Giant Papaw

This hardy, native American tree grows oval-shaped, blue-green fruits that are bright yellow on the inside, have a texture like custard, and a delicious banana fragrance and flavor. Propagated from selected large-fruited trees. Hartmann’s plants grow fruits to the size of a mango. Not only is the Papaw hardy over most areas of North America, it has a beautiful pyramid shape, broad oval leaves and magnificent golden-yellow autumn foliage, making it an attractive tree for the landscape or fruit tree orchard. Plants grow to 40 feet high, produce bell-shaped purple flowers in spring, and delicious oval fruit that is easy to peel. Research is now being conducted into the Papaw’s potential as a cancer fighter. Associated press recently reported: “A simple inexpensive new test has led to the isolation of a powerful anti-cancer drug…from the Papaw tree. The cancer drug, which as so far been tested only on animals, is 1 million times as potent as the widely used cancer drug, Adriamycin….” Hardiness Zones 5-8.