. Hedrick.
