The growth habit of Asimina tetramera is as a small tree or large perennial shrub with one or more main stems. Reaching a height of 1 - 3 m (3.3 - 9.8 feet), it is a root-sprouting plant with a deep taproot that is sensitive to transplantation (USFWS 1999). Stems vary in color from reddish-brown to gray-brown. Leaves are alternate, oblong to oblanceolate, measure 5 - 10 cm (1.9 - 3.9 inches) in length, and are pale to medium green on the upper surfaces, gray-green on the lower surfaces. Leaf margins tend to roll under, and leaf tips are generally blunt. Maroon flowers, which emit a fetid odor, appear in late spring, usually occurring singly in the axils of leaves. There are typically 4 sepals, with 6 petals in 2 sets of 3 (Nelson 1996). Stamens are spirally arranged on a ball-shaped receptacles having separate carpels. Fruit is an indehiscent, berry-like aggregate, oblong in shape, with a yellow-green color and banana-like aroma when ripe. Seeds are laterally flattened, dark brown in color, and shiny (Nelson 1996; USFWS 1999).