Asimina pulchella
Royal pawpaw
Synonyms
- Deeringothamnus pulchellus Small
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Introduction
Royal pawpaw (Asimina pulchella) is a small deciduous shrub endemic to southwestern Florida. It belongs to the Pygmaea Clade and is one of the two species historically segregated as Deeringothamnus. Kew accepts A. pulchella and treats Deeringothamnus pulchellus as a synonym, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service still uses the older generic name for the legally listed entity. (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 2026; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2026).
Putative natural hybridization between A. pulchella and A. reticulata has been documented, reinforcing the close biological connection between the former Deeringothamnus species and other pawpaws. (Norman, 2003).
Horticultural and Agricultural Uses
Royal pawpaw is not appropriate for routine collection from the wild. Its horticultural significance is primarily conservation, research, and carefully documented ex situ cultivation. Its small stature and unusual flowers make it botanically distinctive, but rarity and legal protection take precedence over ornamental use.
Conservation Concerns
The species is federally listed as Endangered under the name Deeringothamnus pulchellus, with the listing dating to 1986. Federal documents identify habitat destruction, fragmentation, off-road vehicle impacts in parts of its range, and ecological succession as important threats. The species responds to the open conditions maintained by recurrent fire or comparable vegetation management; fire suppression can therefore reduce habitat suitability and flowering. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1985, 2026).
Additional Information
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Plants of the World Online: Plants of the World Online (opens in a new tab) - Accepted Asimina name and synonymy.
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (opens in a new tab) - Federal Endangered Species Act profile under Deeringothamnus pulchellus.
References and Further Reading
Norman, E.M. 2003. Reproductive biology of Deeringothamnus rugelii and D. pulchellus (Annonaceae). Taxon 52: 547-555. DOI: 10.2307/3647453 (opens in a new tab).
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2026. Asimina pulchella. Plants of the World Online. Link (opens in a new tab)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986-current. Beautiful pawpaw (Deeringothamnus pulchellus) species profile. Link (opens in a new tab)