Prima 1216 (“Prima”)

Mild, sweet mango/apricot/pineapple/banana flavor with hints of vanilla and marshmallow; Late ripening (NOT recommended for shorter-season, northern-range growers)

A “Sunflower” seedling selected from a planting of 2,000 “Davis” seed by Domenico Montanari in Italy, “Prima 1216” is an exceptionally high quality pawpaw. Improving upon the partially self-fertile characteristic  of “Sunflower”, it is considered the only reliably self-fertile cultivar at this time, making it an excellent choice for a single-tree planting. (Hand pollination may help with higher fruit set.) It is a precocious and vigorous tree which bears large, 8-10 ounce fruits, with close to 1 pound fruits possible, and has especially durable, rubbery skin that helps minimize bruising from handling. The light blonde-yellow fruit has a creamy silk texture and an aromatic mango/apricot/pineapple/banana flavor with hints of vanilla and marshmallow. The flavor is very sweet and more mild than other pawpaws. Ripens late season.

* Selected in Italy

* “Sunflower” seedling

* Reliably self-fertile cultivar

* Thick skin helps protect from bruising

* Light blonde-yellow flesh

* Creamy silk texture

* Sweet Mango/Apricot/Pineapple/Banana flavor with hints of vanilla and marshmallow

* Mild flavor

* Late ripening (NOT recommended for shorter-season, northern-range growers)