This family is essentially tropical, only a few of the 600 species being found in temperate regions. It has 2 genera, Asimina (page 133) and Anona, the former having 5 species of shrubs in the south Atlantic and Gulf states, and one tree growing in the eastern half of the United States. Anona is a tropical genus.

The trees of this family are small and the wood has no commercial value. The fruit of our Common Pawpaw is sweet and edible, but to many persons distasteful. The tree is highly ornamental and interesting when growing singly or in groups.