Mammoth is a specialized, jumbo-fruited cultivar from the legendary Jerry Lehman breeding blocks. It is historically cross-referenced as an Overleese × Sunflower hybrid, inheriting the massive size potential of the former and the refined flavor notes of the latter. Often cited as a "tetraploid giant" in Lehman documentation, its primary appeal is the sheer physical scale of the fruit which can consistently exceed 800 g. While it remains a collector's item in commercial circles, its flavor quality ensures it isn't just a novelty.
Derived from Lehman’s extensive 20th-century breeding program in Indiana. This specific "Mammoth" line is distinct from other large-fruited selections within the repository, focusing specifically on fruit mass and sugar concentration. It is frequently discussed in enthusiast circles as the "heavyweight champion" of the Lehman collection.
Mass: While many "large" cultivars peak at 350 g, the Mammoth line pushes the biological limit, with documented averages of ≈800 g in optimized research settings. The standard range for standard orchard management is 450–900 g. Palatability: Despite its size, the pulp does not become watery or stringy; it maintains a high-quality, melt-in-the-mouth custard consistency with a sophisticated tropical sugar profile.
Vigor: Distinguished by aggressive upright growth that results in a sturdy, large-canopy specimen. Yield: Categorized as high-yielding. However, because each fruit is so heavy, the physical weight load on individual branches can be extreme, necessitating careful structural pruning or artificial support durante harvest season.
Sourcing: Not found in traditional commercial orchard supply chains. It is maintained by specialized nurseries and "scion wood" exchanges. It is considered an essential cultivar for growers who prioritize "museum-grade" fruit size without sacrificing the classic sweet pawpaw taste.
Mammoth is the ultimate "statement" pawpaw. Combining the extreme size of wild tetraploid giants with the refined taste of modern hybrids, it is a high-performance cultivar for USDA Zones 5–8. For those seeking the absolute maximum fruit mass per specimen, Mammoth remains the industry benchmark.