Papaya

Carica papaya

but nourishes and cares like a good Mama-ya

Tree7.5×4 mzone 10–12light shade🍎 Edible

Profile

Family: Caricaceae
Habit: Tree
Height: 7.5 m
Spread: 4 m
Growth: very fast
Lifespan: 5 years
First yield: after 1 year
Hardiness: zone 10–12
Shade tolerance: light shade
Soil: Sand, Silt, Loam
Soil moisture: moist – very moist
pH: 5.5 – 7.5

evergreenpollen source

Flowering & harvest

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowering
Fruit harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible9 of 10

Medicinal9 of 10

Other uses5 of 10

Other uses: Latex (rich in papain) (cosmetics (skin creams), termite control, beer clarification, degumming of natural silk); leaves (crushed+water) (soap substitute); wood (does not lignify: soft, light, fleshy);

Notable

Special features: Extremely fast (often bears fruit after only 6 months); Very short lifespan (yields decline sharply after 1-4 years, hence commercially cleared every 1-2 years); Requires even rainfall (1500–2500 mm/year), cultivated from 32°N/S There are also cultivars with hermaphroditic flowers; There are even reports of 80t/ha and over 50kg per tree or plant.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: slightly toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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