Meet Pawpaw, a guest from America, which is quite possible to grow in our latitudes. Annona is her second name, in the family from which it takes place, depending on processing, can grow a tree or bush.
The family annonaceae Pawpaw - only can not grow in the tropics. And it is called "banana tree" for the taste of the fruit, reminiscent of banana and papaya. The plant itself can tolerate temperatures down to -29˚S. Flower buds are covered with sturdy testaceous scales, which they effectively protect from frost.
Characteristics pawpaw
The tree can grow up to 6 meters. Leaves saturated green, leathery, glossy, to a length of 28-30 cm. Pawpaw blossoms in early May, for 15-20 days. Flowers unusual shape and color can not be overlooked. Especially because the leaves at this time has almost blossomed.
Ornamental plants throughout the growing season: spring is decorated with flowers in summer gleaming emerald glossy leaves that fall to be painted in gold.
Taste Pawpaw pulp is quite difficult to describe, but the vast majority of those who have tried the fruit, say that it is better not eating anything.
Pawpaw fruits are not only tasty but also very useful. They contain vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system.
Interesting! With regular use of the fruits of "banana tree" markedly rejuvenates the body. Pharmacology of Azimina prepared fruit preparations used for the treatment of malignancies. Cosmetologists of the fruit pulp is prepared mask tightens and rejuvenates the skin.
Reproduction of "banana tree"
Pawpaw reproduces both by seeds and vegetatively by.
To grow from seed to Hanun, from definitely need to stratify. Seeds were placed in the wet moss and kept at a temperature of from 0 to + 5 ° C for 2-3 months. Prepared seeds are planted for 2 pcs. in individual cups, filled with soil for planting. After about two months shoots appear. If the two plants will sprout, the weaker cut.
During the first year of vegetation the seedling can grow up to 10-15 cm. In soil planted to a permanent place in the spring of next year.
Attention! Pawpaw at a young age is very difficult to tolerate root injury. Therefore, it does not dive, and transplanted into the ground with the maximum caution not to destroy the earth com.
Vegetative reproduction using root growth, which plant produces in abundance.
Annona loves a sunny place. But the young plants should be pritenyat from the hot sun rays. "Banana tree" grows on almost any soil. But best of all on light breathable. On heavy soils satisfied in the landing pit 20-25 cm thick drainage layer. The hole is added to the soil humus, ash, if necessary, sand.
From the second year of cultivation in soil in the spring plants fed complex fertilizers. After flowering, making organics: compost, humus, manure lie down. Pawpaw needs regular watering, but we can not tolerate waterlogged and stagnant water. Otherwise, the roots begin to rot, the plant stops growing and may even die.
Spring plants remove damaged, weakened and shoots growing inside crown. In our latitudes at Pawpaw virtually no insect enemies. Very rarely there may be fungal or viral diseases that are treated with fungicides.
Pawpaw does not require special care. Grown from seeds, fruits for 5-6 year, and derived from the root seedlings come into fruition in the 3-4 year after planting.