As for abundance of pawpaw trees in upper south, they are native to the
southern Appalachians and wider area, though generally below 2500-3000', and
often concentrated along waterways as understory trees. At higher
elevations/colder microclimates, choose an earlier ripening cultivar to be
safe.
Most toxic parts of plant are new growth on twigs and roots, though seeds
also toxic. Unripe fruit flesh also contains toxins, though they drop to
near nothing as fruit ripens. Seeds retain toxin.
See this link for reports on using pawpaw extracts to treat headlice. http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/mdd/v05/i02/html/02news8.html
Neal Peterson is selling advanced pawpaw selections which feature low
amounts of seed to flesh, between 4-7%. If any of you find seedless
pawpaws, or ones with seed/flesh ratios less than 4-7%, spread the word.
Thanks,
Richard Moyer
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