🥭 Taytwo - A Prolific and Large-Fruiting Selection from the Taylor Lineage

Variety Description

Summary

Taytwo is another legendary wild selection from the Eaton Rapids population discovered by Corwin Davis in the late 1960s. It is particularly valued for its "cherimoya-like" caramel flavor, which provides a more nuanced tropical experience than some of the more straightforwardly sweet varieties. The fruits are uniformly mid-sized, averaging around 120g, and are born on highly vigorous, productive trees—often yielding over 70 fruits per season in optimal conditions. While it retains a higher seed ratio common to heirloom and wild-selected types, its unique flavor profile and reliable northern performance have ensured its continued presence in specialized collections and research programs like those at KSU.

Foundations and Pedigree

Selected alongside 'Taylor' in Michigan, Taytwo has been extensively evaluated in university trials across both the United States and Europe (including studies by Bellini in Italy). It remains a benchmark for comparing wild genetic resilience against modern hybridization.

Fruit Specifications: Caramel and Tropical Balance

Physical Attributes: Light-green skin that stays relatively firm even at maturity. Average mass is documented at ≈120g (4.2 oz), though well-managed trees frequently produce fruits up to 284g. Palette: The sweetness is complex, often described as having a caramel or honeyed finish. Sugar Stability: Brix levels are consistently high, ranging from 21.4 to 26.5. Texture: Dense, custodial yellow pulp with a smooth, melting mouthfeel.

Orchard Integrity

Efficiency: Described by growers as "vigorous and heavy-bearing." The tree naturally sets dense crops, often requiring fruit thinning in early summer to ensure individual fruits reach their full size potential. Growth Habit: Reaches a mature height of 3.8 to 4.8 meters with a beautifully dense canopy.

Management and Logistics

Maturity Timing: Tailored for mid-season harvest. In northern Europe (Belgium/Netherlands), it is known to ripen reliably from mid-to-late October. Pollination: Performs best when inter-planted with other mid-season varieties such as Overleese or Shenandoah.

Environmental Adaptation

Fully hardy in USDA Zone 5. It manages harsh continental winters well and is generally resistant to common pawpaw leaf spots (Phyllosticta) in temperate climates.

Conclusion

Taytwo is the "connoisseur's" choice for those who value unique flavor profiles over sheer size or seedless-ness. Its caramel sweetness and cherimoya-like notes provide a sophisticated eating experience that is distinct among Michigan selections. While it may require minor management to optimize fruit size, its high productivity and robust growth make it a highly rewarding addition to any diverse pawpaw orchard. For the developer of specialty products like conserves or smoothies, Taytwo's rich flavor profile is particularly advantageous.