Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Pawpaw is a fascinating native North American tree with tropical-tasting fruit — like a mango-banana custard — growing in a temperate climate. Grafted trees begin fruiting around year four to five. You will need two genetically different trees for cross-pollination, as individual flowers are not self-compatible. The flowers are pollinated by flies and beetles, not bees, so some growers hang rotting meat near the trees during flowering to attract pollinators. Young trees need shade, but mature trees fruit best in full sun. Worth the wait and the eccentricities.