Asimina triloba (Pawpaw)

Native to eastern North America, this deciduous small tree grows in moist woodlands, ravines and beside streams. It spreads through underground growth to form colonies. Drooping maroon flowers appear in spring before the leaves, and the large, smooth-edged leaves turn golden yellow in autumn. Its oblong fruits ripen in late summer or early fall, with sweet yellow to orange flesh that has a custard-like texture. The ripe pulp is used in pies, breads and frozen desserts. Beetles and flies pollinate the flowers; fruit production generally requires pollen from a genetically different plant. Its leaves feed zebra swallowtail caterpillars. Photographed in Florida.