dwarf pawpaw

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• dwarf pawpaw
• small-flower pawpaw
• small-fruit pawpaw

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Porcelia parviflora
• Orchidocarpum parviflorum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Magnoliales, it is classified under the family Annonaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Asimina, and species name, parviflora.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the United States. In the South-Central U.S.A., it can be found growing within the state of Texas. Its presence extends into the Southeastern U.S.A., where it inhabits Alabama and Arkansas. Additionally, the species is located throughout the Southeastern U.S.A. in Florida. Finally, its range continues through the Southeastern U.S.A. in Georgia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Asimina parviflora is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. Unlike annuals that complete their life cycle in a single year or biennials that require two, this plant establishes a long-term presence, typically undergoing seasonal cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases. Its perennial lifecycle enables it to develop robust root systems that store energy, helping the plant survive dormant periods and re-emerge with vigor during favorable climatic conditions. This sustained growth pattern is central to its ecological role and its ability to maintain stable populations within its natural habitat over extended durations.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Asimina parviflora is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically functioning as a shrub. It exhibits a terrestrial habit, existing as an independent organism rather than as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of its structural support and climbing capacity, the plant is classified as self-supporting, lacking the characteristics of a liana, vine, or any obligatory or facultative climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Asimina parviflora is characterized by the production of seeds that exhibit specific variations in weight. Based on empirical data, the seed mass of this species fluctuates within a defined range, with a calculated mean seed mass of approximately 0.300595733 g. The individual seeds show a measurable spread in density and size, reaching a maximum recorded mass of 0.349 g and a minimum recorded mass of 0.20387 g. These metrics reflect the inherent variability in the reproductive output of the plant, providing insight into the physical properties of its progeny.

Seed mass max:

0.349 g

Seed mass mean:

0.300595733 g

Seed mass min:

0.20387 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Asimina parviflora has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-Syringaresinol, 6-cis-Docosenamide, Asimicin, asimicilone, beta-sitosterol beta-d-glucopyranoside.

(+)-Syringaresinol

1. Journal of natural products

6-cis-Docosenamide

1. Journal of natural products

Asimicin

1. Journal of natural products

asimicilone

1. Journal of natural products

beta-sitosterol beta-d-glucopyranoside

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Asimina parviflora has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include EtOH extract.

Etoh extract

1. Journal of natural products