The pawpaw is a tropical-like fruit native to the forest fringes of the Midwest and parts of the South. Pawpaws were planted here fifteen years ago as part of the search for varieties that might be commercially successful in Rhode Island. The fruit looks a little like a mango, with large, brown seeds surrounded by a lemon yellow, creamy flesh the consistency of a firm custard. The pawpaw has a tropical flavor, which is often described as a combination of mango, pineapple, and banana.