Asimina longifolia, the slim-leaf pawpaw or polecat-bush, is a shrub in the custard apple family. It is native to the Southeastern United States where it is found on the coastal plain.
There are two named varieties: A. longifolia var. longifolia - Only found in Florida and Georgia. A. longifolia var. spatulata - Found from southern Alabama to southern South Carolina.
It is unclear if the two varieties should be considered distinct species. This group is in need of further taxonomic study.
Description It is a small bush 2 to 3 feet in height. Prominent features include long narrow leaves, 4 by inches, and white flowers. Its pollen is shed in permanent tetrads.
Ecology
Habitat A. lognifolia's preferred habitat is dry pinelands or dry maritime forests. It has been observed to grow in association with Florida phlox, queen's delight, laurel oak, and coastal blackroot, among others.Florida State University Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium database. URL: http://herbarium.bio.fsu.edu. Last accessed: June 2014. Collectors: L. C. Anderson, R. K. Godfrey, R. Komarek, A. Schmidt, and Robert S. Blaisdell. States and Counties: Florida: Gadsden, Lafayette, Leon, and Wakulla. Georgia: Baker and Thomas.
Phenology This species has been observed to flower from spring into the summer.
Fire Ecology A. longifolia has been observed in areas both fire excluded and burned.
References