Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

nafex - [NAFEX] Paw Paw pollination

nafex@lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: Heron Breen <breen@fedcoseeds.com>
  • To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [NAFEX] Paw Paw pollination
  • Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2006 09:51:22 -0600


Hello All,
Here is a little theory and a worthwhile trial for someone living in a
climate that
can grow Paw Paws:
Many folks have commented on how Paw Paw are pollinated by flies that are
attracted
to the smell of rotting flesh, but the problem is how to keep a carcass
around etc.
Well, I think there may be a cooperative relationship between Paw Paws and a
vine
in the Lily Family, Smilax herbacea, or Carrion-flower. It grows in the same
enviroments as Paw Paw thickets/trees and climbs to about six feet. It emits
a
strong smell of rotting flesh. Whether this chemically registers in the
insect
world seems worth testing. Carrion-flower is hardy into at least Southern
Maine and
I think as far south as Virginia, maybe farther. Same genus as Greenbrier,
Smilax
rotundifolia. Vines climbing your Paw Paws? Sounds nifty !!
Heron Breen
zone 4, MAINE






Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page