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Asimina rugelii B.L.Rob.

Rugel pawpaw

Synonyms
  • Deeringothamnus rugelii (B.L.Rob.) Small
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Introduction

Rugel pawpaw (Asimina rugelii) is a small deciduous shrub endemic to eastern Florida and concentrated in Volusia County. It belongs to the Pygmaea Clade and is one of the two species formerly placed in Deeringothamnus. Kew accepts the name Asimina rugelii; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service retains Deeringothamnus rugelii for the federally listed entity. (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 2026; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2026).

Natural or putative hybridization with A. pygmaea has been reported, which is consistent with the broader evidence that reproductive barriers among southeastern pawpaws can be incomplete. (Norman, 2003).

Horticultural and Agricultural Uses

Rugel pawpaw is primarily a conservation species rather than a horticultural commodity. Its Endangered status and small natural range make legally documented conservation cultivation and research far more important than general landscape use.

Conservation Concerns

Rugel pawpaw has been federally listed as Endangered since 1986 under the legal name Deeringothamnus rugelii. Federal assessments identify habitat loss and fragmentation, development, and vegetational succession as major threats. Open grassy understory conditions maintained by frequent fire or equivalent management stimulate new flowering shoots; suppression of disturbance can therefore degrade habitat even where land remains undeveloped. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1985, 2026).

Additional Information

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.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2026. Asimina rugelii. Plants of the World Online. Link

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986-current. Rugel’s pawpaw (Deeringothamnus rugelii) species profile. Link