PawPaw Tree Step Closer to Fame
The Cranbury PawPaw tree is one step closer to being identified as a unique specimen. For trees, a unique specimen is referred to as a 'cultivar'. A cultivar is similar to a brand or a variety. For example, there are many different varieties of apples: Macintosh, Fuji, Golden Delicious, etc.... There are also many different varieties of PawPaws. If the PawPaw is found to be unique, the Cranbury tree will be famous. The fun part is that we'll be able to pick a name for the cultivar, perhaps the 'Cranbury PawPaw'. Cranbury will become part of tree history with a tree bearing its name!
Last year the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Parks and Forestry identified the Cranbury Paw Paw tree as the largest of its kind in the entire state. The tree appears on page 4 of the book "New Jersey's Largest Trees." As my interest in this amazing tree grew, I subscribed to the PawPaw Foundation and communicated with the president of the Foundation. He asked me to evaluate the PawPaw tree and send him the results.
Late this past summer, Joan Smith and I completed the evaluation of the PawPaw tree. We examined the tree and fruit that had fallen to the ground. This included measuring the leaves, fruit, and seeds, describing the fruit skin and meat color and texture, and weighing the seeds.
Several weeks ago, the PawPaw Foundation president sent an email indicating that the tree had passed the first evaluation. He asked us to send a sample of bud wood next spring for further evaluation and consideration as a unique cultivar. Since the tree lives on land owned by the Cranbury Housing Authority (CHA) I've sent them a letter requesting their permission to take a cutting.
For information about the Paw Paw Tree, including photographs, visit:
October 10, 1999
Cranbury Housing Authority
Cranbury, NJ 08512
Dear members of the CHA,
I realize that the fate of the Paw Paw Tree is still in question but I did want to inform you or some exciting news. As I'm sure you can guess, I'm hoping that this news will help save this amazing tree. As always, I am available to help in any way possible to look for an alternative to destroying the tree.
This past summer my neighbor and I sent an evaluation of the Paw Paw tree to the Paw Paw Foundation at the University of Kentucky. We examined a fruit that had fallen to the ground in my yard and measured the leaves of the tree. Based on the evaluation, the Paw Paw Foundation believes that the Cranbury tree is unique and has asked to conduct further evaluation. If it 'passes' this further evaluation, and they determine that it is unique, the tree will be deemed its own cultivar.
A cultivar is a unique 'type' of a specific tree. Each cultivar has a founder and a name. If it passes, perhaps it could be named the 'Cranbury' cultivar. A good way to understand a cultivar is to consider apples. There are many varieties or cultivars of apples; Macintosh, Fuji, Golden Delicious, etc...
Would the CHA be willing to give its permission to have a cutting of the tree sent to the Paw Paw Foundation for further evaluation? The Foundation requested this to be sent to them in the spring.
Having the largest Paw Paw Tree in the state is a major achievement in itself. It has certainly created a lot of excitement in town, letters to the editor, phone calls, email inquiries, and many people have come by to see the tree for themselves. Having the original of a cultivar is even more amazing and historical. This could create a lot of positive publicity and excitement for our wonderful town. Saving and/or owning this tree could do the same for the CHA.
Based on this information, is it possible that the CHA would be willing to discuss alternatives to destroying this tree? Having its own cultivar could generate nation-wide publicity for Cranbury and the CHA.
Sincerely,
Michele Gordon
p.s. As of November 1 I will have a new address. If you'd like to respond to this letter, please feel free to send mail, email, or give me a call. My email address is and my new address is: 185 Plainsboro Road, Cranbury.