| Mountain Papaya | |
| Carica pubescens (C. candamarcensis) | |
| a.k.a. Mountain Paw Paw |
Bright yellow fruit about the size of a solo papaya, but with strongly lobed longitudinal segments. Fruit flavor is tart, and sugar is often sprinkled on the fruit before eating.
Description: Fast-growing, herbaceous "tree" very similar to the common
papaya, but hardier--withstanding light frosts. One tree may produce up to 50-60 fruits per season.
Hardiness: Hardy to the upper 20's (F).
Growing Environment: Grows to 10-30ft. Culture
and care is similar to the papaya. Male and female flowers are borne
on either the same plant or different plants, although most plants are
dioecious. Naturally
grows in a cool tropical-subtropical climate with annual temperatures
between 50-75F. Enjoys lots of rainfall.
Propagation: By seeds. Male, female and bisexual plants may sprout.
Uses: Usually cooked or used as a vegetable, but is also edible raw.
Native Range: Native to northern South America in higher elevation areas of the Andes Mountains up to 8000ft+. Occasionally cultivated in Colombia, Bolivia and Peru.